January

Oh, man. This month has been busy and very trying.  I think we had just about every weekend booked for this month.  We had a visit from great grandma field and family, a Supercross, Monster Jam, Running races, art fairs, and Uncle Jake's Enduro Race, and potty training of Mr. Stubborn man, Porter. On top of all that I was sick for the entire month with allergies that turned into bronchitis and sinus infections that really just made me want to climb in bed and wake up when I was better.  I am starting to think that we are all allergic to this Arizona air.  We have all been plagued by these allergy symptoms that turn into uncontrollable coughing since October. The only one who seems to be escaping all this mess is Preston (superior genes, I guess).  Oh yeah, I also decided this was a great time to start a quilt. It seemed like a good idea, but was not. 

Even with all the sickness we can't dare stay inside now that the weather is nice.  So, we spend most of our days outside playing with the neighbors.  The neighborhood kids all gather together and ride bikes for hours. They are the little bicycle gang of Euclid Ave. The downside to all this riding, is that burdensome homework that must be done too. Ugh, I am beginning to think that homework is the root of all evil.

Matt's grandma and aunt came into town for a baby blessing. Dave and Kathleen along with jake and Nicole decided to come up as well. It was a mini family reunion in arizona! Oddly enough they all came during arizonas one week of winter. The only week we have had where the temps were in the 40 and 50's. We had some great family meals and a fabulous time with all the visitors. 

For christmas I gave Matt tickets to the Phoenix Supercross.  It was at the Chase Field.  Both the boys were so excited to go, but before the actual race began they were both asleep.  At the race the boys saw signs for the Monster Jam and begged Matt to take them to it.  So, 2 weeks later they went to Monster Jam.  This time we learned our lesson and made them take naps before they went.  When I asked Matt how they like it I received the response, "they are in heaven".  When they got home, I thought for sure they would be asleep, but instead, Porter and Preston came running in the house ready to tell me all about the exciting night.

The little ktm's out racing

Preston begging Matt to get a KTM so he can race during the half time show.

Preston has been struggling in school.  I was so hopeful that the choice we made to hold him back would give him that extra year to help him.  He is still falling behind and it is starting to become concerning. I have made the decision to switch Preston's school.  I am so torn at weather to switch him to another school right now or to wait until 1st grade.  There are pro's and con's to both and it depends on the school that I move him to.  But I cannot even count the agonizing hours I have contemplated this.  It consumes my every thought.  I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about it.  I wish someone could just look into their crystal ball and tell me which decision would be best.  This parenting stuff is more work than I bargained for.  I am so afraid of making the wrong choice that will not give him the best opportunity in life.  It is so hard to watch him struggle.  It's frustrating to both of us and even more so when you do not know anyone else who has these same struggles to help give you some sort of idea of what to do.

On a more positive note, Preston has been participating in Running Club at school.  He had his first race this month and I think we were all excited to see Preston do such a great job.  I go and watch and run with Preston at his practices but he doesn't seem all that interested.  He usually can be found looking for leaves or interesting rocks, and then turning around to show all the kids that are running past him his new found treasures.  One day I convinced him to run with me the whole time while his coaches were timing him and he did so good.  The next day he ran his race and he took 5th.  It was so great to see him be great at something.

We drove an hour north to see Jake race in the Wikenburg Enduro.  It was a dusty mess, but the boys really liked seeing their Grandma and their Aunt Bekah and Nicole.  And they really liked seeing Jake racing on a motorcycle.  They even tried to help be part of the pit crew.  Porter thought Jake was in desperate need of some good ol' Mike 'n' Ike's to really get that energy up and quench his thirst.  Or maybe help dull the pain of the cactus needles that were poking out of his entire upper half.  After several attempts of offering he decided it was best to just eat them himself.  Preston was always ready to supply him with new gloves, his helmet and was in awe every time he pulled up.  I think it was the best pit crew Jake has ever had - at least the cutest anyway.  Matt and I took a short stroll among the cactus forests.  They are pretty impressive up close.  And the view was pretty amazing in a weird cactusy desert sort of way.

And a side note. With all this busy, crazy stuff. Matt and I celebrated our 11th year of marital bliss! Yep! 11 years! I love Matt, he is loving and fun. I love his desire to explore and experience life. He keeps our little family busy with a new adventure each week. He looks past my quirks and has embraced my interests. To celebrate 11 years together we continued our quest for the best pizza.

Our Phoenix Italian style pizza line up.

1.Pizzeria Cibo

2. Pizzeria Bianco

3. Pizzeria Pomo