Its a busy world we live in!

I've gotten a few requests for me to update my blog again. So here goes....

Since my last blog a ton of stuff has happened.

First, we had court for custody of the babies on April 24Th. I drove to my parents house on Wednesday, the 22Nd. It was an uneventful trip, aside from a busted AC. The babies and I were cooking by the time we arrived in NC. After a much needed cool off and rest (and a couple cans of AC refrigerant), we made the rest of the trip to VA on the 23rd. We were all exhausted, but arrived by mid afternoon. We chilled at the hotel for the rest of the afternoon. Sr arrived late that evening and then he & a friend went out for a while. I'd have gone too, but the rug rats needed me to stick it out with them. The 24Th was a super long day for all of us. Court wasn't until 3 pm so the babies and I stuck around the comfy, cool hotel room until just before court. Sr ran errands, had lunch with a friend, and even managed to successfully pick out a pair of shoes for me (what a man!!!). Court was supposed to begin at 3 but we didn't get in until 3:30 (always on the court's time). Actually the parents were late this time, not an attorney. Ultimately, the parents agreed that they weren't able to take care of the babies and requested that our petition for custody be granted.

My feelings on this are mixed. While I'm ecstatic that the babies are staying with us, I'm sad for Sarah. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to have to admit that you're not able to care for your own children. I love her dearly and am very disappointed with the direction her life has taken. I only wish there was more I could do for her. Taking care of and loving her children will have to be enough for now, as she & her husband don't seem open to help.

Sr. flew back out Friday evening and the babies & I stuck around the airport for a while so that their parents could have some time to visit with them. I was able to spend some much needed time with T. She always recharges my batteries!

The next morning, we were packed up and back on the road. Thankfully it wasn't as hot a day. We arrived in NC and my family all welcomed us and with open arms. They really are a great bunch. I was able to spend some time with my nieces, my sister, a couple of my multitude of Aunts, my parents and even a cousin or two or 8 (man, coming from a large family is exhausting). Sunday the babies and I got back on the road and were happy to get back home.

Unfortunately, I got home to a sick Sr. My poor honey wasn't feeling well at all. The next day h wasn't any better, in fact, he was worse. After much pressure from me, we ended up at the emergency room. Poor guy was admitted to the hospital. They took good care of him and returned him to me on Thursday evening. I'm hoping we can better manage our diets to keep this from happening again.

So, I'm back on weight watcher and trying to make better choices for our family. I realized that I've taught my son all the bad eating habits that I have and don't want him to struggle with his weight the way Sr & I do. Now that we've got the babies too, I've got to make better choices for them as well. Jr's not nearly as thrilled about the prospect of changing our eating habits but with time, I'm hoping we can all understand what's going on in our own bodies a little better. So far I've lost 2 lbs. Not much in the grand scheme of things, but it's a step in the right direction.

The babies are growing and changing each and every day! They are 8 months old now. Lissa's crawling and yesterday she sat up on her own for the first time. It was priceless! She sat up and then looked around like, "wow, this is pretty cool". She's still a little wobbly, but I guess that's to be expected. Zack's starting to push up when he's on his belly. Crawling isn't too terribly far off I'll bet. He's gotten to be a demanding little fella. He used to be content just sitting back and watching the action. Suddenly he wants to be part of the action.

Jr's excited that school is almost over. Just a few weeks left. He's doing pretty good this 9 weeks and seems happy with all the friends he's gotten in his new school. I remember what it's like to be the new kid in town and he adjusted very well. Actually, he says he's got more friends in this new school than he ever did back in VA. He needs that. Matter of fact, he says, "I feel like I fit better here". That made me immensely happy to hear that. He's still a broody teenager and his parents still don't know anything, but some day!

MIL is doing well too. She was having some issues with her allergies but seems to be doing OK now. The neighbors have planted an enormous garden across the street in the city's green belt. I can see the wheels turning in her head. Something tells me they won't be the only ones next planting season. Either that or I'll almost bet she talks them into letting her use it during the fall (can we say Collards). She has been an amazing help with the kids. With Sr in the hospital last week I really relied on her a lot. I was able to spend quite a bit of time with him and she jumped in! I'm very thankful to have her here. I really need to make sure I let her know how much I appreciate it.

Well, babies are down for naps so its a perfect time for me to get some laundry done (fun fun fun). Thanks for reading!

Keep on moving!!!