Lately...

Well we haven't been up to a whole lot of anything lately. But here is a rundown of what life has been like for us!

Juan- Working so so hard! He has been working 60 hr weeks but is still loving his job. We went on a date last night and we were talking about construction jobs and whatnot and he said, I think I have the best job! Its a fast pace and not every one can do it. Since he has been there, two guys have left because it wasn't for them. They were older guys and so the technology part was getting to them. I'm so glad that he enjoys his job. It makes a whole lot of a difference to have him loving what he does, then to back 6 months ago, not knowing what our future plans were and depressed. We try and soak in as much as we can of him when he gets home! As soon as he walks in that door, a stress is relieved instantly from me! We sure do love that man and all he does for us! But with him working such long hours, he is still home at a decent hour. Usually by 5-5:30 he walks in that door. He has also caught the workout bug from me! I am so glad that he finally sees a need to be healthy and workout. It's great for the kids to see us working out. I only can hope that they grow up seeing that working out is crucial. We have been doing the Chalean Extreme from BeachBody and its awesome! After a month in, we invested in on some Bowlfex select tek weights because we needed more weight.

Alise- I always tell myself that I'm not busy, but in reality I am so busy! I want to sit down and enjoy a good book, but when you've got three little ones, all wanting your attention, that sit down time is so limited. We try and keep some sort of schedule for the sanity of all of us. Between running kids two and from Dr appts, therapie, and just normal things, we are busy! I have also been loving the working out but its a lot harder for me to lose the weight with nursing. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight but I can't seem to budge. I'm maintaing, but it's hard to diet when I nurse! I am usually famished by dinner or can't seem to get enough food! Hopefully when I am done, (which could be sooner then later) hopefully I can lose a little bit more. About 5 lbs is really all I want to lose, and then tone up. Which with Chalean, she's defenitly making that happen! Along the lines of routine, I really try and get the kids bathed and in pajamas before Juan gets home if we have no where to go, which is usally the case. I also try and have the house picked up.Some days none of that happens which is most likely Thursdays when we have to go into Portland to Shriners for Damons speech therapy.

Damon- Oh Damon! How we love you, but you my friend, you need to stop growing! He's in school everyday. We have to wake up at 6:10 to get his meds in and feedings started. Depending on the day i will get a few things done or go lay back in bed :) His bus comes at about 7:10 and he's gone until 11:20. It's a great break and I am able to head to the store early if I need to with the other boys. He is getting therapy services at school also, and then on Thursdays outpatient speech at Shriners. Shriners is an amazing place! I cannot say enough good about them. If anyone gets the opportunity to be connected with them, they are awesome! They are working on Assisted technology with him, and they are pushing him so much and he is doing amazing! His ST is really amazing and very fun with him! In a couple weeks, he is also going to be getting a new wheelchair!!! This is an exciting day that I cannot wait for! He is in such need for this that I think it's going to help him so much! He was also just fitted for new Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO's) and a new brace for his trunk area. He has a lot of tone in his legs and arms, but nothing in his trunk so its hard for him to sit up and do much. This will help tremendously!

Keenan- He is defenitly at a terrible 4's! I'm sure he is getting tired of being cooped up in a small place and the weather has been cold so we have'nt been going out much. He defenitly pushes my buttons multiple times a day! But he can be so sweet at the same time! He gave a talk today and he's such a stud. I was whispering it to him so he was wispering it into the microphone. It was funny and I was laughing so hard. It was on choosing the right and being blessed for it. He knows about 2 spanish words, and one being Guadalaja. He is constantly saying, mom I wanna go to Guadalajara! haha! He's pretty much past the nap thing and has been for almost a year. But some days I just need my quiet time, to regain my strength for the rest of the day. So i was doing a craft at the table, and quiet time was over. He came out of my room and said, "mom what you doing? Your doing a great job mom. It so nice mom. and then he would throw in a little laugh, and then he goes, great job mom, give me five!" I'm glad hes picking up on the polite things that we tell him. He's such a great boy and wants to be good... most days :)

Niko- Oh how I love this little boy! Today someone one said, is it just me or does he look exactly like his dad! I don't know, but I guess he does! He's just a fun little cutie pie that is crawling everywhere and I don't think it will be long until he walks! He's already wanting to climb things and can stand up next to the couch. I love having this sweet spirit in our home. Things would just not be the same without him. He seems very smart also. I think he is advanced in a few things. He is starting to like food a lot more! Its fun to see reactions to new things. He likes to look in the mirror and then look at me, then look back in the mirror. He will look at him self then again at me. Probably thinking, oh thats me, thats what I look like. Or he could just be confused! The boys have a ball that they love that Keenan got from his cousins for his birthday and Niko used to love it too, but has now become scared of it. I think because it hit him once and now he doesn't want it near him.