Friday, December 23, 2011

Christmas Update!!

For those of you who read our blog on a regular basis, finally another update and for those of you who are joining us to read our Christmas update welcome!! It's been a crazy time for us since the last time I wrote. I went back to school and enrolled in two on-line classes which ended up totally over whelming me. We really weren't ready for the time it took to get my work done which has meant that we are a little unprepared for Christmas. Our cards have gone out late and I decided to go "green" for my Christmas update!
As I mentioned above I went back to school and only finished up December 17! I ended up passing both classes (one of them I still don't know how) but it has been the hardest 16 weeks I've ever experienced. I started out strong and thought it was going to be fine, but as the weeks went on the work intensified and then with the cooler weather we all started to get sick. The last month or so has seen us passing our germs around so that at least one of us has been under the weather each week for a while now. Now that I'm done with school for the semester I'm trying to get back to relaxing and spending time with the family. Next semester I'm taking a little break and have enrolled in just one class, yoga!
Apart from school my life revolves around the family and work. Work is going good and keeping me busy and there is never a dull moment in our house with two girls to look after! My goals for next year is to try and find a little more time for me! It probably won't happen, but it's nice to dream!


John is doing good and got off the USS Bonhomme Richard in September. His new job is a shore duty one and it's a dream job compared to what we have had to put up with over the years. He has a lot more flexibility which is great because he can spend more time with the girls, including helping me when they are sick. It's wonderful to have him home all the time! In the new year he will be going back to school which will mean he will get busier, but I'm hoping it won't take away too much from the family. I think he will have class two nights a week so I'll be back to being a part-time single mother!


Mackenzie turned three this year and there is never a dull moment in our house with her around! When I think about what's she has done this year I smile. She has come out of her shell a little more and is a great big sister most of the time. At school she goes to a dancing class and a computer class and loves them both. She is still a Disney nut and loves Jessie from Toy Story so much that when she sees her at times she can't even look at her! She is still best friends with Duece, but has also started to develop more relationships too. She has another friend called Sophia who she calls her bestie! As of yet she is still not fully toilet trained. She still has problems pooping and no matter how much I try to bribe her we don't seem to be having much luck. We know she'll get there one of these days so we prefer not to put too much pressure on her. She is very excited about Christmas and asks to open a present almost every day now!
A big girl in her underwear.

Touching Sea Stars at school!
Hanging out with Maegen at school
All dressed up for Halloween with Duece
Her hero Jessie!
Happy 3rd Birthday!!
Christmas party with Duece

We have just celebrated Maegen's 1st birthday on Wednesday and I can't believe how fast her first year has flown by. She's adorable!! She has begun to walk a little and is gaining more confidence with each day. I have a feeling we will see her officially walking by the end of the year. She loves her big sister and follows her all around the house trying to play with her. She claps her hands and dances a lot now and is fast following in her sisters footsteps in becoming a Disney freak. When the movies start and she sees and hears it she smiles and begins to dance! She also loves Mickey Mouse Club House! She enjoys school, although now she recognizes when I'm in the room and when I leave so she can be a little difficult at times, especially when I'm trying to take care of the other children and she's crying for me to pick her up! She's a sweet, happy little girl however and I have loved watching her grow!
With her teacher Ms Leslie at school
At Minnie's house!
Getting ready for school
All dressed up for Halloween!

The Birthday girl
We have had a busy year as we try to do our best to balance work and family. It's not the easiest at times, but I wouldn't swap it with anyone! We are looking forward to spending Christmas with the girls and sharing their excitement as they open and play with their gifts. We will have four days off over the weekend and are looking forward to relaxing! Whatever it is that you do for the holidays we hope you have a safe and happy Christmas!!
Now that I don't have school to keep me away I will try and make an effort to update my blog on a regular basis for 2012!!