While I can't say, we didn't get any of that accomplished, it seems like the summer went by too fast to enjoy all of our plans. The best part of the summer was spending time outside with the kids and watching them grow.
Our summer was spent with Jason spending about six weeks painting at a couple of side jobs (and he has a couple more to do yet). In addition to these side jobs, Jason spent a fair amount of time - and overtime - working at job sites for his day job, which he hasn't done since he began estimating about four years ago.
Olivia had her tonsils and adnoids removed on July 13th. I was a tough decision to have her go through surgery at 3 1/2 years old, but we knew it was the best decision for her health and future. Her tonsils were so large, they inhibited foods she could eat, she would snore so loud she would wake herself up and she had long periods of apnea while sleeping. Because of her snoring and apnea, she never got a good night's rest. The recovery after surgery was long and painful - for both her and I. I was fortunate to be between jobs for a couple weeks after her surgery so I was home during her recovery. Since she was in pain, she refused to drink or take her medicine. It is difficult explaining to a 3 year old that if she swallows and it hurts for five seconds, the pain will be gone for the rest of the day. It was about a three hour battle every morning to get her to take her pain medicine and drink. It is amazing that at the two week post-surgery mark, she was 100% better and without any pain. And it took the full two weeks!
Olivia had some special visitors at the hospital while she was recovering. And the day after surgery, she wanted to paint an art project, which is now her jewelry box.
Since her surgery, Olivia is eating much more and new foods, she doesn't have any apnea, and her snoring has gone away. I check on her now to make sure she is breathing since we don't hear her 'snoring' anymore.
Olivia was feeling better three days after surgery and wanted to be a princess.
This summer I was planning to stay home with Olivia and Liam and do some contract work. However, God has other plans for me. As Jason and I made the decision for me to stay home, a Dairy Extension Educator position came open at UNL. Anyone who knows me, knows that my passions are dairy and education and I have always wanted to do Extension. When this position came open, I had to apply. After several interviews and conversations, I accepted the position at UNL and now am a Dairy Extension Educator for Nebraska. My primary responsibilities will be dairy communication and program planning for the state.
Area county fairs have started and the kids have not lacking in riding the rides.
The beginning of August, we went to a Saltdogs game. We didn't watch much of the game, but the kids had fun on the bounce house. And Liam found Homer, the Saltdogs mascot, and took a liking to him right away. Olivia now has bragging rights, too. She was the "Smile of the Game" and was on the big screen at the game.
We didn't make it fishing, camping, to Chicago or sightseeing Nebraska, but we have enjoyed our summer as a family.
Our plans for the fall? A Vegas vacation for Jason and I, preschool for Olivia, exploration for Liam, and a debt free household for the family.
Stay tuned with us on our journey this fall.
