Many Apologies

To my family of faithful readers, I apologize. I have been without a computer for a week, and not been able to update! It's a long story involving my mother....

Anyway!

I will start with oldest and go to youngest:

Nick:

Nick started a new job in April, working at a local industrial shop. He was originally hired to set up their new warehouse, with hopes of moving into a welding position after that task was done. However, seeing potential in Nick to do something other than manual labor, they decided to put him in charge of their Shipping and Receiving department. Realizing that he was unhappy in that position, they soon changed him to machine shop, making him a "Machinist Apprentice." They enrolled him in blueprint reading classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Nick has been really enjoying this new line of work, and is happy with the pay and hours.....but management, again, noticing Nick's great work ethic, attention to detail, and general smarts, have been buzzing about making him the shop Foreman. Pretty darn good to get 3 raises and promotions within a 5 month period, I must say! Nick really would like to stay in machining, he's really been enjoying the work, but is willing to go where he is needed! I'm so proud!

Collin:

Collin has started a new school this year, as you know. He's quite a bit disappointed about not being in honors classes, finding the regular classes very mundane, and full of "challenged" kids. It's a lot to deal with. However, he has found his place in the JRROTC program, and has jumped right in with both feet, and seems to really be enjoying himself. He has signed up for all three extra activities of Color Guard, Drill Team, and Saber Team. Being part of these teams requires him to be at school one hour early three days a week, so he's been riding his bike to and from school every day! I'm really proud of him! Also, last Friday, he was selected to go on a special trip to Pittsburgh to watch the "The US Army's Spirit of America." He had a great time! The weekend before that, he participated in 2 hours of community service, removing flags from soldier's graves at the Erie Cemetery. In addition to all of this, Collin has been riding his bike for an additional 1-2 hours each evening. Collin's grades in every class as of now is an "A" and he plans on keeping it that way, in hopes of being placed in Honors Classes next quarter.

Cassie:

Cassie tackled school head on with full force this year, with the goal of being accepted into the Collegiate Academy in 2 years, for 9th grade. She started out in regular classes, but in 2 weeks was placed in Honors classes, as her teachers noticed her potential and her will to be challenged. Way to make me proud! Also, Cassie is looking into signing up for EarthForce, which is a community service organization for kids working towards a cleaner environment. She is having great fun with her new puppy Loki, and has been having a great time socializing him with his new friend Sammy, who is Allison's Husky puppy. The pups have become best buds! Cassie is holding an "A" in all of her classes.

DrewAnn:

Drew has mastered walking to and from school on her own. We are still working on her remembering her homework, doing homework in a timely fashion, behavior and attitude. She is still attending her weekly counseling sessions, and this week is working on "I want ATTENTION!" Cassie has been keeping her busy after school and on the weekends. This summer, Drew got a bike for her birthday and learned how to ride it in one day! She currently has A's in all of her classes.

Constantine:

Itty Bitty, or now referred to as E.B. (we went all British with Itty Bitty and then shortened it) has recently started drinking from a baba. He loves his baba. He's working on talking and babbles a series of oooooo's and aahhhh's , all while making very serious faces as though he is trying to convey a story to you. Nick recently discovered that one of EB's super powers is to find fluffy stuff with his head while flying----it's absolutely hysterical! EB now giggles like crazy and loves to be tickled! He also knows what "Don't you pee on me" means, and grunts like crazy when we're changing his diaper, because he thinks it's just great to pee on mom or dad when we change him! EB sits up with support now, and loves chillin' on the couch with dad while he races cars on the 360. He also is really starting to love playing in his Baby Einstein Jumper! I don't put him on the floor much because I'm afraid Loki will try to eat him, but while Loki was away with Cassie yesterday, I put him down on a blanket, and he was doing a great job "scooting!" Also, he has discovered his hands and his feet, and has been picking up rattles and other toys! He loves being read to, and we have been reading a series of Golden Books, along with Harry the Dirty Dog. We will soon be expanding his book collection to include some Dr. Seuss and other age appropriate books!

Loki:

Loki is getting better about going potty OUTSIDE. He has the occasional accident, but overall it's getting much better. He is full of energy, and loves to play fetch, keep away, and tug-of-war. He's getting bigger everyday, but I'm starting to suspect that he's not going to be a big huge dog, like Tonka. He has recently learned how to "Sit," "Lie down," and jumps through a hoop for a treat. Loki loves the treats!

And me, well, I'm still adjusting to house-wifeness and having a puppy and infant to care for at the same time by myself all day! Life is great, though. I love the new house the fact that everything is going smoothly!

The Two Babies

Just for anyone who may think of trying it out--Having a baby and a puppy at the same time is a lot of work!

Random photos:

Babies are great for napping with!

What a sweet angel!

Eenie, meenie, minee, mo, catch a tiger by his.....tail?

Where's my tiger? And why the prison garb?

All dressed up and being silly!

Playing in the Baby Einstein Gym!

And this is how I make it bounce!

Loki with squeaky bone!

How do I get the frog again?

Holy cow, I mean, monkey!

Constantine and Loki are doing just great! Loki is living up to his name, however. We were hoping it would be "ironic."

More soon, children to tend to....