John's First Soccer Game

John had a few breakaways and did great as goalie! It was 105 degrees outside, which was really hard. John did great, though!

School School

So excited to be starting up school again! My mom offered to pick up the expenses for school and I feel so blessed to be starting another semester. I decided on 8 week accelerated classes (Education and Art). This means I will have to cram in 3-4 lessons per week per class. I'm hoping to do my practicum hours in John's classroom again, especially since this class centers on special needs and exceptional learners.

Wish me luck while my nose is in the books!

This is what happens when the kids play with the camera...

They were supposed to be eating lunch while I was getting ready for church. I just love these goofy kids!

Ella at Montessori

Update

Things have been very busy for our family. Ella started her Montessori school this week and is loving her new teacher. She goes Mon-Fri in the mornings. A lot of mothers around are asking what I am doing with my time now that I have no kids around the house. Fortunately, I'm able to clean the house alone and have it stay clean for approximately 2 hours. I'm also volunteering twice a week at the public school tutoring a third grader. Other bits of my time are going straight to my health. I'm trying to manage my heart palpitations and digestion. I get dizzy spells and rapid pulse regularly, so I'm slowing my meals down (actually sitting down to eat) and relaxing when possible.

Still the schedule gets busier. Tonight we have a four places we need to be. I'm not sure we'll make it to everything, but prioritizing is our family goal.

I haven't jumped back into school quite yet. I'm looking into accelerated courses though.

Adam and I have talked about having another baby. We're not ready yet (especially with my health- doctor's orders). But the cardiologist will see me in 3 months, then we'll see. Adam and I have also been fighting individual insurance companies for years. We calculated a new baby costing around $10,000 CASH...at least. That's if I don't get an epidural (again) and everything goes normal. Ella cost about $15,000 CASH (WITH INSURANCE) and we were blessed enough to be living with Adam's parents to afford all that. Since my cardiologist and physician are both Naturopaths, they suggest a well-supported home-birth...and that would save a TON of money. Not to mention stress (flashback to my OB nurse wearing camouflage scrubs!). In fact, we pay cash for our Naturopaths and it's still cheaper than insurance and copays. Plus we get way better service. Like, my doctor drives over to my house to drop off vitamins and fresh tomatoes from her garden. Can't beat that. We'll see.

I'm just glad I'm feeling healthy and strong enough to care for my family again. I look forward to handling this busy schedule in a more balanced way. How blessed we are!

Ward Campout 2009

Our church ward had its' very first campout this weekend up in Flagstaff. Lots of memories! Great people!

Ella's First Dance Class

Ella was so fun to watch at her first dance class. She had a big smile and listened so carefully to her teacher. She only has a few girls in her class so she really learned a lot. She is learning tap and ballet.