First, I can't believe Hurricane Charley is 18 months old today! Though he's been perfecting his terrible twos tantrums over the last few weeks, today has been especially exhilarating! I'm not sure I ever fully understood bipolar disorder until lately, having now seen it on display so frequently! It doesn't help that the poor little guy has been cutting all of his molars and incisors at the same time. Eight teeth - yikes!
Anyway, to catch everyone up, a few months ago I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This has been a relief and a source of frustration. A relief because sometimes, the medicines prescribed work; frustrating because it's a diagnosis that I'm battling denial that it even exists. Needless to say, it has been the main reason I have been on a blogging hiatus, choosing instead to focus what little strength I have on trying to raise a defiant toddler.
In other news, Charley will be starting a new school January 2nd. It is a mixed Montessori program that incorporates sign language, Spanish, and biblical teachings into its already academic heavy curriculum. Also, it's cheaper, and three days a week instead of two. Charley has done well on his visits, and I hope that he'll assimilate into the program within a month or two. We're all so blessed with this opportunity!
To catch everyone up, here are some pics of the last couple of months:
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| Happy Halloween! We were a trooper trick-or-treating this year. We started at Meemaw's... |
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| Then went to Grandpa's and Daddy's work! Here, we're reorganizing Grandpa's snack drawer. Again... |
We also went trick-or-treating with the neighbors in a fun neighborhood not to far from ours, but didn't last long. For one thing, we were really worn out from the big day. For another, there was a weird drunk guy dressed in a Sgt. Pepper's get-up that made Mommy and me really uncomfortable!
On to our next big event: the cousins reunion at the ranch! The day was busy from start to finish. We all hung out together at the ranch, and fellowshipped on great food, and even better conversation! Here are some pics:
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| The older boys hung out mostly by the jeep. Driving is serious business, as Cooper demonstrates. |
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| The rock/dirt piles were a success, also! Even Uncle Ryan got in on the action, and was diligent about not spilling his drink - a true professional! |
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| Two of my favorite pics of the day. Penny had just woken up from her nap, and like some of us, needed some space to recover. Charley, while the same way, didn't seem to understand, and had lots of fun chasing poor Penny! |
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| As you can imagine, all the hard work and play required a drink. |
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| Not to be forgotten, Leah and Jocelyn photobomb! We were all so excited that they got to come! I even got to hold her, but she is quite the momma's girl! |
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| Thanks to Ryan and his camera, we were able to get a (mostly cooperative) group shot! |
Well, this has been quite the long-winded blog - sorry for that! I'll try to do better, though I'm pretty much not going to resurface until after the holiday season. So, from our family to yours, have a blessed, safe, and Merry Christmas! We'll see you in the New Year!
Love,
Ashley, Mike, Charley, and begrudgingly, Daphne, Olive and Roz
