How's it going?

We are doing very well and I continue to be optimistic about the changes 2011 will bring.

If all goes according to plan, while the girls are gone to their Dads this summer, Ryan and I will be preparing for and welcoming our first child together. Odds are it's a boy so I am trying to mentally prepare for that. I'm also coveting any and all prayers to submerse Abigail and Amelia as they prepare for yet another life change as well as for Ryan and I as we embark on this journey of parenting together. And last but not least, for our baby. That he (or she) will be healthy and happy.

In other areas of life, we are still working towards the goals listed in the last blog. I have realized that the time to make exceptions for the girls is over and I must once again be the parent they need me to be rather than the "fun" parent. Life sucks...but it is what it is and for the time being all the "fun" parenting is done every other weekend and I will spend the time in between helping them readjust to real life which is not fairytales and rainbows. (Bitter much, Jinon?!)

In order to do this, the girls and I have had a few conversations over the past few days regarding the fact they they do not have to like me, but they WILL honor, respect and obey me and Ryan.

For Amelia, her biggest struggle is that she wants to eat...constantly! I'm not kidding, she asks for food about every 45 mins. And she will eat if I allow her. But in an attempt to regain effective mealtimes, I have had to break her heart by putting a stop to the grazing.

For Abigail, she has had to go back to completing her chores. Somehow in the move this little girl got the notion, she no longer had any responsibilities.

For me, this means being on my game and at times, facing some really bad attitudes and reactions. Amelia is going straight to her room for ugly talk and Abigail is losing time with friends for being intolerant of Amelia. I know exactly how annoying lil sisters can be, but that doesn't mean we don't have to tolerate them regardless. And I tell her, eventually...she will be your best friend! :-)

Classes have once again started for me, this session I am taking 3 classes, finishing up the last few of my remedial courses and an Education class. I have an odd feeling of excitement...ready to jump in and get this done. I blame it on the pregnancy hormones.

That is our life in a nutshell. Living today, laughing over the obstacles and loving each other through it all.