New Beginnings

Jeff received great news yesterday. The promotion he’s been working on the past few months came through and they offered him the job “Manager of Network Services” starting on March 16th. I’m so proud of him for going after this; he deserves it and will be great! The other good news is that he will be moved back to the west side of Houston which is closer to home and he will have normal hours again. Praise GOD!
I’ve taken on additional responsibilities at work as the most difficult person I’ve ever worked with is finally gone. This may sound mean but working with this woman has truly been a test of my patience. I’m glad to have that behind me and move on to better things. I’m still on my weight loss journey. I’ve struggled with this for years; from the nasty thyroid disease, to taking steroids for asthma, having hormones out of whack, loosing a parent and having 3 kids in the middle of all that, it’s been a roller coaster of weight gain and loss. I’m in the final stretch and can’t wait to finally be proud of this accomplishment.

I’ve spent a lot of time in prayer lately, thanking God for everything and counting my blessings. As my heart continues to break for the Marsh family (http://www.laylagrace.org/) and everything they are going through, it makes me realize my problems are minimal. I mean the 6 of us are healthy and besides the random viral infection, ear infection, or weight gain/loss we are good. They are loosing their child to the horrendous disease of cancer! Shanna’s faith is like no other I’ve ever known; she’s been so strong through this. She knows exactly where her baby girl is going and although this doesn’t make it easier for her knowing she is in her final days with Layla Grace, she has an amazing amount of faith. She has inspired me to spend more time with my kids, my family and friends. No more excuses. No more “not now Taryn, I’m busy” or “lets do a puzzle tomorrow because I’m tired” or “I’m working guys please be quiet.” I want to hear them sing, laugh, play and be kids. Jeff and I were chosen to be their parents and I want to do the job God intended for us to do. We don’t know how long we have with these precious ones and tomorrow is not guaranteed.

On a lighter note – Taryn continues to amaze me with her cuteness and kindness. She is so precious and such a funny crazy kid. I was “getting on her nerves” the other day and all I was doing was cooking dinner. She repeats what she hears and I’ll be the first to admit that those words come out of my mouth on a regular basis. All I could do was laugh and hide my face in my shirt so she wouldn’t see me. She is starting to be picky about her clothes and since the others were never like that, I don’t know what to do. She wants to wear short and t-shirts everyday and it’s been cold! As for her kindness, she apologizes for everything. If she steps on my toes she immediately says sorry and if I accidentally scratch her or something she says “it’s ok – it’s an acccccident.” She is just too cute!
Jayden has been having more and more headaches. They come on so sudden and are very painful for him. Looks like another trip to the doctor for more tests. He is still so skinny but growing taller and taller. His pants are all too short now as if he is waiting for flood. Good thing warm weather is right around the corner. He can’t wait for spring, to play outside and ride bikes and throw the football! He is such a gentleman also. With all these girls surrounding him he is going to know how to treat a lady.
Kiarra is gearing up for Jr. High. She applied for VIP (Very Important Privileges) at school for these final week in elementary and was accepted into the program for her good behavior and grades. She gets “Jr High” seating at lunch which means she gets to sit anywhere she wants. She was really excited about that. She is starting to take more and more time getting ready each morning making sure her hair is in place and outfit is coordinated with jewelry of some sort. She is growing up before my eyes and is more beautiful each day. I’m so proud of her for the decisions she has made.
Tamia is about an inch from being taller than me! I’m not ok with this. I want them all to stop growing. It sounds like she will be having another eye surgery for her eye that turns out. She’s had this done twice already and the second time it looks as if they over corrected it and now it turns out. She’s been getting teased and it breaks my heart knowing how mean girls are. She is the sweetest girl and always jumps to help out anytime with anything. She’s recently told me that she doesn’t want kids! I was a little upset about this but she explained to me that she has so many brothers and sisters that she just doesn’t want any. I thought this was hilarious, sad…but funny at the same time. Besides our kids, she has 2 other brothers and a sister. She is aspiring to be a pediatrician so she will be able to change the lives of children forever.