Lilly and Reading

Intriguing titles just aren't my strong point at the moment. Sorry.

Lilly has never been interested in reading. I know many kids who beg their mom's for one more story and one more book but Lilly never has. She loves to tell made up stories and always wants us to tell her one before bed but she has never been able to sit still and pay attention to books.

Once she got her new glasses and then started Kindergarten, where daily reading is homework, I've been insisting on reading books every day with her. Much to my surprise, she likes it! She picks out at least 3 books every day (many of which were mine when I was her age) and we sit down and read. Sometimes I just read the stories to her. Other times we practice sight words and I pause at words and make her help me sound them out. She gets really frustrated when I do this but is willing to humor me just to keep reading.

A couple weeks ago I received an email from an author who has a new book out wanting to know if I would be willing to review it. Since we are reading the same books over and over again I gladly accepted. It's always nice to have some new reading material and it looked like a fun story.

I received a copy of Checking up on Daddy by Adam J. Roth and busted it out before we even got home that day. While waiting in the car for Noah's speech therapy I read both kids the book about one family's ritual when Daddy gets home from work each night. They both loved it. I think they could really relate to a story about Daddy coming home from work since that is their favorite time of day. We ended up reading it three times that afternoon.

 I think it's fun to find new stories to read to the kids. I have always been a HUGE reader and I still remember my mom reading me book after book before I learned to read on my own. I hope I can help Lilly and Noah develop a love of books too.

And I want to send a thank you out to Adam for sending me a copy of his book. It's sure to become a classic in my family.

Be A Hero. Be An Organ Donor.

A Quick Catch Up

I had my first NST (Non-Stress Test) of this pregnancy this morning. While I had to wait over 45 minutes to be seen, the end result was pleasing. So far everything looks good. I have another Ultrasound Friday morning but my blood pressures are looking good and I'm managing my blood sugar too. If I make it to 38 weeks (because I seriously doubt getting any further than that) then I only have 4 1/2 more weeks to go. Any time after Halloween and I will be good and ready.

I've had some recent changes at work. Something that could have been serious (and most likely caused by someone just trying to cause problems) turned out to be a huge blessing. I've been put back at full-time and while it means twice as much on my already plentiful plate, I couldn't be more grateful for it. Christmas (and monthly bills) don't seem quite so overwhelming anymore. Maybe we'll be able to give the Ramen Noodles and Macaroni and Cheese a much welcome break.  The baby definitely makes this change a bit harder but it will all work out. I'm determined to work hard and make my position irreplaceable to as many people as possible. Since the baby is coming right at the start of my busiest time of year, it would be a very risky decision to take any time off. My company does offer Short Term Disability and then FMLA after having a baby, it wouldn't do me any good to go MIA right when every needs me then come back just in time for my slowest time of the year. That would be a really good way of securing me a spot on the next lay-off list. What I've decided to do is get as much work done ahead of time as I can then take about a week off right after the baby is born. Then I'll go back to work (well, work from home. I don't have to leave my kids or go into an office... or even get dressed) and be super helpful during the holiday rush. Then when my slow time comes I'll catch up on my sleep. It's not the best of situations, I know. But it's a sacrifice that I am willing and happy to make. I need to make my job as secure as possible. Plus, I have a fabulous husband who doesn't make me do any of it alone.

Speaking of fabulous husbands... I really do have one. Last weekend we celebrated our 8th anniversary. And I can honestly say I love that man more today than the day I married him. Not only do I love him for just being him and all of the unique things that makes him who he is, I also love him because he is an honorable man. He is faithful and honors his Priesthood. He serves others. He works hard and sacrifices for me and our family. He plays with our kids and teaches them and makes them feel loved and special. He is constantly working on bettering himself, physically, mentally, spiritually.... he gives way more than he receives. I don't know how I got so lucky. But when I think about how he is mine forever I feel such overwhelming joy.

Lilly is liking school. At first she wasn't too keen on the idea but she has since warmed up to it and made some friends. She is wearing her new glasses every day and even likes reading time with Mom (which we do every night). She is also enjoying having her neighbor friend over after school (I pick her up from school and watch her for a couple hours every day to earn some extra money) to play with.

Noah is liking school more and more and I have high hopes he may actually end up enjoying it and maybe even learning a thing or two. (I just posted a big "All things Noah" update over at Noah's Adventure if your interested.)

The next few weeks are going to include lots of packing, cleaning, organizing and room relocation in our house as we prepare for Baby Alie's arrival. The mess is already in full force. And now I'm off to watch some Criminal Minds with my fantastic hubby who finally got home from work. I have no idea if any of this made sense or was even coherant but I'm not taking the time to proof read. Sorry. :)

Be A Hero. Be An Organ Donor.