I don't know how we would have made it through without so much help from family coming to stay and from our ward family here. True that they were so tiny and sweet with that newborn freshness. Quite honestly, I am enjoying life these days so much better....
Look at this....I'm even having time to update the blog! A new, functioning computer also helps.
Ashlyn began Kindergarten at the end of July. She was so excited to go. The Friday before they had a trial day to see what to expect come Monday. When it came time for pick up, kids were running into their parent's arms saying how much they were missed. My Ashlyn cried when I came to pick her up, but with an entirely different outlook...."What are you doing here? I don't want to go."
It made me sad 'cause I wanted her to miss me, but I was so excited for her and glad that she enjoyed it. The first official day came and she walked right into the playground never looking back.
Fast forward a few months into the school routine and each morning is a struggle to get her out of bed and moving. Can't blame her, I hate mornings too. But oh, boy.... I now understand my Dad's frustration when he used to tell us to "Get it in gear!"
Ash is a great big sister and becoming quite the little miss independent & babysitter. Whenever the babies cry, she'll try to calm them down by singing "I Am a Child of God". It is the sweetest thing ever! Then a couple months ago, Abby started "singing" along too. Of course she can't form the words, but she's consistent with the sounds and even the melody. It just makes me melt every time they do that! It's so fun to watch them all grow and see what compassionate little people they are.
Abigayle is quite the character. From the day we brought them home, she has been the loud, crying, determined little stinker and has stayed true to form. She knows what she wants and at a year old began throwing roll on the floor screaming tantrums if she doesn't get it. I used to think that cases like that were always the parent's fault for not being disciplined and consistent from the get go. But seriously, 12 months old, it's not like we taught her and it's not as if she knows what time out is. Yes, more and more I eat my words about what a good parent I was going to be when I had kids. "I would never let them get away with that! It's the parent's fault for spoiling them!"
For as much of a Jekyll and Hyde personality that she has, Abby can also be the cutest little booger around. She loves people and attention and making others laugh. Her big, bright eyes have a such a twinkle. She shares things, and pats Charley on the back to encourage her. She's determined to do things quickly and her way... rolling, crawling, walking, communicating. She's very inquisitive - pointing to and asking what everything is... "Dat? Di?" (That? This?)
Charlotte is our little snugglebug sweetheart. He has the best big smile. As she moves more and is trying to walk, her squishy sweetness is still sweet and becoming less squishy. She's an observer for sure. She'll sit back and watch everything around. It's like she's studying to see how things are done and get it just right before she jumps in to try. Like crawling and walking for example... we had her tested by a physical therapist 'cause it's hard not to compare when you see the two of them doing such different things at the exact same age. Well, little Charley, once she decided to start moving, did it well and keeps up with her sisters no problem. She's walking along furniture and taking her first steps, but gets so excited that she leans forward and face plants before she can take more than 2-3 steps at a time. It's like her little legs can't keep up with her mind. She barely has hair still, but she has long lashes and beautiful brown eyes. I love the way she likes to cuddle and is content to just sit on my lap & let me love on her.
After the struggles we went through to get them here, I can't imagine life without them now.
Derek was recently called as an assistant ward clerk and is really liking his new roll in church. That also means that he can't take the babies to the car and drive around till church is over anymore. I love getting to be in the primary, though each week is a juggling act to figure out who can help with the twins and in trying to keep Ashlyn sitting with her class and not running up front to be with me. Make it sitting through an entire sacrament meeting?....that's a funny thought. 3 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, and 21 hours till Nursery!
Things are going well with Derek's work and I feel so blessed to be able to stay at home with the girls. A regular shower and clean house would be nice.... a girl can always dream! A few months ago, Derek landed a huge account for the company. I've been so proud of him and his work ethics. He's become the top salesman & got his name out there coordinating with company leaders. He's helped us secure more financial stability and what I love most is that he's home every night and most importantly takes time to be with the family and go to the little appointments together. Now I am bragging, but hey - he's my hubby and I love him and I can!
That's not to say that the past year hasn't been filled with a handful of struggles as well. We've definitely learned the importance of taking the time and effort to work on our marriage as well as balancing the everyday challenges of life as a family of five. Sleep deprivation, exhaustion, hormonal changes, financial struggles, and lack of time are all reason to challenge any relationship. I would testify that faith, family, friendship, and a fine balance of selflessness coupled with selfishness, are ways that we can all grow and get through those rough periods in life.
Hope you all feel as blessed and loved as I do!
Now, here's an overload of photos and video clips to catch up on the past year. Enjoy!....
(These are just from the past few months.....more to come when I can find the other camera cards ~ I'm outnumbered and have more helping hands these days....things keep disappearing & reappearing in the strangest places)
Our Sweet Little Monkeys
Abigayle
Charlotte
Bathtime!
Silly Abby
Sweet Charley
Big Sister Ashlyn's always there to help!
Dancing it Up at Aunt Heather's Wedding
Abby
Charley
Pulsipher Family Picture Day
Pretty Typical Expression for her.
And this is oddly normal behavior for her...she has a fascination with the wet wipes!
The Gunnison 4th of July Parade
Cute Cousins ~ Ashlyn & Taylor
Grand Marshalls ~ Aunt Janet & Uncle Jay Childs
This is what happens when Ashlyn gets bit by mosquitos.
We stopped in Las Vegas on the way home from our summer Utah trip - thought it would be fun to take the kids to the Shark Reef & Aquarium.
Pirate Captain Ashlyn
Ash and I introduced the girls to our monthly Costco Lunch & Shopping Trip
FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!
While we were at home figuring out what to do with ourselves while Ashlyn was enjoying her first day of school, these two monkeys got into some trouble of their own...
Ashlyn & Charlotte
We could swear they're the two that are more like twins!
FIRST BIRTHDAY FUN!
Abby ~ Charley
Ashlyn had to make and decorate special little cupcakes - so cute.
Fun "new" Toys
Charley
Abby
Funny Face Charley
Ashlyn provided the magic show for the party ~ an amazing disappearing/reappearing act...
We got an awesome visit from Taylor - she came to stay with us for a couple weeks in July/Aug. What a big help!
Tay & Charley asleep in the chair...so sweet.
Time for the Big Girl Car Seats - Bye, Bye Babies, Hello Toddlers
They thought they were so cool!
Fun at the Mall....Yee Hah!
The girls discovered what was Ashlyn's favorite kitchen cupboard at the same age...We were amazed that she still could fit into it. Abby didn't waste any time shutting her in there...
And then she found a way to coax Charley into another hiding spot...
Through the eyes of a five year old...
Playing Restaurant with the stuffed animals - what a kid!
Derek was panicked one night when he couldn't find Ashlyn. She'd been up in her room & wasn't answering & was nowhere to be found. I asked if he'd checked under her bed which is the hiding spot of choice when she's avoiding bedtime. Sure enough... there she was, sound asleep.
I'm liking Kindergarten ~ she's way more tired and puts herself to bed without a fight!
Abby had to get one last use out of the infant car seats before they were donated...and then so did Ashlyn...
Ashlyn decided to switch to a tumbling class instead of dance - best decision! She's been doing great and LOVES it!
We went to the pumpkin patch for FHE...the girls didn't love the corn maze, but otherwise had a great time!
Just cause she's cute...
FIRST AWARDS ASSEMBLY for the first quarter...
Ashlyn got on the Honor Roll and had Perfect Attendance - Wahoo!
