I suppose....

It's time for a quick update.  School has been back in full swing for all of us.  And I mean ALL of us!  Mark took the plunge and signed up full time for EAC online, working towards first his General Eds, then perhaps to a Bachelors of Arts in the Classics.  He has always loved Greek and Roman history, and he wants something as far away from Law Enforcement as a degree as possible he said!  I guess it's good to diversify!

I tried to bite off more than I could chew, and signed up for 19 credits.  Seven days later I was down to 12, mostly because the two classes I really needed were so hard for me they were taking 5-6 hours a day, and so I cut the fluff.  Which was disappointing because the Philosophy class and the psychology class were so interesting! Instead I have to struggle through College Algebra and Intro to Biology.  Too bad college can't only be what you are interested in right?

Katrina joined up with Volleyball, and won the game point their first game. She just got her report cards (I guess if you start in July you get your first report card by September?).  All A's and B's.  And every teacher at conference mentioned how she is aceing all her tests, the only reason she got any B's was because (like her mother) she isn't so good at doing her homework and turning it in. If anyone has the cure for those of us who like to skip homework because we can do well on the tests, please let me know, I would love to see my kids develop better habits than I had.

Caroline is in the choir, and is the top of her school, in 5th grade.  She is an avid reader, and the teacher has a hard time trying to tell the child to please stop reading and do your classwork. It's like its against their grain to tell them to STOP reading. She is actually an overachiever, always adding to the class discussions with insights, and has a very sweet and loving disposition that is a rare find among 5th graders.  (All that came from her teacher at Parent/Teacher conferences, although I agree!)

Mason is so happy go lucky, he just goes through life with a skip and a smile. He joined the choir (a surprise to me that he wanted to) and is LOVING cub scouts. He struggles right now with writing and reading, and we've been trying to think of new ways to help him in classes.

Taylor is the class clown and loves to make his teacher laugh.  He is starting to get a bit fidgety for classes, especially now he is there all day long. His teacher asked him if he was thinking about the problems on a test, and his super honesty just answered, "Nope, I'm Guessing!"  Then he kept circling, and circling and kept saying, "Still Guessing!"  "I'm Still Guessing!"  Yes, the teacher had to be careful not to laugh on that one. He is still a good reader, and is really doing good in class.

I'll post pictures and videos when I can remember how, it's been so long :) Until then!

Taylor's Kindergarten Graduation!

Oh My! Kindergarten Graduation already?  Growing up too fast!

Class of 2023! Ocotillo Ridge Elementary

Taylor getting his diploma from Mrs. Cori Brockman. Such a good teacher!

Mason's Baptism

Mason and Mark before the baptism.  I can't believe he's 8!

All the family that attended

My beautiful kids, being way too grown up!

Dance Recital

Caroline finished up her year in Musical Theater.  It was a good experience for her, but we are certainly not a "Dance" family as I am unwilling to go through the demands (and COST$) again. Her routine was "Snow White" and she is known as "Happy" 

All in all, a cute routine, but I was only able to film a little bit during dress rehearsal. The reason she wanted this particular class was that they said they would be singing along with dancing. It ended up being more like dance with two lines of singing. Here is the last half of her dance, if I get a full dance I will upload it.

Taylor's 6th Birthday

Happy Birthday Taylor! 6 Years Old!

Our Cars Fanatic! Fun game he got though, Mater Operation.

Mason's gift? Pokemon Cards (so he could trade them for the ones he wants)

Way too serious pose!  Happy 6th Birthday Taylor!

5 more weeks of school (Well, for me anyhow)

I have to keep that mantra up, it would be so easy to slack off and just take the lower grades right now!  I'm currently on the edge between A/B in every class.  Best grades I have ever gotten in my life! I guess when you finally want to do something versus have to do something??


From the last post, The Super Moon was, eh, Not Super.  Apparently you need a clear shot of the horizon to see the magnificent view.  We have a big mountain there, so it was pretty high in the sky before we could see it. 


For the kids Spring Break we finally got to take them to Colossal Cave.  We went with Ky and Lynaya and kids and it was just right for our age of kids. 

Mark at the "Big Bird Key Hole"

Taylor and his "Mario" cap.

Blurry Katrina

Can't remember the names of these formations but they are beautiful.

Last weekend we also did a "Tour of Duncan" and spent the weekend with Mark's Parents.  Mason's Highlight?  Driving Tractor with Grandpa.   Scared me to death! But that's because I'm a mother now, and not the kid, even though I did it with my grandpa and dad!

Spring!

Yes, it's been 6 months since I last posted.  I might go back and catch up, but until then, just know it's been a ride. 

We are excited for tonight's "Super Moon" and hopefully will get some great pictures.

This year so far, I have been attending University of Arizona full time. I go all day Tuesday and Thursday and have exciting classes like "Oedipus and Electra Myths" "Mesopotamia" "Geography (Earth Science)" and "Speech, Hearing, and the MP3".  Thankfully only a few more general education classes until I can start the advanced classes in Rehabilitation.  My goal is still to become an Occupational Therapist, and I am accepted to start Occupational Therapy Assistant classes in July with Pima Medical Institute.  After completing both my OTA degree and a Four Year degree in Rehabilitation, then I can attend WNMU for the Masters in Occupational Therapy.  A long road ahead, but certainly what I want to accomplish. 

My husband's Uncle, John Mosley, had a stroke following Open Heart Surgery.  For almost two weeks I have been visiting him, hoping for some recovery.  As of today, he will open his eyes and look at us, squeeze our hands, lift his arm sometimes, and has good reflexes.  Unfortunately, it is mostly for me, and not for the nurses and doctors.  Of course, I spend some time with him, they want to walk in and have him respond immediately. It takes some time for him to wake up and respond.  It is very frustrating because he is sort of in "Health Care Limbo"  as he is not responding enough for a Rehab hospital, and too healthy for normal care.  We will just keep praying, and time will tell us what we should do.

 I also closed my first sale since renewing my real estate license.  It was great to help this couple get their home to retire in.  I do enjoy being an agent.  Unfortunately, RealEstate.com Realtors will be no more and I need to find a new broker this week.  I don't know if there could of been a more stressful week, as I also have a 5 page research paper due on Tuesday!

Mark came back mid December from California, and went back to working the Scopes on midnight shift.  I didn't now if I wanted that, but it was for the best, especially with our busy schedules.  We focused kids on school work this semester, and took a break from the extra curricular activities.  Besides, them growing like weeds, I still get surprised how quick they are growing up.  Katrina is taller than her Grandma Shirley and Aunt Sammie now, about 5'7.  She started mutual and is now the Young Women Secretary for Beehives.  Caroline is a little over 5'0, enjoys Choir and PE.  Mason will be 8 in May, and is excited about starting Cub Scouts soon.  Taylor is now going to full day kindergarten since I started school again, and has progressed quickly.  He is writing me notes, reading simple books, and adding numbers together.  I can't think of my "baby" writing anything, let alone legible notes!  He is still obsessed with Cars, and says he will be a race car driver when he grows up.

This coming week is our second week of Spring Break, and hopefully I can find some exciting things to do in Tucson to keep them entertained!

As I said before, it has been a ride.  Hopefully, I won't be away so long next time!

Fall Break! Part Two: Sea World

We had an amazing time at Sea World.  I have wanted to go there since I was 13, and was excited we were finally able to go. The pace was nice and easy, we got to see a lot of shows and entertainment, and would definitely go again!

Everyone Waiting for the Shamu Show.

With Meal Wristbands, you get all the meals you would like to eat.  Including desserts!

Thankfully, not a lot of crowds.  Even Mark had a good time!

She's trying for a puppy dog look.  For her future as Drama Queen.

Seriously, the best four kid shot I could get.

One of the Aquariums

This was actually the first picture of the day, notice Katrina had a coat.

Jelly fish

Mason's cheezy grin.  But amazing roots on the tree behind him.

Remind me Red Head's Burn easily . Remember the coat earlier? Gone!

Hot and Tired at the end of the day!

The Shamu Bug.  Caroline wants to drive this when she gets older.

Fall Break! Part One: Getting There!

Vail School District has a three week fall break built into their schedule.  We got to go visit Mark over in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.  First, we had to get there though....

Stop 1: 2.2 miles Quik Mart for Gas

Stop 2: 3.2 Miles Target for Snacks and Entertainment

Stop 3: 5.5 Miles McDonald's East Tucson because they were already hungry

Stop 4: 25 Miles McDonald's West Tucson because they needed to use the restroom.

Stop 5: 28 Miles McDonald's Northwest Tucson because the food was made wrong at East Tucson, and I couldn't stop the fighting enough to eat it and I still have 8 hours to drive.

Stop 6: 285 Miles Quartzite for Gas and Restroom.   Yes, we made it this far!

Stop 7: 476 Miles Homewood Suites with Mark, 10 hours later!

Mark's Birthday

It was three weeks since Mark left for California, and I knew he was getting very lonely.  I lucked out and had Grandma babysit the kids, and I jumped in a car and drove to California. I told Mark not to leave his hotel room, because I had someone delivering a birthday cake to him.  The surprise on his face when I was the cake deliverer was priceless.  It was only 12 hours I could stay with him, but it made his birthday. 

We cruised over to the mall and the Apple Store, I got my first taste of California Pizza Kitchen (YUM! Carne Asada Pizza), and had a fun time acting like people who didn't have curfew for a babysitter.  

Greenlee County Fair 2010

Montierth Kids 2010 Greenlee County Fair

Katrina on the Mechanical Bull. She made it 8 seconds, but it started chasing her afterwards.

Cousin Tad and Mason on the roller coaster

The boys zooming through the carnival.

Caroline on a ride I think she may be growing out of.

My Sebastapol Geese. Since Mom has been taking care of them this year, she entered them in the fair under her name :) Best of Fair for all Birds, and Best Land/Waterfowl.

Taylor and Cousin Darrell, only 8 weeks apart in age, but inches apart in height! I think Taylor is going to be taller than even I thought.

My mother and her cousin Cheri Gale Gardner. She stopped by for a visit.

Don't wish for news if you don't want change!

Yes,  I jinxed myself.  From posting "Wishing I had News" now I have some.  Mark will be going on a three month detail to California. Which leaves me as single mom for a while. Wait, isn't this how this blog began?  Seriously, go back...further, further.  Yea, see that first month of posts? Re-read.  The four kids tipping the cart in Wal-Mart? Yes, that will be me once again. "THAT" lady at the store. Good news? I won't be shopping for diapers!

Wish I had some news....

Don't you hate it when you wait to post any good news you have, but it never comes?  I have been waiting for something big and exciting but I really don't have anything!  Wait, here's one.  All four kids are back in school! They have been for a month now. Only, Taylor is in half-day kindergarten so it's hard to say I'll have the whole day to myself.

If you are wondering about the "self-exam" from the last post, I put together a list of questions, and have been answering them.  In the light of everything, I did have an epiphany and decided that Occupational Therapy was my calling in life.

If you haven't heard of Occupational Therapy, or if you are not quite sure what it is, here is the quick synopsis: Occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. 

Okay, so the real-world synopsis: Helping people do what they need to do to get on with life. Helping someone recover from a stroke learn how to walk again, or use their hands. Helping children with disabilities learn how to cope in the classroom. Helping someone who cuts the tendon in his thumb with a pocketknife learn how to strengthen his muscles after surgery. (Ok, so the last one was a jab at my husband, Love you!)

My kids have had OT's for a few years now in school, helping them with their sensory processing disorders. Haven't heard of this? It was the reason Katrina couldn't swing without getting petrified scared until she was 6 or ride in a car without crying the first three years. Or why Mason would throw up anytime he smelled anything bad. Or why Taylor refuses to eat any raw vegetable, or any fruit at all. Or the reason Caroline is a thrill seeker and wants to swing too high, climb to high, go too fast.  They all have problems with their senses being hyper or even hypo sensitive.    Sensory usually runs along side children with disorders in the autism spectrum, but it can be with other diagnoses, like AD/HD.  So working along side OT's I have long been interested in it. But, it is still very limited in terms of education, where you can receive the training. 

Tucson recently has been approved at two private colleges to offer an Occupational Therapy Assistant 2 year degree.  Think of it sort of like a 2 year nursing degree. A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) can do all the therapy along side patients, but can not do the original observation.  Along side getting to work with the patients after this degree, you also have to have this degree to pursue a Masters in OT.   All OT's now have to have a Master's degree to practice in the US. So I have applied to the colleges here for the OTA programs. I was accepted into one, but found it so much more expensive than the other (nearly 15,000) I decided to pass and try the other school.  I am now either the first or second alternate for the OTA program at Pima Medical Institute. The possibility of me being accepted is still very real, but as the days keep passing on, my hope is fading. I suppose I am accepted, but this next class that starts on the 30th is full.  I will be in the next class, but it wouldn't be until next July when it starts.

So I was hoping to post that I was going back to school, but it looks like it might be a while.  I am leaning towards trying to get a job at the school as a Para-Pro (Aide) if I do need to wait. It would give me some more experience working in the school systems with the special needs kids and get me ready for school again.


So until I have news, or other random ramblings, TTFN!

All the small thoughts lead to one humongous one.

I would like to say that those who know me well, know that I often have moments of contemplation about life, where mine is heading, and who I will be. Although I am 32 this year, I would like to think there is still 2/3's of my life left to live.


So I have been having this running dialog in my head, what will I do with my life? What do I want to be when I grow up? I am often jealous of those with the burning conviction (like my sis-in-law Lindsey) who know what they want to be from the time they are little. For some reason, I cannot remember a time where I said I wanted to be something, neither can my parents. I had thoughts like "Maybe I'll be a writer" or "Maybe I'll be a lawyer" but never a statement of "I AM"

So as I keep switching back and forth, wondering what I'll do, I had this thought. I can not tell who I will be if I don't know who I am right now. Where do I stand on issues? What are my core beliefs? What are my strengths and weaknesses? I suppose we know the answer in general, but specifics are hazy for me. So I am compiling a list of the hard questions, to gather together the bits of information, to research "ME". I don't know if I will share the answers on here, or privately in a journal, but I do know writing them down will focus and set the ideas firm.

Here's what I would like you to do: Think of a question that the answer might put together a piece of the puzzle. Apply it to yourself, but also post the question here. Some examples:

What are your thoughts on the environment?

What are your thoughts on animal rights?

What are your thoughts on the Constitution?

What would be the most important skill to have in case of a loss of employment?

Please participate in this one! These questions will become a "Survey of Self". I am hoping the answers to the survey will then lead to goal setting and ultimately figuring out the future.

What is the definition of a "Casserole"?

Apparently I have never, ever made my husband a "Casserole". I'm sorry I thought that Chicken and Rice, Stacked Enchiladas, Chicken with Biscuit topping, and Shepherd's Pie were all considered casseroles. So here is the contest:

Define casserole, and post a recipe. I will try such recipe, and ask husband if it is up to snuff. Those with the "highest rating" will receive a prize from me. I don't know what it is yet, but it will be a well thought out and highly sought after prize. Have at it folks!

If you want, you can post the name of the recipe, and email it to me or redirect to your blog for the recipe if that is easier than typing a comment!