Nothing too earth-shattering going on, but here's the latest:
-Cody is 17 months and beginning to talk (some two word phrases now). He loves to read and sing. He is more daring than Ben ever was, willing to take off down the road if I turn away for three seconds, willing to jump off of furniture, etc. He will require more proactive parenting. When he's in a good mood, he is extraordinarilly fun, super entertaining, and cute. When he's in a bad mood, he's still cute, but very draining. Sadly, he has been in a bad mood for much of the last three months due to ear infections, seemingly constant sickness, and teething. Nothing, from the common cold to a tooth, comes easily for Cody. Everything seems heightened a little bit on the pain scale for him. Poor guy. But, thankfully, just when it seems we literally cannot take the fussiness anymore, there is a period of playfulness, cuddling, or good belly-laughter that refuels us again. He is incredible and he reminds us of it regularly. I am just anxious for it to be summer (less sickness going around) and for his darned teeth to be here.
-Ben is in a great stage of conversing, questioning, and reasoning. His mind has always seemed brilliant and he continues to astound us in that department. He is a good big brother and a compassionate person all around. He still lets me cuddle him on occasion. All of the talkativeness, though, can also be tiring. I try to remember what I heard a mother say on the radio (she had lost her little boy in a car accident): "I used to hear 'Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?' and wish I could change my name. Now, I'd give anything in the world to hear that voice again." I try to keep it in perspective.
-Mark spent the last few months busy at Carrington College, covering a position on campus while they looked for a new hire. Now, things in the presenting department should slow down during the summer, but he will most likely continue to help normal hours at the campus. He has also continued working with some local high school kickers and punters in a one-on-one setting. He gets paid to do what comes easily to him (kicking and teaching) and it benefits these kids greatly. One kid he has been working with regularly has excelled and is expected to get scholarships for his kicking.
-I recently determined that I need to do something to distract myself, to use my talents, to create a hobby, and to generate more income. I have purchased books on the process of getting children's literature published. I have worked on a couple of stories. Also, a couple weeks ago, Mark and I started purchasing used furniture (usually very used) and refurbishing it for money. We have been ultra-busy with it and having a pretty good time, too. Nearly everything we have posted on craigslist has sold within a day, usually for 2-4 times what we put into it. Not sure we can keep up the pace we have for the last while, but it is a fun thing on the side. (I'm attaching a couple of photos of things we've completed so far).
-My mom, step-dad, brother Dennis and his family will all be visiting early July. Some great friends of ours from AZ will be here late June. My dad and step-mom plan to get out here at some point this summer as well. My friend, Shawna, is getting married in Loma Linda, CA in August and Joy and I will both be in the wedding. We may stay a while after and make a family vacation out of it while we're at it.
-I am waiting on insurance to approve covering a procedure to fix my deviated septum and other nasal issues impairing my breathing. I have dealt with this for as long as I can remember and am ready to have it cleared up. If this happens, it will most likely be in August.
And, that's the latest!