September

There's a reason I try to write about each month before it's get too far into the next month. I'm having a hard time remembering all that happened in September.

We were finally allowed back into our home on September 8th. September was filled with a lot of service. Joseph went out every day he had off of work to help muck out houses. I wanted to go but with risk of mold and nasty water, it doesn't bode well for pregnant women. Ashton got to come along a few times with me to serve in other capacities.

A little treat for working so hard.

We took another trip to the zoo since Tanner had another doctor appointment in Houston. We got a second opinion for a birth defect and the doctor recommended surgery. I was much happier with the second doctor we went to and feel at peace with surgery (coming up next week!). The kids always love a trip to the zoo and this time, we had some gift money from a wonderful aunt so the kids got to buy something at the gift store. Tanner was asleep by that point so Ashton helped pick his gift out. We also used the money to buy popsicles on such a warm day.

The toy she chose from the gift shop. Within an hour of getting home, the stick/leash was put away because Tanner kept hitting Ashton.

Ashton's birthday came and went. We had a party for her with some friends from church and the neighborhood. It was a castle/prince/princess themed party and she had a blast. I made a deal with her that if she was okay with not asking for presents from her friends, I would take her to paint pottery in Houston. She went for it and I was very happy. We did this last year too and I enjoy that rather than getting a bunch of toys that our home doesn't really need. Ashton got her new pedal bike with no training wheels.

The kids got sick one week. Tanner got bronchitis and Ashton ended up with strep. Ugh... our paycheck went straight to the doctor and the pharmacy that week. Good thing my kids like the doctor. And Tanner became a pro at the nebulizer.

Taking a selfie with the PA.

All smiles the next day!

Ashton started soccer this fall. The first Saturday of games was a double header, which meant about three hours of soccer. She barely made it and was bribed with ice cream. I had to play on the field with her for the end of the second game. Thankfully, it's gotten better since then. But she sure looks cute in her pink shoes and socks.

This was the first weekend my sister came to visit as well. She is now living in Texas as a traveling speech therapist so we look forward to seeing her a lot over the next few months before she moves on to another job in the US.

Fall semester began at BYU-Idaho in September so I am teaching again. This semester has been frustrating as there are a lot of issues with the online course. Aside from that, I am enjoying teaching child development still.

I finally finished Tanner's room too. He moved into his crib and does great in that.