My full time life

Wow...it has been a full week!

This week we pretty much got everything going in full swing....

First full week (week#3)back at school for the kids...I can't believe the amount of homework already. It's what I expected, but Hailey being in 2nd grade....HUGE jump in the load from first grade. I remember it all from when Hunter was there...it is just having 2 kids with full time homework and single parenting + all things Hudson...it's a lot for one person...but that's just the beginning...
This week I went back to work...which is nice because I miss that money, and the kids are pretty sweet too...I think of my job more as a opportunity to minister to children and their moms...I get to talk about Jesus, pray with them, and also give moms a few hours to themselves while they know their babies are in loving hands...a blessing for all!

I started back at community group this week with my church. I did community group after I had just had Hudson, and 4 months later when all hell broke loose, our attendance was impossible. After the realization of our new normal had settled,I did a friends churches bible study, and home based.
Over the summer, I had really felt that nudge to contact a dear friend whoose husband runs community group from 4 years ago. She met me for lunch and I laid my heart out to her...she knows much of the last four years and she is a strong Christian woman who I felt could give me solid counsel. I knew God was orchestrating this needed meeting, and I knew I was being called...I need to be around others who can be real...with their faith, life's struggles...who are willing to call me out on my sin and help me deepen my faith and walk together through life. Thursday night was my first night back...it was like being home. I went alone, knew my friend and her husband and no one else....it was a whole new group, but they were so welcoming. We ate dinner together and then spent time going through questions regarding the sermon, real life stuff....lots of emotions, lots of honesty, people coming forward with their sinful nature....people who ultimately love and desire Jesus. Great stuff for me right now. I walked away knowing this is where I need to be...in community.

Hunter is now back at Scouts (anyone want to buy popcorn?) yep...fundraisers are in full swing as well as a upcoming family campout.
Hunter started guitar lessons this week as well. He has been wanting lessons since he got his guitar for Christmas and is super excited to learn how to play...my mom got him lessons for his birthday.
On a whim, Hailey decided she wanted to play the violin...I just so happened to be talking to her music teacher before school about Haileys desire and she had told me the next day she was starting group lessons! What are the chances? With small ears overhearing this she begged me...how could I say no? Especially after I received the following email from her teachers this week;



Mrs. Austin,
This is just a quick note to let you know how much Mrs. Tarr and I have enjoyed having Hailey in class thus far. We love her sweet spirit and willingness to help others. Hailey seems to have a deep understanding of caring for others. This characteristic is beautiful to see.
 
Hailey is also very diligent about finishing her school work. Her work is completely on time and done so neatly. Mrs. Tarr and I also appreciate this so much.
 
Thank you for your effort and willingness to help in the classroom.
 



So I felt she deserves this violin opportunity! I am very proud of her and who she is.

So....yes, I almost forgot...this week I also started my weekly volunteering in the kids classrooms.

Then there is my sweetie pie Hudson.
This week we have implemented our new schedules for vision therapy, speech therapy, p.t., o.t., and pre- school teacher. Each of them taking about an hour once a week in our home.
Not to mention the P.T. Clinc I take him to weekly as well.

On top of all this, I have managed to get my behind up to the YMCA daily since the kids have been back in school. It has worked really well so far with their daycare...the time of day I get their it is usually pretty empty, and they usually read Hudson books if he is awake. Most of the workers are aware of Hudson and our situation, so I appreciate not having to tell about him over and over again.
I have definitely had to " let go" of doing daily housework with my new schedule. I hate how behind I feel in this department, but I feel going to the gym is a priority.
I need something for me!
Saturdays are filled at the Y....Hunter has wall climbing and swimming with a buddy, and Hailey has swimming, sports class, and Tae Kwon Do...mom works out! :)
Sunday of course....church, and making time for friends and family, and then get ready to start the week all over again!

So...with my last post I whined about lack of sleep, and how we were implementing a new med for sleep. It has helped. It doesn't knock him out, but once he falls asleep he sleeps. He is also not as agitated with the mask. I emailed his pulmonary doc, and told him all the stuff that's been going on. He emailed me right away...he fit me in next week and we will weigh the pros and cons, and I will bring the mask to our appointment.

I am grateful I have been sleeping more...I don't think I could keep up with this crazy life of mine on no sleep!
 

A sleepy day for Hudson... Asleep listening to The Hungry Caterpillar being read to him on my iPad!
( thanks D for the heads up on the free app)

Another one of Hudson's "sleepy days" when has he ever slept in a stander!?!