My "other" kids!!

I never knew that running an in-home daycare would be so tough. My day starts at 5:30 and ends usually after 10:00pm. Writing the weekly lessons, getting all the crafts, printing worksheets, planning parties, planning lunches, etc. After all the kids leave at 6:00 I am still working. Its a tough job and it has long hours but it is all worth it. To see the smiles on all the kids faces, to know their parents feel comfort in bringing their children to me, to see everyone learning and progressing....its all worth it! Here are some pics, enjoy (as I do everyday!!)

SuperMan!!

Austin riding his bike!!

Austin is riding his bike now without training wheels!! This was only his 2nd time trying without training wheels. He would rather drive the Gator or ride his electric skooter! Not now...he loves his bike now!! Yea, Austin!!

Trae, Trae, Trae

Oh my....I am very tired. Trae had me out at the mall today trying to find a braided rope ankle bracelet. I guess a kid he goes to school with wears one and it is sporty looking. We went to every store you could think of...nothing. That boy shops like a very picky girl. We left the mall and tried Target, nothing there either. I did get Austin a pair of Iron Man pajamas for pj day tomm at school. We were checking out and this high school girl who was working as cashier kept telling Trae how cute he was! She was really over-doing it and poor Trae was blushing to death!! We were walking out and Trae said "she's weird", I told him he couldn't help being cute. I am just glad he has no interest in girls yet. He and his friends are too wrapped up in sports! Thank goodness!!
On another note...I bought Trae new shoes last night and he is wearing a size 5!!! I wear an
8 1/2 and I am 30. He is 8!!! He has very big feet, I will take a picture of feet next to mine tomm to prove it. Oh, and he is in love with his new shoes!!

I am going to bed! Good night. Thank you Ma'Ma for the bday card and money! I love you!!

Austin's Valentine Box- Valentine Fishing Tournament

The top of Austin's Box

Trae's Valentine Box- Cupid's Vs. Heartbreakers!!

Trae's referee he made, fans in the background...

Cupid fans!

Heartbreaker fan and cheerleader!!

Oh my goodness, I am almost 30. You know this is a big milestone for me, and I have been doing alot of thinking. Have I accomplished alot? Yes but No... I have all that I could ask for regarding a beautiful home and children. Is there something missing? Yes. There is so much more that I want to do in my lifetime. I would really like to go back to school and become an RN. I am still amazed by the medical field and would love to do that someday soon. I want a career, I also want to do something in my lifetime my boys would be proud of. Right now, I need to be at home with them and am greatful for that. I have never been the person to take something for granted and I don't. I try to make the best of every situation and give people the benefit of the doubt. I have worked so hard for 8 years to be the best mother I could, I have worked so hard in my lifetime to be the best wife, sister, daughter, friend I could too. Have I given up on some of these? Yes. I am not proud to say that but I have gotten to a point in my life where I need the same in return. I cannot give 110% and get 10% back. I don't want to continue this path, I want to be able to give 110% like I always do. This is it, only one life and I have to make some changes and also some choices towards a better future.

Well, the day is quickly approaching! My 30th birthday. My best friend in the whole world, my sister...is taking me somewhere??!! Its a suprise so I really don't know what we will be doing. As for anything else I think that is it. Possibly spend the next day with my family! I have been working hard, Paul has been out of town and just got back in at 7:20 last night. I am so tired these days and can't seem to catch up on anything.
Trae and Austin are doing great. Austin has really enjoyed Kindergarten and has so many friends. Trae loves school but I think he looks forward to playing football at recess. Sometimes I wonder if Trae is bored. All of his school work seems to come very easy to him. Austin on the other hand has to work hard at it. Hayden is doing great! He thinks he is 5 and tries to do everything the older ones do. He eats his dinner at the dinner table now with his fork!! Has to have the fork!! He is talking so much and tells me what he wants. When I change his diaper he will go get the diaper for me. If he pooped and I asked him if he pooped he will shake his head and say"uh huh". Now I have gotten him to say "yes". As I am changing his diaper he will say "eewwwww gross"....so funny! He is a little clown and is always soooo happy!!

I better go, he is up from his nap! Love you.

Not a very good day today. Sent some kiddos home sick with fever. One child has the flu (he wasn't here at all today). Hopefully next week will be a different story. I am so sick of the illness'.
Not much else to report except I have the best kids in the whole world!!!! I love those boys so much and everything I do is for them. They are my life and they give me so much joy. I just keep telling myself its for them.

Trae has started an art book, he said besides being a pro football player he is going to be an artist and author. He said "you shouldn't stop with one goal or dream mom, you can do whatever you put your mind too". He learned that from me!!! He really is an artist at 8 years old. I am not kidding. I will try and scan some pics and send to the family so you can see what this boy does. Amazing!!

Austin is so sweet and guess what???? He had his first "girl" call the house!!! Great, I have two boys that have girls chasing them....wonderful! He doesn't like girls yet (thank goodness) and either does Trae. Good thing they feed off of each other!

Hayden is wonderful and still non-stop! He is so happy and he is a little jokster. He LOVES his friends and really cares for them. Hayden loves to go "bye bye" and play outside. Life is good.