Here we go on first!

So that's what Andy and his family say sometimes, "Here we go on first" I am not sure what that is about, although I am absolutely certain it has to do with sports. Which sport, it beats me, but I think it has to do with starting a new set of somethings, or maybe it is a touchdown, or maybe it means you are on bat. Whatever, I am back, ready to pick up the blog again so.....HERE WE GO ON FIRST!

July has come and gone, along with 3 large jars of nutella, and we are back home. Incredible to think that today is our first day home for summer break (I know, some of your kids are going back to school in 2 weeks!) We finished the school year and 4 days later summer school began for us, once it was done, we left to go visit our family and then Andy and I attended a pastor’s retreat. We just got back home late last Saturday, went to church on Sunday, and on Monday my good friend from Mexico came to visit and she just left this morning. She emptied one of my nutella jars, I promise she did. Maybe I helped. All that to say that as you are reading this, the Stumbos might still be taking a snooze! Or opening the new nutella container and digging in.

For those of you praying for our family, thank you! For those of you that sent messages, I appreciated those so much. We needed rest, and we found rest.

Our travels began as we gathered with Andy, his siblings, and his parents. All 22 of us were together for the first time in 2 years. Andy and his siblings are really close in age, which means they all got married and began having babies around the same time. The cousins have a blast together, it is fun! The 3 oldest girls are so funny together, but they do a great job of including the other cousins…for the most part.

Fun, however, does come with moments of chaos and feeling overwhelmed by the many children, high voices, and screams. Getting 4 families with small kids all in the same schedule is challenging, especially when all families are used to doing things in different ways. However, how can this not be one the most meaningful, wonderful, and fun memories that we will have?

Warning: the Andy Stumbo family forgot it was “family picture day.” Sometimes we do look a lot nicer, I promise!

 Following the small gathering, we met with all the Stumbos. All the Stumbos means: Andy’s grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many more children. I lost count, there were so many of us.

 We did lots of swimming during our time with family. If you didn’t get a chance, go back to the archives and take a look at some of the pictures that I shared before.

After that gathering, we headed to my mother-in-law's family reunion. We were not able to stay there more than a day, but it was great to see them. I am not a camping type of girl, but I am sure willing to sacrifice toilets and showers to be around this family. They are lovely! I love Andy’s grandparents like they were my very own.

Once camping was done, we dropped off the girls at my mom’s and Andy and I headed to our retreat. We were not sure of what to expect, other than to rest, pray, and have some time of solitude.

Yes, it was refreshing. It was wonderful. We NEEDED that time. This picture was taken on the last day we were there. Andy and I joked, “We actually look good!” Amazing how a picture can indeed communicate so much. We felt rested, refreshed, encouraged. And we met some wonderful couples that have answered to the same call of ministry we have. It is wonderful to come together with people from different denominations, but all with the same heart. So thankful for these people.

 

For random updates, I will begin teaching Zumba this Fall, I am excited, if you are local, come Zumba with me!

My contracting job as a writer is also going strong and while I have worked with some wonderful people, my newest job is actually really exciting. I love it, I could spend hours researching and writing, and reading, but alas I was not hired for a full time job. Nonetheless, this is my “dream job” when it comes to doing contracting work. It has been a pleasure.

So I guess that means I am back! I will try to keep the blog updated at least 3 times a week.

Now let’s move on, I have some questions for you!

1.       How was your July? Anything noteworthy? A blog post of yours I should go read?


2.       Help me out here with some blogging ideas, I am having “bloggers block” as I am adjusting to life. Any good blog-post title ideas? Witty? Funny? I will run with it! I promise! Topic ideas? Any questions? Please, oh please do help me out here! I love questions!

3.      Okay, one more. Did you read Ellie’s “TheMissing cat Mystery” story? Yes, my very own Ellie wrote it, so if you did not get a chance, please check it out! Shameless plugs for my child? Yes, always!

4.       Remember to answer either question 1 or 2. (insert wink)

That’s it! Thanks again, I missed this little blog, but I am back.

Ramblings of a Mother

 

Nichole is into self-directed feedings. It means she tells me what and when she wants to eat and I willingly oblige. Some might say this is a bad idea when it comes to parenting, but most of the time her wish is my command. While this might eventually be a disaster, she is communicating with us so clearly that it is hard to refuse. 

“Bre? Tella? Mommy peez?”

You want some bread with Nutella? Sure thing little rascal!

Which brings me to the fact that this girl loves her Nutella as much as I do. I think the choice of snack is considered scientific evidence that she got the extra chromosome from me. I will also argue that she looks a lot like her mama, especially when she is angry.  

Her love for Nutella has been discovered in the classroom. Often times teachers apologize for the Nutella smudges on her shirt. Fine with me, I have no problem licking her shirt clean. Okay, I don’t love Nutella that much.

Which brings me to school. Nichole is doing really well…most of the time. Nichole is in a special education classroom. It means that all the kids in her class have special needs. Her teachers have discovered that Nichole does not thrive in this environment. For example, Nichole does not handle screaming and loud very well (unless she is the one screaming and being loud). One of the therapists told us she can judge how the day is going by Nichole’s reaction. If Nichole runs to her  and asks to “play” it means it has been a rough day with the other kids and she wants out of there. If she is happy and smiling, it means it has been smooth sailing and all kids have been cooperating.

Which brings me to next year plans. We are having an IEP meeting but we know for sure Nichole will be moved to a typical classroom.  Nichole needs the example from her typical peers and she needs to learn the ropes of school as we prepare for Kindergarten. As a mom, it is exciting when teachers see the potential in your child that you see. It is also reassuring to hear them say she can do this, she can be with typical peers and thrive in that environment (although safety is a concern with her, remember, she is a professional rascal even at her young age).

Which brings me back to the fact that she makes me proud every day. She is talking more, she is engaging more, and she is enjoying life.

I am head over heels in love with this girl.

What is it Nichole? You want some crackers? Sure thing little rascal!