Life Continues

So much to say so little time... But I should say more, because it's been so many months since my recent musings of my Blackhurst clan.... I'm assuming my absence has to do with more time spent working. I've done that a bunch more in the last few months... I have been working with a youtuber, making music videos for causes and have had a bunch of fun learning about marketing videos and etc... and teaming with non profits. I've also recently started doing some medical writing for IHC, and still do some parenting blogging for Go Au Pair. I'm not sure how I'll keep doing it all though with Will going back to school for the next six months-- I can't wait to read my next journal entry to see if I survive... AKA working and being a good mom. And anytime Will is schooling. I'm missing him like crazy and get stir crazy with the kiddies - so heres hoping I make it.

Ben is growing right before my eyes. He reads better all the time, he is making more friends and hanging out more with kids in the neighborhood. We're embarking on that whole new world of parenting to find the balance of friends and family and good outside influences and avoiding bad outside influences- sometimes the lines aren't always clear so this is all unnerving.  Ben loves his dog Skips and would really love a puppy. Ben also loves Pokemon and picking on his little brother.

James is a hoot. The family comedian to say the least. The kid is always teasing and laughing. He's my smiley guy. Today James primary teacher and I agreed on one thing about him- he does not like to wear shoes. Wherever he goes the first thing he does is take them off. It makes me CRAZY! James is really easy to get along with - he generally hangs out with any kid that will give him attention and I think most kids are happy to jump on his bandwagon. He has a very soft heart. You raise your voice at him and the tears fall like rain. James starts his second year of preschool in the fall. His first year he was one of 12 boys so that was a pretty crazy class. I think he loved it though. I'm hoping for more girls this next year ;)

Madison - you know how you see the best and worst in yourself - in your kids? Well she is determined. She knows what she wants and doesn't stop until she gets it. The flip side is her tantrums are crazy dramatic and she lets you know when she isn't happy with you (sounding familiar yet ;)  It's Will- just kidding that ones me :) Maddy's burn wounds have healed more as has my heart. I feel more confident all the time that she will see her scars as a way to connect with others in similar situations and build people who feel inadequate. Instead of letting them define her for bad. I hope she knows how beautiful she is and how beautiful all of our scars are both visible and hidden. They are a testament to resilience and overcoming trials. I love this little girl with all my heart. I wish I could give her a sister- but for now I will just pray that she finds "sisters" throughout her life in the gospel and community.  She is a wonderful wonderful girl.

As for Will and I you got my sob story at the top so I'll end with Will. He continues to be my rock. The man I love and admire more everyday. He is in a new job- at the U- doing medical coding. He says it's more interesting than the last job. I hope hope hope we can someday find him some job that will be just as satisfying for him as being a doctor was... I'm grateful for how far he has come. I am so proud of the man he is and how much his "scars" have taught him.

I better leave you now- to hit the hay. Fight the good fight!

Wish us luck. We love you!

Summer