Catching Up

Since it has been about 10 months since my last post, there is no possible way I could try and "catch up" in 1 post!  But here are a few things that are going on now, and coming up.

Graison is playing football for Rocky Mountain Grizzlies.  They are doing great this season, having their first loss last week.  He plays Defensive End, #59, and I absolutely LOVE watching him play.  He is such a great young man, and I am amazed at the unselfishness and  love that he shows his family.  

Baylee is loving high school.  She is waiting to try out for the lacrosse team here at Rocky.  I have to admit, when she first told me this I wasn't the biggest supporter.  But after letting it sink in, I want her to try everything she wants.  Lacrosse is a totally different sport for us, but I think it would be fun to watch her.  

Jackson is still keeping us on our toes.  He is a little monster, yet we wouldn't know what to do without him.  He is quick to pick up on things we say, and remembers things instantly.  He can count to 10, sing Twinkle Twinkle and Itsy Bitsy spider.  Loves to say "you're kidding me" which makes us all laugh.

We have a busy few months coming up.  Baylee turns 15, Jackson turns 2, we are trying to get plans together to go Home (Missouri) for Christmas, and moving in about a month!  

Ok, think this is pretty much the high points over the last little bit.  I know I missed tons of things, but hopefully I will get better at this blog thing!

Just love this....wish I could print it out and carry it with me so I can pull it out and read it through out the day/week/month.

Source: beriablogs.com via Beria on Pinterest

Baseball Season

As you all know, we are HUGE baseball fans.  From little league to the St. Louis Cardinals.  So it's only fitting that Graison tried out and made the Freshman baseball team for Rocky Mountain.  We have had some insane baseball weather...back in Missouri baseball season consisted of melting off 5 pounds every game you sat through.  Here so far this season we have had thunderstorms....snow storms...50mph winds...and maybe a sunny day thrown in.
I have absolutely loved watching "Dub" play this year.  I am so proud of him for putting in the hard work and effort the months before tryouts were even starting.  He showed the coaches that he was committed and serious about playing.  He has become a pretty awesome young man.
So thanks to my brother...here are a few pictures of Graison's season....

What a year....it's only January!!

I have always said that I would LOVE to be able to see who was looking at my blog.  Oh well, maybe one day I will figure it out....

This year has started off very different than I could have ever imagined.  The old saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".  I think that is my family motto this year.  And the one amazing thing, is that our family has gotten stronger...and we have pulled together to stand beside each other no matter what!!!  I have the most amazing parents & siblings and I wouldn't trade them for all the money in the world.  You should be lucky to be called part of MY FAMILY.

It's Officially the Holiday Season

I am usually not one to fuss over a tree, we could put it up Christmas eve and I would be happy.  But for some reason this year, I have been in the holiday spirit sooner.  Maybe it's the welcoming of Jackson, maybe it's the not wanting to give up traditions we have started with Graison & Baylee.  I'm not sure, but I have loved going and looking at Christmas lights and decorations.

Dr. Seuss....we know how much i love him!!

The hospital here, where I had Jackson, does a yearly Festival of Trees.  Different organizations or businesses decorate a tree that is auctioned off and the money goes to different places in the hospital such as the cancer center and the children's ward.   (You may remember that last year my bank decorated a tree and WON 1st place in our division).  So, this is where we started off our holiday season.  By going to see the hundreds of decorated trees.

LOVED how different this tree was!

We rarely have pics of the 2 of us!

   

My still #1....can't believe how time has flown by with Graison

My #1 girl....she amazes me daily at how much she is growing  up!

Jackson....still waiting for someone to come pick up their little one!

Love this one.....

Introducing Jackson Beale....

For the first time in 13 years, there is a new baby in the Calbert house.  I still sometimes look at him and wonder where/why/who this little guy belongs to!

We welcomed Jackson on  November 3 at 9:52pm.  He weighed in at 7lb 9oz and 20 inches.  He wins the award for our smallest baby (yes, Baylee was even bigger).  At 2 weeks early, we were ready for him to get here.

I look back on our whole situation, with the surprise and all, and I sometimes feel so overwhelemed with the whole thing.  I look at Jackson and know without a doubt that he is supposed to be here with us, and a member of our nutty family.

Graison won't admit it, but he loves being with Jackson

Baylee LOVES holding Jackson.  She is loving being a big sis!

Max hates that he is not Scott's center of attention anymore.  

Arrived at the hospital a family of four.....left as a family if 5!!  

HELP

I am wanting a blanket like this.  I will buy the fabric, and everything but I can't sew.  They just look so soft and cozy!!!!

Freshman Homecoming.....

Can you believe that I have a son old enough to be going to High School Homecoming?!  It was a lot of fun getting him ready, finding his shirt and tie....and he looks pretty handsome if I say so!

 

Shock of a Lifetime.....

Ok, so many of you have heard the news. But I thought I would give you the story.  Now that I can talk about it without crying uncontrollably.  


I have been on birth control pills for the past 12 years.  Have never missed one, didn't have any problems with it.  So, in March I went in for my routine yearly.  The doctor and I were talking about alternative BC methods.  There was a newer thing that implants into your arm called the Implanon.  I was in love with it as soon as I heard about it.  It is good for 3 years, and no taking a pill everyday. Besides, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, and the Implanon was safer for that.


So, I was at the doctors office, Implanon open on the table, and gown ready for me, when the assistant came in and said "Hey, it's routine we do a pregnancy test."  I had NO WORRIES that this wouldn't be just some routine thing.  Until I sat there for 15 minutes waiting for them to come back.  I am starting to get worried.  The doctor was scared to come into my room.  And I knew.  I immediately started crying hysterically!!!!!   I was pissed, and upset, and overwhelmed, and scared, and pissed, and mad.  I couldn't believe it.   


I finally got a hold of Scott. Told him to get to the doc office ASAP.  I was panicking.  So my GYN does a pelvic and tells me "I think you're at least 6-8 weeks!"  WHAT??!!  Then 3 other people come in, they are all trying to hug me and comfort me (thanks for trying but they failed miserably).  I am transferred to the Imaging center to do a more thorough ultrasound.  Good news...GYN was wrong I wasn't 6-8 weeks pregnant.......I WAS 13 WEEKS PREGNANT!!!!!!


So, long story...kinda short.  It was a day I will never forget.  I cried for a week.  I am just now getting to the point where I tell myself "can't do anything about it, might as well start planning."  I still sit and think what in the world.  But I mostly am bummed because I am afraid that this will interfere with spending time and being involved with Graison & Baylee through their high school and jr high careers.  


So, we are due in November.  Which falls right into our line of birthdays (we have a July, August, September, and October now).  We do know that this has to be meant to be.  That we were supposed to have this baby.  It just has turned us upside down.


I have already told my doctors that I will not leave the hospital unless I either have a hysterectomy or an Implant in  my arm.  But with the odds of getting preggo on the pill (99.9%)  I would rather have something a little more permanent!!!     

wish my family lived closer.......no one loves you like your family!!!

Giving it One more shot....

Ok, so thanks to my friend Sarah, I was enlightened upon the "Update" on the bottom of the settings page. I am hoping this will make my blogging experience much easier!


On to Skiing & Snowboarding!!!  We took the kids up to Bogus Basin for our first official ski experience.  We had a few great coupons and deals so it turned out to be a great night out.


Graison was dead set on snowboarding.  We tried to tell him that it would be easier to ski first but he take after Scott and is too stubborn to listen.  Needless to say, he left with a bruised tailbone because he fell so many times!




































Baylee was dead set on the opposite...she wanted skiis.  Scott and I kept commenting on how impressed we were with her.  She took to skiing very easily and soon after was on her first chairlift up the mountain to a higher hill.  

All in all it was a great Saturday. I was a little over concerned about the VERY long and VERY windy road up to Bogus, and Scott was more than eager to tell me to calm down.  We realized that the kids definately  need warmer gear to wear.  

                               

HATE THIS

I HATE THIS BLOG.....I don't know why I can't type and put pictures in where I want them!!!! So, just be warned that I will probably not post anything else.....

Saying Goodbye....

How do you say goodbye?? I sit here looking at these pictures and I am in tears. I had such a special bond with my Grandma. I was always at her house, and I loved being around her. Little things will pop into my head and I will say "Remember this time...." I loved that my sisters and I all had our own tree in her yard. My grandpa planted these trees when we were little. It was tradition to get your picture taken in front of your tree when we visited. I remember using a Sharpie and coloring in her address numbers on the bottom of her screen door. I remember spending the night at her house. She would rock us and sing to us in Polish. I loved the smell of Grandma's house. Even getting a letter from her, I would sit and smell it because it reminded me of her so much.

I am grateful we had almost a warning. This past week has been a waiting game. We prayed for her, for her comfort and peace. I am glad that she was able to go home for the final time. I regret not being able to be there to tell her goodbye. But I will cherish the phone conversation I had with her Tuesday. She told me she loved me and I will always have that memory.

I have been a basket case this week. I know my family thinks I have been a walking zombie. Just going through the motions...freaking out whenever the phone would ring or buzz. They know how special Grandma was. And I appreciate them putting up with me.

This has been a hard 2010 for us already. We have said goodbye to 2 family members already. I don't know if I can handle any more.

To my sisters and brother, cousins, Aunts & Uncles, and to my mom and Aunt Jean......I love you all so much. I know this is a hard time for us, but we will get through it together. This will bring us closer together and hopefully make us more grateful for the blessings we have in our lives. I hope we can be closer, and keep in touch. I know Grandma is looking down from Heaven, and making sure we pull together and be a FAMILY.

Frustrated!!!!

So, my sister told me that I don't blog enough! So I thought that since I had alot to update about the holidays that i would sit and get it all done.

BUT OH NO!!! I am hating this blog thing right now. I don't know how my sisters do it. Especially Jennifer who has all pictures done so dang cute. I can't even get the picture to go where the heck I want it!!! It is very frustrating!!! So, if you want to see pics, ask me and I will email them!!!

My little GIrl....

I knew this day would come....just didn't realize it would get here so quickly! I can't believe that I am now the mom of (almost) 2 teenagers! Where has the time gone???? My little Peanut will turn 12 in about an hour. If you want to get technical she won't actually turn 12 til

9:46AM October 29th.

I always wanted a little girl. I am grateful that I had Baylee after Graison, for selfish reasons. Growing up, I always wanted an older brother. So, I always wanted to have a boy first, so that my daughter would have the relationship with a "big brother". Things worked out perfect!!! (Unless you have met my kids and realize that they haven't quit hit that stage where they like each other!!)

Baylee has been such an addition to our family. She definitely has a little attitude, but that is just her personality and we have all adjusted to it. She has a very loving and caring side to her as well. But defiantly learning to come into her own.

I am so proud of her. She has joined the ranks of "middle school" this year and has jumped in with both feet. She ran cross country, ran for 6th grade vice president, made the dance team at school, is playing the cello, joined the chess club, and making plans to play tennis and run track in the Spring. I love that she has tried every opportunity she could.

I will never forget the day of dance tryouts. It was an all day Saturday affair. I signed her in at 10AM for her to call me at 4PM telling me they were done. I sped (yep sped) up to the school to wait outside with her until they posted the results on the door of they gym. She was up all huddled with friends, about 100 girls auditioned. I sat in the car....on the phone with MY mom. In tears, reliving the days of when I was trying out for dance and knowing that my mom was outside waiting for me. How funny how the circle continues....

While I was on the phone....my mom could hear the girls scream! Here come the results!!!! I had to hang up with my mom cause I was in hysterics!!! I will be honest, I was ready to console Baylee, telling her she could try out next year. But the look on her face.....and her yelling I MADE IT!!! Our first call was to my mom....

So, Baylee, I just want you to know that I love you. I know you will probably never log on to read this (do you even know we have a blog??) haha But to all my friends and family, I want you to know how much I love my daughter. How proud I am of my daughter. I don't think you could ever explain the bond between a mother and daughter.

Believe me I have tried!!!

Catch up....

I know its been a while since I have posted anything to my blog. Just seemed like time got away from me....plus it was summer and we really didn't do much.

I do have a new nephew! My sister Jennifer had her 4th little boy. She didn't find out what she was having this time, which drove me crazy! I just knew it was a little girl though. She had a neat experience with her husband Joseph being able to deliver this little bundle of joy. When she called to tell me is was a little boy, I was both thrilled and excited for her. They named him Lennox Ottoway. Which is so cute!

I have been looking forward to school starting...I think since the last day of school last year! But as we are on the eve of the first day, I am sad that summer has gone by so quickly. I feel that we really didn't get the chance to do much "fun" stuff.

I have been talking with the kids about being in middle school. Here in Meridian, 6-8th graders are together in a middle school. So this means Graison and Baylee will be at the same school. Graison of course is devastated, Baylee of course is thrilled!! We have been telling Graison to have fun and enjoy his last year of being "top dog" as this won't happen again until he is a Senior. We have talked to Baylee about changing classes and peer pressure. Which lead us to talking about growing up and becoming a Young Woman. She will turn 12 in a few months and she asked me about.....

Yes, she learned how to shave her legs. It was a funny experience, and she only had a few little scrapes.

So, that pretty much brings you up to date. I am sure with school starting, I will have more to update. Graison is playing football and Baylee is running cross country. They are both excited to get back into a routine and to be around friends.

End of The School Year

I can't believe that another school year is over with. It seems like just yesterday that we arrived in Boise, and here we are finishing the first school year here. I think the kids have done amazing as far as adjusting to new schools.

Graison finished the 7th grade with a GPA of 3.2. He had to work hard the 4th quarter to get this GPA, but I am proud of him for sticking with it and getting it accomplished. Graison played football for the Sawtooth Sabercats. Then he decided he wanted to try his luck at tennis. His record was 6-2, and I was pretty impressed for never playing tennis before.

Baylee finished 5th grade with all A's. She scored perfect on her ISATS (equivalent to MAP tests). With her grades and test scores she earned the President's Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. I was very proud of her as only 5 other kids in the school were awarded this amazing accomplishment. She is also excited because she has math homework over the summer! This will allow her to be in 7th grade math next year.

Baylee had a surprise waiting for her after school yesterday. Her and 11 of her friends were greeted with balloons and then taken around the corner to see this waiting for them.....

The moms had all been in touch and behind this amazing surprise. We wanted the girls to have something special to remember their last day as "elementary students" and on their way to MIDDLE SCHOOL. The look on their faces was priceless! They were all surprised and couldn't wait to get on their way.

They went on a scavenger hunt. The first stop was Target where they had $2 and had to buy the biggest item they could find. The next stop was Edwards movie theatre where they had to find a ticket stub for a certain movie. Then the last stop was b&b photography (scott's work) for a group photo.

I think Baylee will remember her last day of school this year and her first ride in a Limo. They had a great time and it was so worth the planning!