An Unconventional Life

Alright, so I know it's about time I updated. I have millions of pictures from Christmas, New Years, and events since but I figure I should touch on the highlights since it's a New Year and time marches on.

Christmas was a bit different in my eyes than what one would call "traditional". I think somewhere inside each of us, we have a set of standards for how we wish to parent. Not all of us realize this truth, but it's there and exists for every type of parent out there (nuclear, divorced, step, etc).  Deep down, we all want to give our children everything we loved about our childhood and give them everything we didn't have including missed experiences, chances, or trust.

This year, was the "off year" of Christmas for our side. Each year Owen switches with his ex on who gets the kids over Christmas Eve Night to Christmas Morning. I have to say, it's just not the same. Yes, we get them for hours and they get to open presents and we do all the same traditions, but there is something special about seeing the kids' faces as they run out in the morning. Something exciting about watching them go to sleep the night before trying to hide from you that they are planning to stay up and catch Santa once you leave the room. Not being able to have that is admittedly sad. The kids are not missing anything and they are not deprived in any way as some may think, on the contrary actually. Having two of everything is bordering on the spoiled side of life :) But I have found that for us as the parents, it was a bit hard. Adjustments to the expectations we give life is normal I guess.

As far as Christmas went as a whole, it was very nice. Not traditional, as I said, but it was nice in our own way. The kids loved their gifts and had a great time familiarizing themselves with each new thing. Jessica loved her new keyboard and wouldn't step away from it almost all day. Mitchell tried to hold everything and bring it all with him everywhere he went. Simba (as big as Mitchell) was slung over his shoulder, egg (that hatched a dinosaur) was in one hand, "sharp tooth" that roared was in the other and his dinosaur slippers were on his feet ready to go.

After the week was through of playing with toys, spending time with friends and family, and partying a very happy "noon" year's party at the Natural History Museum, Jessica returned to school this week and life started to look forward for plans of the New Year.

Mitchell is finally to the point where I can say he is potty trained!! Yay! He is still in need of assistance with pants and wiping and such, as normal, but he is finally getting up and saying it's potty time frequently without any accidents. Gosh it's been a long road, but I'm happy he's clicked and is finally crossing over to such a big boy attitude.
On best friend news, Ashley had her baby!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At her request, I am not going to post any pictures of her at the hospital, but I can say that her new little boy is beautiful. They named him Lincoln Peter Jensen. He was 6 pounds and healthy as can be. Will was probably the cutest big brother I have ever seen. He held Lincoln and kept saying he was "so cute" and kissed him on his head. Will is a great big brother and I'm excited to be close and see them grow up together. Jake and Ashley are home now with their new little one and breaking in the new life they have as a family of four.

Owen and I are now feeling the extreme pressures of Wedding planning. We have a spot for the reception, but the location for the ceremony is another story. 1. it's hard to find a place while it's winter death outside and picture it for the summer 2. everything is freaking expensive on a $0.00 budget 3. time is not something that is abundant these days. Hopefully, with prayers and hard work, this will all come together. :)
Recently I have interviewed at a few different places so that should play another factor in a lot happening during these next six months.
School starts this week. I have finally decided to take Interior Design as my major. I almost have my generals done for my associate's degree but I'm trying out Interior Design and seeing where that road takes me. I'm so excited to start it out and embark on this new challenge. Wish me luck!!!

Love you all!