Weeks #8 & #9 @ The Dahlhouse: Snow, Check-Ups and Colds

I am still marveling that this little bundle of love is now TWO!!!  Wasn't this just yesterday? Seriously!

Weeks 8 & 9 were filled with some very cold weather, which included snow.  The kids were thrilled by a snow day, early release and a late start.  Mark took them sledding and B enjoyed rolling up a snowman and giving him a gigantic carrot nose.  When the snow did finally melt, the carrot laid in our front lawn just waiting for some animal to discover it.

Dispite the snow, Man Cub and I ventured to the doctor's office to meet with Dr. Miller for Matthew's 2 year well child check.  I am proud that Matthew is allowing them to examine him, weigh him and look in his ears without protesting and whaling.  However, he scrunches up his sweet little face and the tears roll down his cheeks as he says, "ow ow ow" followed by "nope nope nope".  I dare you to not laugh at his sweet little protests.  He truly is joy!

Toddler life is in full swing around the Dahlhouse.  Dumped plates of food, thrown toys and tantrums are normal parts of our days.

Bella has taken to crafting these days and I couldn't believe this sweet, sweet poster she made for Mark.  It reads, "No one is like you Dad.  You are the heart of the family." I can always count on Bella to encourage someone.

Too much partying in the crib...

How sweet did these pictures turn out???

And this one just makes me cry...

The girls attended their 2nd annual father daughter dance.  I love this so much.  They both got their nails done and picked out a restaurant to go to before the dance.

While they were away, the boys and I cuddled up on the couch for Luke's first inaugural watching of The Fast and The Furious.

One of my sweet children begged and pleaded with me for a box of Lucky Charms, which I normally do not buy.  Said child had a lot of fun making leprechaun traps for hours. She gently made a trail with marshmallows and wished for the best before she went to bed.  Dad to the rescue...when he saw the leprechaun trap that evening after returning home from work he left a gold coin for her.  I love her creativity.  Then, when I asked yesterday morning if she would like a bowl of her coveted Lucky Charms cereal, she looked at me like I had four heads and said, "I don't even like that cereal."  Sheesh!  So I poured myself a bowl, and vowed not to give in next time.  Haha.

Week #7 @ The Dahlhouse: Matthew Turns 2; Valentine's Day & A Beach Trip

 (Outside is where he wants to be...all.the.time.)

 (Taco Tuesday...the kiddos request this meal weekly.  Trying to get more veggies in their lives.)

 (3am snowfall on Valentine's Day)

 (PJ party for Valentine's Day)

 (Chinese New Year in full swing...a student's family meal)

 (Two year photo shoot)

 (Daniel-son)

 (More Snow)

Our week was filled with the bustle of a full schedule.  The week started with Luke's Casey Eye appointment.  I am happy to report two things...1) His eyes remain stable and 2) Mark went with him to this appointment I got a break!  He will return in June for another check up.  The weather was beautiful last Monday (a bit cold) but clear.  The kids and I found ourselves in the backyard soaking up the sun.  Matthew found some toys and is always so very happy to run around outside and so very unhappy when he has to come in the house.  

Each week I have been asking the kids what they want to eat for dinner.  This helps me in two ways.  I come up with ideas for dinner with their input, and they are more likely to eat it because they helped pick dinner.  I've been trying to include more veggies in our meals.  Tacos are one of their favorites and an easy way to get more fresh veggies. 

I woke up to a blanket of fresh snow on Wednesday morning.  It was 3am, and I was up to teach my sweet students.  This week was Chinese New Year.  I was shown this picture of a traditional Chinese New Year meal.  I was also greeted with a big red Chinese New Year sign and wished Happy New Year several times.  These kiddos are so sweet.  Although, I am ready for my schedule to get back up to full again.  It has been a long holiday break for my students.

Matthew had his two year old photos taken by my sweet and dear friend Brienne.  His birthday signifies the anniversary of our friendship.  It hard to believe two years have flown by.  Matthew was a little reluctant at first but she got some great photos and I can't wait to see them.  

Friday, the whole family headed to Long Beach, WA for a weekend getaway. Our friends invited us to stay at their beach house, and we were so thankful for an opportunity to unwind.  It was very peaceful and a beautiful house.  We were able to walk to the beach, collect some sea shells, practice our best Karate Kid impressions and eat some really yummy seafood.  Saturday was Matthew's actual birthday.  He laid in bed between Mark and I, and I counted down the minutes till the exact time (7:57am) he was born recounting the story of that day.  He actually blew out the candles on his mini cupcakes and it was a very relaxing day.  

More snow greeted us last night and this morning.  Most of it has melted away...just in time to go back to school tomorrow.  I am happy to report that my computer has been fixed!  It will be returned to me tonight.  Although my laptop and I have become better friends this past week.  It got me through all my VIPKID classes without issue, and worked beautifully at the beach house.  I taught my first away from home class this past Friday.  It felt good to know that I can do this job just about anywhere there is WiFi.  Week #7 was wonderful, and I am looking forward to whatever adventures await in the next.  

Week # 5 & 6 @ The Dahlhouse: Schedule Changes, Rabbit Show & A Birthday Party

Weeks 5 & 6 are together for this update because my trusted, loved and well used PC decided to give me the "blue screen of death."  I have fiddled around with it for awhile; however, I have decided to let a good friend and computer genius have a go at it, and see if he can revive my good friend.  If not...{crying} I will be looking for a new PC. We've had our current one for 4 years, but I am not ready to part with it.  I love that computer.  But for the time being, I am currently attempting to make friends with my new laptop, which I have never really figured out.  Most of my pictures are all on the computer, so I have attempted to salvage a few from social media to make this update. 

Week 5 continued as normal.  It was mostly a quiet week.  Matthew had therapy, and continues to make progress on his speech.  He has begun to say a few phrases such as "play-it", "ready-set-doe", "bye-bye," "ba-ba," "puppies" (every animal is a puppies), "tank-u", "peeze," "nope", "daaaa-deee," "mommeee," waa-er," "beep-beeps," "bus," etc.  He has yet to really say a sentence or connect more than two words together.  Even the two words together is very far and few between.  I try not to worry too much and remind myself he is making progress.  I am still waiting for an occupational therapy evaluation.  His teacher therapist said that the waiting list is 4 months.  I've already been waiting 6 weeks.  I went this route because they told me it would be quicker.  Ha.  I have been thinking I am going to ask Matthew's pediatrician for a referral to Legacy for a "real" OT evaluation.  Like most things, you get what you pay for.  If I am going to pay for the therapy, I want it to be quality and I know it is at Legacy.

Yesterday our little Man Cub celebrated his 2nd birthday with a household of our family and very dear friends.  My heart was very full as I looked around the house at our friends and family.  What a blessing and support they are to me.  The theme for his bday was surprise..."Trucks".  I had fun decorating and coming up with ideas ( thank you Pinterest). 

Two weeks ago, Mark was asked to mentor in Longview/Kalama again.  We were shocked and overjoyed!! This position means a predictable schedule and set days off.  I can't explain how going from "no schedule" to a set schedule has changed my life.  It always does.  We had just completed 7 months of being essentially "on call" all the time to now having a schedule.  It's crazy.  The position is always temporary, mirroring the supply and demand of grain and other crops they need to ship through the port.  But I am believing for at least a few months of some peace and predictability.

Last weekend, two of the kiddos participated in a 4H rabbit show.  This was Luke's first time showing his rabbit as a senior.  This is the top class that Luke can compete in.  He was very nervous to say the least.  However, he did a fantastic job.  I had a very fun time hanging out and visiting with the other moms and taking a small break from the little 2 year old.  It was a great day.