Three Years Old!

Yes, it's true...Kourtney turned three years old today! I am in complete shock! And, I've been near tears all day. I cannot believe my baby girl is no longer a baby, in any way shape, or form. She is incredibly independent, and reminds me constantly that since she's "free yer old" now, she can do everything by herself.

Here are a few pictures from her day today:

This is my beautiful not-so-little girl with her amazing smile. She was very excited to say "cheese" for the picture, and couldn't wait to share her sunshine with the rest of the world.

Some things about the last year that I never want to forget:

*You have developed a new love for PIZZA this year. It is your absolute favorite food, and you would eat it for every meal if we would let you.

*Potty training has been one of your biggest accomplishments. I would LOVE it if you would poop in your own potty (I promise, it serves the same function as the Wal-Mart potty!)!

*You used to hate having your hair done...Now, picking out the pretties to put in your hair is a daily pleasure.




*Your silly side has become a daily entertainment for all of us! You have an incredible sense of humor, which is very well-developed for a "free yer old." I love it when you make jokes, and then laugh at them!

*You have suddenly decided that your tongue belongs outside of your mouth instead of inside, despite Mommy's warnings that it's going to fall off one day if you keep sticking it out.

*You are one of the most impatient people I have ever known. You go from happy and playful to a fit-throwing monster in a matter of seconds. Your latest tantrums include thrashing, kicking, screaming, and all kinds of other fun things. It's hard not to laugh! The older you get, the more creative your fits get!

*You have developed quite the attitude this year. You don't take any bull from anyone, and will do and say whatever it takes to get your way.

I love you more and more each day. While I am enjoying the person that you are becoming, I'm devastated that it's happening so quickly.

Your mommy is so proud of you, Kourtney! You are an incredibly intelligent, fun, spunky, driven, loving little girl. I cannot believe how fast your are growing up...feel free to slow down just a little bit!

Sick...AGAIN!

Today marks nearly a month since everyone in my house has been well. Let me tell you how tired I am of my kitchen being taken over by medications, medicine droppers, and nebulizer parts. It seems to be never ending!!! Oh, and the complete and utter lack of sleep has got to go as well! Whatever these germs are that have kept us down and out for the last month may kindly take the next bus out of here!

Poor Kourtney has had croup twice, and has been dealing with her asthma constantly. She's on double the normal dose of steroids, and is doing breathing treatments several times a day. This is not including the two visits to the ER for asthma and coughing up blood (which, by the way, they determined came from broken capillaries due to coughing so hard...oh what fun!). The coughing has kept her from having a decent night of sleep in what seems like forever, which of course means that Mommy and Daddy haven't slept either. Oddly enough, she's still in a great mood a majority of the time. At least that's made this a little less painful.

Kieran has been down and out for the last two weeks. The first week, it was strep throat. He was out of school Monday thru Thursday, but went skipping back on Friday, only to catch the next bug. He missed the following Monday due to a fever, was fine on Tuesday and went to school, and then by Tuesday night was completely miserable with a 103ish temperature again. I was up with him all night long, snuggling him and attending to his every whimper, during which time he also developed the classic seal bark cough that says croup is on its way. Lovely. He ran a fever of 104 for four more days before it finally let up. Poor kid was so sick that he had to be carried from room to room because he didn't have the energy to walk.

Now, Cristian is complaining of a sore throat. Tomorrow, he goes for a throat culture. Fabulous.

I think I may as well just throw in the towel, and turn in my mommy card. I'm done now, thank you very much. I don't want to play anymore.

Here We Go Again...

We found out yesterday afternoon that Brady may be facing the loss of another job. The company that he works for has been facing major financial issues for several months now, as are so many other companies out there. Yesterday they announced that part of the company had been bought out...but, it looks like they are only taking a select few from this company with them. They are currently seeking a $300 million loan from the Department of Energy, but at this point, it doesn't look promising. One of the higher ups will be coming to Sacramento today to talk to two of the shifts. Hopefully, that will shed some light on what we can expect as far as how much time before layoffs occur.

I feel so bad for Brady. This would be his second layoff within a year. And, there are no jobs available for him to seek. It's definitely a very defeating feeling.

But, we still have our faith, and we are relying on God to help get us through (and the government's unemployment benefits, when the time comes!). There are so many others that are much worse off than we are, and we are praying for them, as well as for ourselves. I'm sure something good will come out of all of this...it's just going to take time. Please pray...not just for us, but for everyone out there that is going through this same thing.