a blended life

I don't know if I should celebrate or grieve. Brian moved out (because I told him to) one year ago today. At that point, I was still recovering from the tailbone disaster and was terrified of what my kids would think of him leaving. I took them to a wedding reception (ironically) in Tooele that night. The girls barely noticed and didn't ask for him for about a week. I started the single mom journey and noticed that it wasn't that different from the way things were before, since I was carrying the load myself anyway. I feel like I should jot some achievements of the past year: *Although my social life is still fairly lame, it's way better now than it was. *I'm graduating in December. There will be a huge celebration that will be including some Cafe Sabor. *I lost 15 lbs. 5 of it, inexplicably, happened this month on the Bridge Mix diet (a few of you know what I'm talking about). Another 10 lbs to go. *My girls have made HUGE changes in the way they interact socia...

Here's a few tidbits about what's going on: *Leah started 1st grade today! She was extremely nervous, but came and said "It was AWESOME!" I'm so proud of her! I think it'll be a great year for her. *Hannah started reading this week. I didn't know 3 year olds read, but it's all she wants to do and is constantly asking to spell, write words, and sound things out. Something tells me she'll be a little bored in kindergarten. *I started work today at the jr high. It was good to be back, but my hours are less than they were last year. It's going to be a slim fall. *I get out just in time to pick up Hannah from Montessori. When we were eating lunch, she said, "I can't hear Leah talking." It's true-it was very quiet this afternoon! But she missed Leah so much and gave her big hugs when Leah got home. They are so devoted to each other! It's very precious. *This is my 200th post-can we all celebrate a little?! I didn't know I wo...

This week has been hard. My fatigue level is off the charts, or at least it feels that way. I can't believe school/work starts in a week! We are so not ready! Good news: USU offered me a degree that I feel we can all live with. It's called Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. It's a combination of my music and Spanish credits. I think I may just do it, but I will know for sure next week. If you're new to the situation, I've been battling with the folks in charge about some unfair treatment I received last year, which is why I'm still not graduated. Hopefully everything will be resolved and I can start a certification program for Special Ed as soon as possible. Here's what I think of this topic: $#@%!& Leah is so tired and sore: Hannah trying on my slippers and eating an apricot that we picked from someone with a "Free Apricot" sign: Leah lost a top front tooth today! Milestone: she asked "What is the Tooth Fairy going to bring me?" ...

Leah galloped today! She was completely glowing with pride--it was priceless. She's doing great on the horse, and Hannah has taken up pony riding on a little fat miniature horse named Frodo. I had no idea I'd have two cowgirls in the house, but they are happy and we'll go with it! My mom has been riding alongside Leah to explain and demonstrate. They look great together. In these pictures, Leah is riding a 24 year old mule named Ingersoll and my mom is on Cookie. Neither kid has shown any fear up there. I'm 102 kinds of exhausted, so that's all for now. I thought this week would be slow, but it's filling up really fast, then I start work and Leah starts school next week. ~sigh~

I officially hate (circle your favorite) yard/garage/rummage sales. It went really well-I sold everything except two boxes of stuff that will go to DI (local donation place) and the entertainment center, which is old news because of the wide screen tv revolution. My exhaustion level is hard to describe, so this will be very short tonight.

Leah's surgery went well-she's already bouncing off the walls (that's her normal state) but we expect a decline when the scabs fall off. Ew. Note to self--don't ever consider a career in the medical profession. I had a final this morning that was average. Passable but nothing to shout about. I went to an interview for my job in the fall (they told me I had to formally apply and interview for it. Whatever.) Spent the afternoon keeping two girls happy. Did I mention we got up at 3:30 am? Leah was sore and uncomfortable, and Hannah was lonely in their room by herself. Tonight I get to finish a take home final. Tomorrow will be a super fun ( I think I've lost my mind...

I've hesitated on posting something new because a)I have no time that is my own, b)I really like those pictures from the lake because it was such a fun day and c)posting something new would mean I would have to talk about what is coming up in my life, which brings me to d)there is a particular area of my life that is awkward to blog about, so I never know what to say. This week is super crazy. I have a presentation tomorrow in one of my classes. The whole thing is in...wait for it, wait for it, SPANISH. I'm supposed to explain stuff and talk about spanglish and other fun topics of extreme interest. I'm just a little stressed about. Then, Tuesday is Leah's tonsillectomy, plus I need to finish up a 6 page paper (in Spanish, of course) about the importance of life long literacy. Wednesday I have finals in both classes, then that night I will have a moving party to get everything out of storage and into my parents garage. Thursday and Friday will be garage sale prep days, ...