First, I will say that I am really trying to be patient right now with my computer since it is doing about a hundred software and security updates while I am trying to type. Although this is one thing that is completely necessary, it is really a pain in the @ss. The cursor gets "stuck" as I type and I have to slow down every few letters waiting on my computer to catch up. Irritating. Of course, on the flip side, I can just ignore the delay and feverishly type away all of my thoughts and risk incomprehensible gobbledygook as the final post. Hm. Who says it is not incomprehensible gobbledygook even after I proof read it? Hm. Didn't think of that.
The picture above is me, modeling my new, movie star sunglasses. As you can see, I did leave the house. Once.
Now, to other stuff. A lot has been going on since I last wrote. There is rarely a dull moment around here.
The children have been wild (the usual) and are getting big. At the grocery store today, four different people told me that I "have [my] hands full". I varied my responses with smiles, nods, and short statements basically eluding, "Ya think?"
Jacob, my sweetest boy with the most gentle nature has turned into a hell child. He is delving even further into the "terrible twos" frequently protesting just about everything. "Jacob, do you want to go outside?" "NO!" "Do you want to stay in?" "NO!" "Do you want some lunch?" "NO!" "Fine, I guess you will just sit and starve." "NO!" I didn't really expect him to agree to that one. I have to catch myself (before I mouth off to him) because this can really be very frustrating.
Nick is beginning to mature and is turning into a good boy again. Are the last several years of extreme frustration actually beginning to pay off? Is there a twinkle of light at the end of this tunnel? Nick is always helping me around the house, even when he is not the one who made the mess. He helps me set and clear the table at most meals. Sometimes, I don't even have to ask! Nick is an extra eye, trying to help me keep Lyla and Jacob out of trouble. Seriously, Nick's turn-around has been exactly what I needed.
Lyla is starting to assert herself. I am glad that she does not let her big brothers run all over her; but, her constant protests can be unpleasant. She surely doesn't back down when Jacob tries to steal her toy. Screams, hitting, more screams, crying (snot, tears, etc.)--you get the picture. All day. Every day. Ahhh...parenthood. Gotta love it. On the positive side, Lyla is still in the angel stage. I better enjoy it. Since she is 18 months old, I know the end is near. Then there will be even more hell to pay, I am sure. 
I love that Lyla is so girly. It's a breath of fresh air after the two boys. Lyla likes to choose her outfits, especially her jammies. She loves pink and purple and adores Minnie Mouse and Tinkerbell. She wears her pink sparkle princess shoes around the house and loves showing off her outfits to her daddy. Granted, she does all of this while holding one of Jacob's matchbox cars or a "Thomas" choochoo train. She'll be well-rounded.
We found out a couple of weeks ago that Rick will be retiring from the military after 23 years. So, our lives are going to be a little hectic while we deal with that. Luckily, we have close to a year before it will actually happen. So I am hoping that in that time we can iron out some plans to make the transition as easy and painless as possible.My father died. I will go into this topic a bit later, I think. I haven't decided all that I will or will not say (publicly) about it. For now, I will say that I am very sad and disappointed that he will never know my children or get to really know me (or Rick). I am very glad though, that I will no longer wonder if my father is happy and healthy. I know he is with God and that is what is most important.
I will try to write a little more frequently. I really miss it.
