2013 The Year of Family

2013 was a year that was that will go down in history. There were good and bad things that took place, but mostly good. We had a year of reaching new milestones. Joel and I overall had a good year. This time last year I was recovering from having my 3rd ICD surgery. Joel was such a great help. We had many changes as well.

Joel at Iowa Historical Building

   In January we decided to go to the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines, Iowa. Some may think Joel was a little too young, but believe it or not he understood a lot more than I even thought he would. He had a lot of fun. Most of all it was FREE (I am all about that when living on such a tight budget). Joel enjoyed learning about the Iowa Native Americans to seeing what prehistoric animals lived in Iowa like the Wooly Mammouth. Later in the month we went the first time to Incredible Pizza with Joel's godparents. It was a blast to let loose, and have fun. I still had to watch what I did because I was only a month out from having my surgery.

Giving Valentines to Children at Blank

Ingredients for snow ice cream

In February Joel shocked me. He thought about others instead of himself. He wanted to give Valentines to children in hospital and at the doctors office where he goes to. So we drove to Des Moines to drop them off. Due to flu season we gave them to Child Life to see that the children got to have a Valentine to give to their families or nurses that took care of them. 

Fun in the Snow

  Also in February we had some fun in the snow. Joel got to sled with his godfather, have a snowball fight with his godparents, help his godfather with the snow blower. We also enjoyed other snowy activities. We made snow ice cream (which is good since both of us are lactose intolerant), and Joel drew with the snow with water bottles filled with colored water. He was so cute when he made me a flower bouquet.

Kids Fest

 In March my father and I took Joel to Kids Fest for the first time. I would reconmend it to anyone that wants to enjoy doing things with their children for the day. It does cost to get in, and there are things that cost to do, but many things are free. It was fun to watch Joel have a blast. He got to see all his super heroes such as Batman, Spiderman, and different ones from Star Wars. I also found out that he loves to play soccer there. I new that he liked it, but I didn't know how much he loved it. We are thinking about going in 2014 to have a blast again.

Easter Morning

Joel Egg Hunting

Joel flying kite

Easter fell in March this year. It was a fun filled weekend and Sunday Easter service. It was a blast to see Joel hunt for Easter eggs both Saturday at the care center, and Sunday at church. Most of all it was great to celebrate together the true meaning of Easter and that is Jesus. Joel is really starting to understand the whole meaning now that Jesus died for our sins, and on Easter morning he rose, and is in heaven seated next to our Heavenly Father. So, that if we believe in Him we too someday can go to heaven. Easter Sunday afternoon Joel learned to fly a kite for the first time. It was such a perfect day for him to learn. It was a blast teaching him how to fly his first kite. Someday we hope to go fly a kite where we have better wind, and no telephone wires to deal with.

1st Picnic of the Year

Joel pushing his godfather on Swing

We were so excited when April rolled around as weather got warmer to do things outside. Joel and I love to grill on our patio, and play outside. Joel also loved it because he could get his bikes out to ride. It would be year number two of him being able to ride without training wheels. He was a little rusty when he first got back on since he didn't learn very long before we had to put them away for the winter. But he got it down, and started to try new tricks. April also brought nicer weather that we could go to the park. Many time Joel's godparents would go with us. Many times it was on Sundays after church that we would go.

Joel with Preschool diploma

Science Center Trip

  In May a milestone was achieved. Joel was done with his years of preschool. He graduated from both his regular preschool at Little Huskies North as well as his part time preschool at Stepping Stones. I am glad for both places helping him in his education. Joel still goes to Stepping Stones for daycare though at times. I was so proud of my little guy for his big achievements. I couldn't believe that I was soon going to have a kindergartener. 
  Also in May we got to have some cool field trips with his preschools. His regular preschool we went to the elementary for the afternoon and toured (it was Joel's second year). But, I had so much fun hanging with the children. We also went with Stepping Stones to the Science Center of Iowa for the day. It was Joel's first time. It was so much fun watching Joel learn and do science experiments. 

Arkansas Trip

Joel and Grandma Lil at Precious Moments Chapel

End of May beginning of June we took our yearly Memorial week to Arkansas to spend with our family down there. Usually we go twice in a year but we only got to go this only week this year. We did have fun in a way. We took our annual trip up Iron Mountain to the top to ride on the little train around the mountain top with our grandparents. It is so pretty to go looking out across the mountains. Joel and I actually got a good family picture together on the mountain side. Our grandparents took us down and brought us back. On our way home we decided to take it slow and just enjoy some sight seeing. Joel and I had been to the Precious Moments Chapel before. We decided to go again with my grandparents. Grandpa wasn't feeling the best so he stayed out to rest while we went with Grandma inside. We also had a picnic lunch there as well. We can not wait to go down there again in 2014 either at spring break or during summer break. It all depends on Joel's summer scheadule.

Camping June 2013

June came so fast I think, and left so fast as well. We blinked and it was over. It was a busy month for us for sure. We began with a camping trip with Joel's godparents to Viking Lake near Red Oak, Iowa. The trip started off sunny and warm, and ended the same way, but in the middle we got rained on off and on. The boys had fun with water fights as well as their usual hike in the woods. Joel had a scavenger hunts to accomplished while we were there. Got it done basically in one day. The nastiest thing was we found a spider under my tent, and a baby snake under Joel's godparents tent.

Joel with the Gorillas

  Joel's godparents and I also took Joel to the Omaha Zoo for the first time. I think all four of us had a blast there. Except Joel's godmother and I hated the bats that flew over our heads in one of the buildings. We got to see the Dinosaurs Alive thing while it was there. The boys were like kids in a candy store with the interactive dinosaurs. Joel also loved seeing and even interacting with some of the animals.

Diving off diving board

June also brought even warmer temps in a way. It also meant Joel doing some early summer activities. Joel did playtime in the park as one of his activities. He also had his first year of swimming lessons. I never had swimming lessons, and I learned the hard way. I decided that my son needed them. With my heart disease I can't swim like I use to. Joel loves the water. Joel really enjoyed swimming lessons. On the last day they let them have fun with their swim coaches. They got to go down the big water slides as well as dive off the diving board. My son was not scared of nothing. He went right into it. I was nervous as a mom watching her son for the first time, but I knew his swim coach was right there (Thank you to Jesus they kept him safe).

Swimming Pool

VBS

Stock Car Races

 July brought us more quality family time. We love the summer month specially this year. It wasn't really that hot all summer. Joel and I spent some time at the pool. I went a couple times to help with the daycare children. Joel is a fish in water. We had such a blast going to the pool. We also enjoyed the local county fair. We went and watched the mud racing like we do about every year except in 2012 because we were in California visiting. We had Vacation Bible School one of the weeks in July. All the children had a blast. Joel loved learning the new songs as well as learning Bible verses. I was impressed with how well he memorized them. Grant it they were short for his age, but he did well. One of the fun things we did was go see stock car racing in Stuart, Iowa with our cousins. Joel loves racing. We thought he would love seeing it a little up and close besides watching the pros on tv. It was Joel's first time going. He absolutely loved it. After the race he got to meet and talk to one of the drivers (I knew him since he was a my son's age). They let him sit in the car. It really made my son's day. To this day he talks about it still, and how much he can't wait to watch him when the races start back up in the spring.

Adventureland 2013

Joel with his godfather on bumper cars

 August also was a busy month. We went to the pool off and on until the day it closed. We went on another camping trip but this time over the weekend. It was a little warmer than in June. So we squeezed some time to swim at the lake. Every time we go camping Joel meets other children to play with. We also got to spend a day in August with friends at Adventureland. It was a long day, and we were all pooed out when we got done. Joel had his first roller coaster ride with me. Needless to say I don't think he will do it again until he gets older. I give him a double thumbs up for trying though. We also went to the Iowa State Fair together just the two of us. My feet hurt just thinking about it. We had a blast though. It is a family tradition to go every year. Joel is getting to like it more and more every year. Joel also for the first time went down the Big Yellow Slide (if you are from Iowa and go to the State Fair you will know what I mean). It is a huge big slide. I can't do it anymore because it is too far to walk up steps, and hard on my heart to bounce all the way down. I was so leary of letting Joel go all the way up by himself, but he did it.

Kindergarten

First Day of Kindergarten

   Well the end of August meant it was time for school to start once again. This year my son hit a milestone as he began his journey into the next 13 years of school. More if he decides to go to college. This year Joel started Kindergarten. He was ready for school to begin, and be in kindergarten. I on the other hand was having a hard time leading up to the day he would get on the big yellow bus and leave me behind. It was hard to let go of my lil man, but I knew I had to. I would be lying if I said I didn't cry. I was able to hold it together until he was on the bus and riding off before the tears fell. Thank goodness Joel's godmother was with me, and keeping me busy while he was at his first day. I really love his teacher. She has done wonders with him this year. Every once in a while I get a little teary eyed watching him get on the bus. But I know he is in good hands.

Field trip with K-2 and K-3 Clases

In September Joel decided to try his hand at a new sport. He decided to try soccer. He has always loved to kick the ball around outside at home, and when we went to Kids Fest he showed interest in it. So, I decided to sign him up. He played September through October on a U6 team. He had a blast, and we had a blast watching him. You know you are a soccer Mom when you go no matter what the weather may be. Hot and sunny, Rainy and cold, and to just plain cold. He already has stated he wants to do soccer again in the Spring.
  The end of September Joel's class had a field trip to The Pumpkin Patch at Howell's Tree Farm. I decided to go and help with the little ones. Joel was so thrilled that his Mommy was going with him, and he could introduce me to his friends. We had such a blast. I was worn out and ready for a nap when I got home though.

Joel and his cake

Joel as ninja

October was a very busy month for us. It went by so fast. I think it is because we were busy with so much going on. Joel finished up fall soccer. We also had the annual town festival one of the weekends. In October we celebrated Joel turning 6. I went and ate lunch with him, and hung out with him and his friends at recess before I had to get other things done for the day. Joel took birthday cupcakes that our friend Lisa at Anything Sweet and More made him. The Saturday before his birthday we celebrated with family and friends at Godfather's Pizza. He had an awesome birthday to say the least. Thanks to all that came. Joel was and still into Ninjigo. His godmother made him a Ki cake. and cupcakes to match. Later in October was getting things ready for halloween. We carved pumpkins, and of course went trick or treating. Joel of course was a ninja this year. He was so adorable.

Joel wrestling

Christmas Parade

November began our winter sport of wrestling. This is Joel's 2nd year. Boy is he improving every time he wrestles even to this day. Joel really loves to travel going to the different tournaments. He also enjoys meeting new friends from different schools. This year he also learned that he has cousins that love to wrestle as well. Joel got to visit and talk with them at a couple of tournaments. This year we are traveling quite the distance to some of the tournaments. If Joel wants to I will let him. 
  We also celebrated Thanksgiving with family. The next night we went to uptown for the Christmas Parade. Joel loves participating in the activities up there. He got to see Santa. We went to supper with his godparents before the parade. 

Joel awarded 2nd place

  December came and went, but so joyful about Christmas as usual. This year it was nice to not be laid up from having surgery so I actually got to enjoy fun things with my son leading up to Christmas. It is one of Joel's and I favorite times of the year, because we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Joel and I enjoyed hot coco and snow ice cream already a couple of times this year. Of course we were busy with going to a couple of wrestling tournaments. Joel did fairly well this month with a 2nd place at Anita, 4th at Norwalk, and 3rd at Van Meter. We took the Saturday after Christmas off. We both needed a break. Joel can not wait to start back up tomorrow with practice. 

Joel 1st lost tooth

Joel enjoyed going sledding the 22nd after church with his godparents and myself. He can't wait until we can again. Do to my heart condition I only go down a couple of times. We had a really nice Christmas with family. Christmas Eve Joel and I enjoyed our homemade hot coco, and watching "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."Joel got a Christmas present. He hit another milestone. He lost his first tooth. We now have another one getting loose. 

    2013 was a blessed year for sure. We had good and bad days. There were big and small things that changed our year for sure. No matter how our 2013 ended for Joel it was truly a great one, because we got to spend it together as a family. We are looking forward to what God has planned for us in 2014.

Here are our New Year's Resolution:
Joel: To hug my Mommy and family more, and tell them I love them. Also to learn more about the love of God.
Myself: Keep growing in my walk with the Lord. Also to maybe try going on a few dates.

December 2013

Christmas Morning

  Wow! It is hard to believe it is December. As I am writing this it is just a couple days after Christmas, and a couple of days until we welcome 2014. December was another busy month for us. We enjoy the hustle and bussle as long as we are together. Exciting things happened this month besides Christmas.
  Joel got to visit and see Santa. He really loves Santa. He asked for so many things from Skylanders to a boyfriend for Joc (our turtle). One thing though even though Joel believes in Santa still. He knows that the true meaning of Christmas isn't about getting presents, but of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. So, Jesus is more important to him than Santa.

Joel at Anita

 Joel continued to wrestled almost every weekend at different tournaments (Anita, Norwalk, and Van Meter). We took this weekend off. So, back to the roads starting next weekend. Joel took 2nd in Anita (there were 4 boys but not all showed for picture), in Norwalk Joel took 4th (hard competition), and last weekend he took 3rd in Van Meter. I was so proud of my son. He is wrestling hard, and improving week to week. Next month will be busy every weekend as we go here and there. Even ones we may travel up to 2 hours to get to a tournament. Joel is looking forward though to more tournaments. It was nice to have a break though this week; with it being Christmas week.

Sledding

  Joel and I have enjoyed Christmas break a lot. Last Sunday he sang and performed at church with the other boys. All of them had their lines memorized, and sang well. I wished I could get Joel's video loaded on here but I couldn't of him after church singing and dancing to songs. It was so adorable. That afternoon Joel's godparents and myself took Joel sledding at the school. It was so much fun to watch him sled. His godfather also sled with him. I have a hard time going up and down the hill so I just went down a couple of times with him. It was hilarious to listen to him laugh and scream as he went down the hill.
  Christmas even began our routines. Joel frosted sugar cookies for Santa. This year he did red, white, and blue with sprinkles. He had a blast. We then watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" together while sipping on homemade hot coco. Before Joel went to bed we read the Christmas story from the Bible. Joel even read part of it. He was even doing well on trying the big words. I was so impressed with how well he is reading at 6 years old.

Joel lost his first tooth

  Christmas morning began like any other morning. Joel woke up and was ready to see what Santa had gotten him. After Joel got done opening what Santa got him, and part of what I got him; Joel got a big surprise. He hit another milestone. Joel lost his first tooth. We were so happy. I was relieved because it came out with no blood, and he didn't swallow it. We spent our Christmas with family off and on all day and evening. We did miss family we could not spend it with though since they live in different states. Maybe we can get together with them in 2014.


 

November 2013

Joel at Allemen, Iowa

  November came and went with a bang. I swear I blinked and it was over with. It just went too fast. Of course November began the craziness of traveling, shopping, and holiday fun. Joel and I had a wonderful November for sure.

Joel and I before a match

  Joel began his 2nd year of wrestling in November. So, the traveling to tournaments and going to practices began. Joel was really enthused with being able to wrestle again this year. I was amazed with how much he remembered from last year, and how much he improved just in a months time with wrestling began at the beginning of this month.
  We went to Martensdale and Allemen tournaments in the month of November. Joel placed 4th in both tournaments but did very well. He improved so much since last year. I was sure proud of my little guy.
  Joel and I spent our Thanksgiving with his godparents and their family at lunch time and for a few hours after. That afternoon we went to my parents house before we took off again to have some fun with Joel godparents. 
 

Being A Stay At Home Mom

  Yes, I am a stay at home Mom. I do indeed love it. God has really blessed me with a loving, caring, and courageous little boy that brings so much joy to my life. It is hard to believe my little guy is now 6 years old.

  Many people have various thoughts that run through their head when they hear that not only am I a stay at home Mom, but I am also single. A few people get upset until they hear the whole story. I am not a single stay at home Mom by choice. It was by doctor's orders due to some severe heart complications. I wont go in total detail. Yes, most of the heart issues were caused by my pregnancy and delivery of Joel (which no one will tell women that it can happen). I am very blessed to even be alive to raise my son. My plan was to raise my son, and work. It was hard when I was told that I couldn't. I was forced to go on government aide and file for disability. The thought bothered me. The doctor did tell me one thing that touched my heart: "Your job now will be to work and care for your son." There is a reason. Maybe it was to slow me down, or to devote my energy and time into my son's life. To know that someone was going to be there for him since his biological father has no care in the world (still doesn't).
 
  So, I have thrown my life work into raising my wonderful son. Even though I miss work; being a stay at home has been has been priceless, and worth more than working endless hours. I have been able to witness most of my son's milestones, and so much more. It has been fun making so many memories together over the last 6 years. I can't imagine my life with out him.

Living History Farms

  One thing I have said is that no matter what we will do various things as a family. Go see things, go camping, visit family, and even travel on vacation. I pinch as save so we can have a little enjoyment in our lives, besides sitting at home. We enjoy journeys and adventures. I want my son to experience things first hand rather than hear about things, enjoy doing things as a first for both or us, or just enjoy doing  and showing Joel places I went and did as a child myself. Oh the memories we have had so far, and I am looking for the new. The first few years were fun because we could just decided to do something, and up and go. Now that Joel is in regular school it makes it hard. Sometimes we do things just the two of us, and other times with family or friends. 

Worn out at Silver Dollar City

Us at Silver Dollar City

   We have seen so much, and made so many memories. There are still things we want to do. We both love going on family vacations. I told myself that I will see that we go on vacation no matter where it is; even if it is camping (cheapest) somewhere for the weekend. We have been through many states due to traveling when there is money. We have been to Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and California. Each being so memorable for us. A few Joel may not totally remember. Like our trip to Branson, Missouri when he was almost 2. I saved and I got discounts so we could go. We got to go to Silver Dollar City for two days. I had gone there as a child with my brothers, and my grandparents. So, it was a memory that I could share with my son as well as make a new memory of being there. It was true blast. Maybe someday when Joel is older we can go back again (better start saving now, because it a lot of money).

Precious Moments Chapel

Hot Springs, Arkansas

On the Mountain in Mena, AR

   We take many trips to Arkansas to visit family down there. Many times our family sees to it that we get down and back. Grandpa does not like me on the road by myself with a young child. When we go down we usually end up sight seeing somewhere. Sometimes to the same favorite place (Joel's mostly) on top of the mountain. We have gone to Hot Springs, Arkansas and toured the bathhouses. Which was a lot of fun. One time I wanted to surprise our Grandpa for his birthday, and plus go down and get a car since I didn't the time. We took a bus on the way down (not the most comfortable, but if needed I will again). It was difficulty managing carry on bag, car seat, and a soon to be 3 year old at the time. I made it through though. Joel slept most of the night where I think I got maybe a hour total. I was able to get a car while we were down there. I managed to drive from Arkansas to Iowa stopping on the way to see things, and to stay a night in Missouri (driving all they way was tiring for me so split it up).  I learned that if we were going to do something just the two of us it would be short trip somewhere, or camp/ stay in a hotel for a night. We did stop and see a few sights on the way home. We went to Precious Moments Chapel and Jesse James Birthplace. Both places were our first time going to. It was fun just to let loose and concentrate on my son, and have fun and forgetting out my heart and other problems.
  

Hanging out at North Beach in San Fracisco, CA

Golden Gate Bridge

   A couple years ago as every knows Joel and I traveled to San Francisco, California with family to see my brother get married. My father, and my Mother also went. We put our funds together so we could go. It was quite the trip to say the least. After God had his share, and bills were paid we took off. It was truly an experience to say the truth. We had so much fun. The long car ride not so much. It was great to see things we had never seen, and may not see again (really hope though). I had seen the ocean in Florida in 1998, but this time I would see the other ocean, and watch as my son got to experience the smell, feel, and the taste (due to not keeping his mouth closed). Being a stay at home Mom I didn't have to worry about taking time off of work, and I could stay on vacation as long as needed. Joel's face was so much fun to see when he would see the big boats coming into the bay, or the seals at Fishermans Warf. 
 

Family Pic 2012

Family Pic 2011

   Being a stay at home Mom has had so many rewards for sure. Even though if I was able to work we could have more things, and do things. But at the same time I would miss so much of Joel's upbringing. I could of missed so much. I would of dealt with that if I had to though if  I had to. I really don't care what others say about me being a SINGLE stay at home mom. I am taking care of my heart by not working, and at the same time raising my son. Enjoying and making sweet memories. Weather it be a day at the park, having lunch some where, going on a field trip with him, taking family pictures, vacation, camping, going to a game, or sitting on the sidelines watching my son play a sport. 

A Day at the park

I am blessed to be given a chance to be a stay at home Mom by God. Yes, I am not your typical stay at home Mom, but really who is? So, what if I am single, and can not work (due to a disability). But I am a loving caring Mom like any other Mom out there. I put my son's well being before anyone else physical, mentally, emotionally, or what ever. My son needs me. So, I am going to follow my doctor's orders he gave me 6 years ago, and raise my little guy, and be there for him. If you do like what I am doing oh well, it is something you will have to take up with God. As for me; I am going to enjoy every moment God allows me to be with my son.