List of 10 happenings and/or realizations

1. My little guy turned 4 in October. He's losing his baby fat in his cheeks. His personality is really coming out. He's sensitive. He's hyperactive. He's aggressive. He's in love with Superhero's and Pixar films. He's singing and dancing much more these days. He's adventurous. He loves to snuggle in the evenings. He's not napping much anymore. He enjoys learning. He wants to know about everything. He seeks individual attention constantly. He's a lot of work, our Turner John. We put quite a bit of time and energy into him. He is going to make a fine man someday, we are sure of it. I'm already so proud of our son for who he is becoming. Despite his ornery tendencies, he's a great kid and a very loving little boy.

2. The holidays are upon us. We have been blessed this year as we have finally overcome our financial struggle. For the first time in a long time, we aren't stressing about how we are going to pay our bills. There is nothing like the humbleness of living paycheck to paycheck to transform our spending habits. Once a person gets in the habit of living at poverty level, it's not difficult to refrain from buying things we don't need. We were able to complete our holiday shopping early this year and stay under budget. I can't explain how good this feels considering last year we were feeling sad about not being able to give gifts to our friends and family. I understand that the holidays are more about spending time with those that you love, but it feels really good to surprise them with something they would enjoy. It feels good to give.

3. Turner's eye looks really really bad. It's been floating inward much worse than it was prior to his surgery, even with his corrective lenses on. The failed surgery makes Tanner and I upset. Turner is currently enrolled in swim lessons and he has to take his glasses off when he gets in the water . He has difficulty seeing and fortunately, none of the other kids have asked him about his eyes. Recently, I learned that I am able to order prescription goggles for him. I was SHOCKED to see that they cost less than $10! I wish I would have know about them months ago, but as the saying goes, better late than never. I purchased him a pair of blue tinted ones. They will make his floating eyes less visible to others. I didn't think I would say this, but I am anxiously awaiting his next surgery. It could happen as soon as February. I'm really really hoping that the surgeon can fix his eyes for good. It saddens me to think about the teasing Turner will have to endure as he gets older if they can't correct his eyes. But, I have to throw those thoughts aside for now and try not to worry about events that may not even occur.

4. Lauren, at 9 months, is pulling herself up on furniture, standing, and cruising around. I'm guessing she will be walking by Christmas! This blows my mind. She just started crawling 3 weeks ago! Turner didn't walk until he was 13 months so naturally, I expected Lauren to do the same. It's funny to watch her because she's so tiny, it doesn't seem right that she's walking herself around. Her hair is growing fast. It's platinum, just like big brother's hair color. She has two little bottom teeth. She smiles constantly and is so quiet. Her demeanor is calm and she's almost always content with whatever she is doing. She can say Bah-Bah (bottle), Bye-bye, and Hi. She has said Mama a few times, but it isn't part of her regular vocabulary. She self-weaned a couple of weeks ago and prefers a bottle. I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest Mom on Earth right now.

5. Facebook and Blogger has become my only social contact to the outside world. I get texts from friends every once in awhile, but sometimes I feel really isolated. I figured it would happen. After the holidays, maybe I'll try to plan more get-togethers. I miss my friends very much.

6. I started exercising on a regular basis to help with my stress. I had forgotten how good I feel when I work out and eat healthier. I'm hoping to keep it up and not only lose my remaining 10 lbs. of baby weight, but I would enjoy taking my kids to swim this summer without feeling so self-conscious.

7. Tanner and I have discussed having more children. The jury is still out on this one.

8. I think we will get a puppy this Spring. Turner has been wanting one and I really want one too. Not that I miss cleaning up after a pet. After our previous dog passed, it was AWESOME to be rid of all responsibility that comes with owning a dog, but the joy that a pet brings trumps the tasks any day.

9. Hubs has 3 hernias. He is scheduled for surgery on Dec. 6. The surgeon will be putting a mesh lining along his abdominal wall. The surgeon also said that Tanner 'will be so sore that getting up to eat or use the bathroom will be something he will wish he didn't have to do.' Evidently, he's going to be in a lot of pain for a couple of days. Poor Hubs.

10. Along with exercising, I've been reading again. Can't get enough. I've been going through a book every 4 days. I only have time to read at night so there are times I've turned out the light at 1:30 a.m. and regretted it in the morning, but it's worth it. Now, if I can bring myself to stay up on the current events outside of celebrity gossip and football I'll be doing good!

Good night all, and thanks for reading!