This year has certainly not ended up where I thought it would. Thank God for small miracles, right?!  So many things have happened, so I thought I'd do a little Year In Review piece.  So here are the highlights from 2010...

1. Vic had pink hair.

This was supposed to be a temporary hair do, but it ended up lasting until the chlorine faded out the color sometime in June or July.  I loved it.  In fact, as soon as she'll let me do it again, I'm going to.  She loved the color, too, just not the process.  Also, after the pink faded, it left these perfectly placed blonde highlights.  Not bad for an amateur, if I do say so myself.

2. We got 8 mother effin inches of snow.

I know it's nothing up North, but down here in the South, it's a damn blizzard. The last time Columbia had seen that much snow was when we were in college, so this was pretty momentous.   The city all but shuts down.  School is closed, and forget about being able to get to work.  I love snow days.  It's a great excuse to pop popcorn, make hot chocolate, snuggle under blankets, and watch movies. 

3. Sophie got famous by ripping out her teacher's hair.

Sophie was quite the little scrapper in daycare.  This was proven once again when she decided to take a chunk out of Ms. Linda's hair, which she so kindly taped to the daily sheet along with a note...a passive aggressive note, to be exact.

4. We got a dog.

She's still not potty trained, by the way, and she's like 10 times bigger than she should be.  Half chihuahua my ass.

5. Sophie hit all the milestones: walking, going from crib to toddler bed, first haircut , and the beginning of potty training.

That last one is still a work in process, but we're getting there.

6. I became a stay at home mom.

This was not by choice, mind you, and at the time was a huge blow, but this has by far been the most positive thing to happen to me in years, aside from the birth of my children, of course.  I never knew how much I gave up by working and how easily we would be able to transition into this lifestyle.  I am looking forward to rejoining the workforce after I finish school, but for now, I am soaking in every minute I'm lucky enough to have with these kids because I'm able to stay home.  If I had known how wonderful this would be, I would have made it happen years ago.

7. My son became a rock star.

Ok, that may be a bit of an overstatement, but he's stuck with it for over 8 months now, which is a record for an activity.  He's getting pretty good, too, so I'm hoping he sticks with it.

8. We've been married for 10 long, long, long years.

I joke, but that's like a record these days.  I can't believe it's been 10 years.  I'm amazed that we have 3 kids, and 1 of them is almost 9.  It's crazy.  I still think of myself as that burgundy haired college kid listening to Brit Pop and thinking I was so different than everyone else.  Then, like everyone else, I got married, popped out kids, got a sensible sedan, and went to Disney World.  That trip was the final nail in this little Goth girl's coffin.

9. As I just mentioned, we saw the most famous mouse.

It was an amazing trip, which at least one of them will remember, hopefully 2.  We also went to the beach a few times, the mountains,  and the lake.  One thing I've learned is that the kids are actually very good travelers.  I hope we can visit some new places next year.

10. I started Nursing school.

I linked the only post I could find where I really talked about it.  I noticed that I didn't write about it at all this semester, and it dawned on me that it was because I didn't write much at all this semester, which should tell you how grueling it was.  I was very scared at the beginning of the semester.  I thought I would be the oldest chick in there with a bunch of young things just starting out.  I was wrong.  I'm probably right in the middle.  There are several people older than me and many in my same boat- mother of small children, second career, etc.  The bottom line is that I finished out the semester strong- decent grades and confidence gained.  I know it will get harder as I go, but I feel like I'm on the right career track for the first time ever in my life.  I can't wait until it's all said and done and I am helping to save lives and truly make a difference.  I think being a Nurse goes hand in hand with being a mother.  I feel like I've been in training for 8 years.

It's been an amazing year, and 'm so grateful to have ended up where I am.  I look forward to the new year with anticipation and finally feel like evrything is falling right into place.

Something's going on.  I don't know what, but the past few weeks have gone off without a hitch.  First, I finished my first semester in school in 10 years with 2 B's and an A.  I was hoping for 2 A's and a B, but close enough.  It was as much proof as I needed that I am making the right decision in going back to school instead of going back to work. 

Second, Disney World was probably the best trip we've ever taken with the kids.  Obviously every kid loves Disney World, so it was no surprise that they were well-behaved at the parks, but for as exhausted as we stayed throughout the trip, there were no major blow ups or meltdowns.  Even the 8 hour trips there and back were peaceful.  The kids shared their dvd players with the baby and rotated between watching movies, listening to Ipods, and coloring.  They were crammed in the back seat like sardines, which should have been a recipe for disaster, but they didn't act the least bit bothered by it. 

The trip itself was fantastic.  The parks were draped in garland and lights, and each park had a ginormous tree greeting you as you walked in.  The cast members go all out to make you feel special and act as though it's their greatest pleasure to serve you.  I have to give Disney high marks on customer service.  Even the cleaning staff aimed to please, arranging the kids' stuffed animals on the bed, and even putting Sophie's precious "Corny" in the window to greet us after coming back from the park.  Our timing on the trip was impeccable.  We walked right up to several shows that were just about to begin.  We made it just in time to see them turn on the icicle lights on Cinderella's castle as well as the Holiday Wishes fireworks.  At MGM we finished the Toy Story ride and walked to the Streets of America just as the Osborne lights were turning on.  The worst day was Monday, which was the beginning of Christmas week, the most crowded week at Disney World.  Even then, we were able to get some fast passes and do most of what we wanted.   The trip went so fast, it was almost a blur.

We returned home and only had a couple of days to prepare for Christmas.  Even that wasn't too stressful.  We were cleaning last minute, but that's the norm for us.  My mother-in-law graciously prepared Christmas dinner, so I didn't even have to worry about that.  The kids got everything on their list and nothing more, which made them happy as well as us. 

And then, by some miracle, to top off the greatest holiday ever, this happened...

Ok, yes, it was the day after Christmas, but still.  In all my years, I have never seen snow this close to Christmas.  I'm sure Northerners would chuckle at the thought, but the 3 inches we got made everything complete.  I can't tell you how many 70 degree Christmases I've been through, so it was amazing for it to actually feel and look like a Christmas you see in movies and on TV...just this once.  It has been an amazing few weeks, and I don't remember being happier.

Because Christmas isn't hectic enough, we have decided to squeeze in a trip to Disney World.  I've been planning it for 6 months and managed to keep it a surprise the entire time.  That's a huge feat for me, considering I can't keep anything to myself for more than a day.  Yesterday we set up a scavenger hunt from "Santa" for the kids, and we taped it.  They seemed more excited about the hunt, but they have both assured me that they are very excited about the trip and can't wait to go.   Sophie didn't really know/ care what was going on, so you'll notice she's conspicuously absent from most of the video.

Phoebe was our kitty.  She was a year and a half when we got her.  Trevor was only 3 months old at the time, so she's been a part of the family practically since we were one.  She was extremely needy, constantly competing for attention with the kids, often accompanying them in my lap.  She was often an after thought...a side note.  I was such an animal person before I had kids.  I was one of those obnoxious people saving every stray and call them "furbabies." Then I had real babies that demanded constant attention and care, leaving me too exhausted and preoccupied to care for anything else.  Phoebe clung to any ounce of attention she was able to receive.  She rarely struck out at the kids out of anger unless it was well deserved.  She kindly let them pull her tail and ears with barely a twitch.  She was a really good kitty and will be missed.

Is this it?  Do I dare dream?  Am I nearing the end of wiping poopy bottoms?  My youngest just used the potty for the very first time.  She's been showing signs of readiness for quite some time, and she finally did it.  Based on her brother and sister, I thought I had at least a good 12 months of diapering madness ahead, but this kid is showing me, as she has since day 1, she does things her way.  Don't get me wrong- I know it's a long road ahead and she's not magically potty trained, yet, but it's a start.

This is a little late, but better late than never, right? In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm making a list of what I'm thankful for. (Groan, I know, but bear with me.) For Thanksgiving we went home, which mean I didn't have to cook.  That's the first thing I'm thankful for, by the way.  While we were there, I realized just how blessed we really are to have such a wonderful support network.  This past year has been so unexpected and crazy, but it's the happiest I've been since I can remember. That brings me to the first thing:

My Job (or lack there of). 

This was the final push I needed to go back to school for something I REALLY wanted to do.  When you're 18, you're expected to know what you want to do with the rest of your life, which is ludicrous.  I mean, can you imagine actually being able to handle puke, blood, etc. at the ripe old age of 21?  There are those that know from a very young age that it's their destiny.  I was not one of them.  I always said I could never be a nurse.  That was before I had kids.  Now I regularly get doused in poo, pee, puke, blood, etc.  I also know how to comfort someone when they're physically and emotionally in pain.  I've spent the last 8 years acting as a Nurse, and now it's time I got paid for it.  The business world served its purpose, but I'm happy to be out of it.  But, if it weren't for the selfishness, paranoia, and disrespect I delt with at my last job, I would probably still be in the field.  That pushed me to demand a job in which regardless of how badly I was treated as an employee, I would at least have the satisfaction of knowing I was making the world a better place.  A wonderful bonus to being a full-time student is getting to stay home with the kids.  There are definitely times in which I want to run out of the house screaming back to corporate America, but for the most part, I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to be with my kids without being rushed or feeling guilty. 

Family

This year we have spent more time with extended family then I can remember.  We had a blast over Thanksgiving, and I can't wait to get together again over Christmas.  I miss the family get togethers we had when I was small, so I'm thankful that Wesley's family is so great about making the effort.  I miss my own family, so as much as I hate to admit it, I'm glad for  Facebook, since it has allowed me to get back in contact with them.  I am blessed to have a mother who will drop everything to come watch the kids for me when needed.  If it weren't for her, this school thing wouldn't be happening.  I am also thankful for in-laws that are so supportive and provide us with that much needed alone time.

Wesley

He has been more supportive over the last 9 months than I could have anticipated or even deserved.  He continues to amaze me with his devotion to his family.  I am so lucky to be with someone who challenges me every day to be a better person while accepting me as I am.

The Kids

Trevor- He is the most moral, empathetic person I know.  I wish I could take credit for the way he's turning out, but he was born that way. He is wise beyond his years, and I really enjoy our philosophical conversations.  He can be stubborn and persistent, but he stands up for his beliefs, so I worry so much less about him now. 

Victoria- What can I say?  Whatever "it" is, this child has "it" and then some.  Looks, personality, comedic timing- she keeps me in stitches.  She is the epitome of fun.  I can't stay mad at her, and forget about punishments.  She forces me to be flexible and has made me an expert in the art of negotiation. She has also turned into a caring, dependable big sister- the lion to Sophie's mouse.

Sophie- She's so smart.  I mean scary smart.  She recognizes several letters of the alphabet on sight.  She says 2 and 3 word sentences.  She understands everything I say makes connections faster than most adults I know.  She, like her sister, is also quite the comedienne.  I'm in trouble.  She's Baby Face Grace, head of the underground Seigler child mafia.  She probably will be the death of me, but until then, I will enjoy every moment with her.

And finally I'm thankful for this...

When I was a kid, I was scared of everything- ghosts, aliens, dinosaurs (I was so sure Jurassic Park could actually happen, I had nightmares about it.) Unfortunately, I seem to have passed the scaredy cat/ worry wart gene down to my son.  For example after we returned home from Trick-or-treating, he came down from his room to tell me that his night light was unplugged.  He knew he didn't do it, so instead of suspecting one of his sisters (one in particulary has quite an affinity for playing with outlets, much to my dismay), he was certain it was a ghost.  I used to spend many nights talking myself out of irrational thoughts like this, so I knew how to answer him.  I said that it was most likely Sophie, and even if there was a ghost, it wouldn't be able to physically touch the plug to remove it.  Well, that may have reassured me, but not him.  All he heard was that there may be a ghost.  I tried to nip that as well and assure him there's no such thing.  I fear the day in which he discovers shows like Ghost Hunters and the like. 

I hate that his thoughts are overrun with irrational anxieties, but then I remember that once I had kids, those thoughts were violently tossed aside and replaced by completely plausible fears.  Can we afford daycare for 1...2...and now 3 kids?  What if one of us loses our job? Now that I've lost my job, how will we survive? What if something happens to one of this kids?  Could I survive that?  What if something happens to Wesley, and I have to raise them by myself?  Although everything always works out for us, I still worry about something every second of every day, and I know Trevor will be the same.  So, as much as it annoys me to have to continuously reassure him that there are no ghosts in his room, no metal stuck in his hand/foot, etc., I know that he will have plenty of time for valid adult concerns.  I miss the days when my biggest concern was giant T-Rexes taking over the world, so I will try to relish these days when I can actually help alleviate his worries before he enters the "real world" and knows what real fear is.

Birthdays, Fair, Concert, Mountains...not to mention tests, projects, practicums.  Where did the month go? 

Im summary, Vic turned 5, and I turned 29...again for about the 4th time.  We went to the fair where The Avett Brothers played.  I try every year to ignore my birthday, so this year I chose to do that with a trip to the mountains where we went to a real deal apple orchard to pick our own right off the tree.  (Sidenote, I later found out my 8yo thought it was totally boring.) 

I hate that this is such a ridiculously short post for being gone for a month, but in all honesty, I've come crawling back to Facebook, so I tend to recount everything there.  The short statuses are a lot more conducive to being a SAHM to 2 girls plus a full-time student.  Very little thought and reflection required.  I have, at least, kept up with taking pictures.

So for the past 5 years I've been through a parental bootcamp of sorts.  It started on October 1, 2005 with a beautiful baby girl who was feisty from day 1.  She never went through what I call the "blobby" infant stage of just lying there, snuggling, and being adorable.  The day she was born, I remember everyone remarking how she was holding her head up and looking around already.  She also pooped on me about 4 times in a row and screamed her head off whenever she couldn't see what was going on.  This insistance on being omnipotent of her surroundings forced us to hold her facing outward until she was able to crawl on her own and sit up by herself.  Once she was mobile, books were deshelved, markers colored walls, and playdough was stuck in carpet.  She screamed at the least little displeasure and grunted and pointed to get what she wanted until she learned to talk...at 2 years old.  And, she never rewarded my patience and love with even a snuggle.  She was too busy to pay me any attention.

Luckily this all began to change around age 4 in which she became more demonstrative with her affections.  And now that she's 5, she has matured into a sweet, loving, caring child.  She showers me with hugs and kisses and tells me she loves me out of the blue.  She is more patient and understanding, although we still battle about bed times and cleaning up.  Overall she is an amazing sister to both her siblings, and I can tell that she destined to be the center of attention in whatever her future holds.  I'm so proud of her and lucky to have her in my life.  She's also one of the funniest people I know and has amazing comedic timing at such a young age.  I feel like I am the grasshopper to her sensei.  She has taught me how to be an effective parent- how to communicate, bargain, and most importantly not to sweat the small stuff.  I am now prepared to handle whatever (Sophie) may come. 

Today we did the Mud Run. By "we", I mean Wesley did it with his cousins, and I watched the kids.  I was there in spirit, dammit, so that should count for something.  He came out looking like something I had nightmares about as a kid, so I can't imagine what his own kids thought about it.  Their expressions say it all, no?  I am super proud that he completed the entire course.  I'm even inspired to try to get in shape for the next one, but I have 364 days to talk myself out of that insanity.