This One's for You, Nana Cheryl

I know I've been a horrible blogger lately. You'd think with 4 kids and a bff getting married I'd have a ton of material but I guess lately we've been sort of boring. And busy. Between my Disney work, PTA, church, kids activities and Girl Scout Cookies I feel like I've been underwater lately and am just now coming up for air. Here's a quick recap of what's been going on in our lives:

1. Homework. It sucks. Seriously how do I hate homework more now than when I was a kid? Oh yeah because my kids are way too tired, mentally, when they get home from school to care about homework. They fight, gripe, complain and whine about work that is most definitely not too hard for them. Why??? Again, I think it's because they are tired. But seriously...any parent who thinks their kids don't have enough homework can come do it with my kids any time. Homework makes me dread my kids getting older.

2. Language Explosion. The 2 year old has had an incredible language explosion. It's crazy how much he's talking. Also? Anyone who said boys don't talk as much as girls lied. He chatters all day long. All day. And loudly.

3. Girl Scout Cookies. Having 2 girls selling girl scout cookies is hard work. Getting all the orders delivered is harder work. Keeping the money organized? Nearly impossible. Not that this is a surprise but I am no math genius.

4. Disney Work. I am SO thankful that I have actually been busy with Disney work! I've gotten some great referrals lately and it's so much fun. Unfortunately my housework is suffering but oh well. I am apparently the only person who notices when things are dirty anyways. Hopefully one day I'll make enough to pay for a cleaning service.

5. PTA - Phew...the PTA is super fun but we've been busy lately. We're launching a huge fundraising program on Monday called Boosterthon. Then things will slow down. But I'm super excited about the program and can't wait to kick it off.

Bringing Home the Bacon

I got my first paycheck today!! Wahoo! It's been a long time since I've had a real paycheck and it's exciting! I'm having a great time with my Disney travel agent gig. It's So. Much. Fun. I've met some great people and reconnected with some old friends because of it. I am EXTREMELY grateful for all the support of my friends and family. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words of encouragement and most of all your referrals! And to those of you who have booked trips through me I am eternally grateful for helping me get started! So, thank you, thank you, thank you!!

If you want to plan a trip to Disney or sail the Disney seas let me know!!

He Needs a Helmet!

It's a good thing we have insurance. This poor kid is forever getting injuries, most often to his head. Poor thing. Hopefully that smile will make up for all the scars that will be on his head!

Family Dynamics

My 4 year old went to spend a long weekend with her grandmother leaving a little void in our family of 6. She was super excited to get her own time with Gagi and I don't blame her. When you live in a larger size family it's not too often that you don't have to share something or someone.

I always find it interesting how when one of our munchkins is away the family dynamics change. First, it's SO SO much quieter when one is gone. Like amazingly quieter. Doesn't matter which kids is gone it's just quieter. The sibling dynamics are different too. Perhaps there's less fighting (that depends on who is gone) or there's more bonding between different siblings than usual. It's just different. I suspect we aren't the only family who notices the changes but again, I find it fascinating every time.

As "quiet" as it is with one gone we are always ready for that child to return home. The family just doesn't feel complete with one missing. So while I hope my Julia has a wonderful time with Gagi I'll be really ready to see her on Sunday afternoon!