Busy busy AHHHHHHHH busy!

Wasn't sure what else to title my post. It's been a pretty busy September and I had to get a good scream out before I explode.

So here is my predictable "I am so busy I haven't blogged, I will get better" post. No, my blogging honeymoon isn't over, I have really just been that busy!! And that is what this post is all about. What we have been doing the past few weeks.

The thing that is keeping me the most busy is work. It is balls to the wall non stop August through November. I mean I am always busy and never caught up. But in the fall it is, "I am so busy I feel like I am going to crawl into a hole and quiver uncontrollable", busy.
I have been working later in the day than normal which causes issues in our schedule. But we work through it. Oh. Did I mention it is Tim's crunch time at work? Yup it is. Our biggest argument in the fall is who is busier and who should get to work late. Yeah, we are pretty weird. Or dedicated? By the way, I think I should win the I am busier argument. If you add in home duties, cooking, yarn therapy, social life, clubs, and so on.... I am busier dammit!!!
I have been going to bed about 1am and up at 5am just to get it all done. And I am not even getting it all half done. Not looking for pity, not complaining about my job, wouldn't change a thing! Just looking for a little understanding and patience I suppose. From who I don't really know.  Just anyone! Pat me on the back and feed me cheese.  I will be OK.

Tim and I did take time out of our busy work day schedule to go tour a couple of schools this week for Lyla to attend kindergarten next year. Taking the time off, six hours in total, is honestly what put my work week into a tail spin, but that is ok. Her future is top priority and I will do whatever it takes. We have started the process to apply to two of the local magnet schools. It is now based off a lottery. In order to enter your name in the lottery you must follow four steps which include tours and seminars and after that is complete, then you get to apply.
Magnet schools are public schools that aren't zoned by location like your traditional schools. They are open to everyone in the county, from what I can tell have the same type of funding, but have much higher test scores.  I personally believe it is because of the increase in parental involvement. I mean look what they have to go through just to get in!  No matter where our kids go, we will be involved parents and I will make damn sure they get a good education. You know me, I will sign up for every single thing they will let me, plus some!
I am so grateful that my husband is equally interested and determined to give our kids the best opportunities. He went on both tours with me, and we will be going to all the seminars together.

Our crazy busy month was due to some fun stuff as well! One night, we took the whole family to the Lookouts game.  Tim was honored as community service student of the year at University of Phoenix!! I was so incredibly proud of him.  He got to throw out (one of) the first pitch, was given an award and had a great reception with food and drinks.  We had so much fun, and took lots of great pictures.  I will be blogging about it, and when I do you can read it here. Community Service award at the Lookouts

A couple of weeks ago, we took a overnight trip out of town to Nashville.  Though I worked the entire time by phone and email, we managed to squeeze in a concert.  We saw Motley Crue and KISS, and it was awesome!!!!! We went with some dear friends who we don't get to see nearly often enough.  I will definitely be blogging about this concert, you can read it here. KISS and Crue

A few nights after we got back from Nashville, we attended the March of Dimes Signature Chef Gala.  We were honored to be the mission family. It was a beautiful event, and a fun night out with friends.  And in all my spare time, will be blogging about this as well, here. (no link yet, coming soon!)

What else has happened the last few weeks? Lyla's hop a thon! She raised lots of money, was one of the top fundraisers.  She learned many valuable lessons, and I am so thankful to the staff at her daycare.  Here are some cute pictures from the day...

Lyla and Ms Jo being interviewed by the local news
story can be found by clicking
Chattanooga Area Kids Get Lesson In Disability Awareness Courtesy the MDA 

(yes that is Lyla kissing a goat in the back ground of the news video clip)

And lastly, the CAMOMC (Chattanooga Area Moms of Multiples Club) consignment sale.  I decided to set up a vendor table for my side hobby business, Yarn Therapy.  I was incredibly nervous about it.  I didn't have any displays or show pieces, nothing really.  Regardless and hesitantly I signed up.  A few weeks before I went into panic mode and started making stuff. A few days before, I went into super panic mode and went and bought some displays. My hidden creativity came out, and voi la...table ready!

My friend and co-worker Jenny joined me.  She made some awesome little kitchen scrubbers that are crocheted, and some crochet washcloths.  She also had some hair friendly hair ties, which were a big hit! We are thinking about listing them on my Etsy site for a reasonable price.  These are very popular lately, but for way too high of a price. So we may possibly sell them, for cheaper!

I ended up doing very well my self.  I got a few new customers, took a decent amount of custom orders and sold some stuff off my table.  I have a bunch of stuff from last year that the kids wore, and some "practice" items that are imperfect that I sold as clearance items.  I am going to list those on Etsy, and move them out!

I am so glad I ended up doing it.  The sale wasn't that busy, however it was definitely worth it.  Besides the sales I got, I got a nice big dose of confidence.  The positive feedback was appreciated.  I finally feel like I possibly have a good product that people want! It has been a slow start, but that is also because I don't do this full time.  I make, market, advertise and fulfill 9pm - 11pm at night.  That isn't a lot of time to do more than I am doing. And that is OK. Because the moment Yarn Therapy feels like a "job" is the moment I go on vacation.  I already have a job, I am certainly not looking for another one.  It was born out of the need for something to relax and soothe me.  So far, we are still in the relaxing mode.
I even managed to make some new hats while at the show, they have been a huge hit! They are named the "Lisa" hat and are only $22 plus shipping.  Named after one of my best friends who I first made it for.

Lyla wearing an adult hat.  It actually looks really cute on her and just has extra slouch in the back.

So it is Sunday night.  The end of the hardest week I have had since being a career mom.  Thank you Lord it ended on a good note. The weekend started off pretty rough.  Lyla had a fever, Sean was vomiting, I had a migraine and I left work in shambles for Monday morning.

Lyla at my office on Friday, poor baby

Today we made it to church (yay!!) and I had breakfast with all the Journey Church kid volunteers.  What an amazing group of people.  What they are doing with the kids is so amazing.  I am so happy my kids are growing up to love Christ, and to love others.
After church we came home and all five of us took a looooooong nap.  I fell asleep thinking about all the things I had to do.  You know, the constant to do list that you can't turn off? I somehow turned it off and took a two hour nap.  Yay me.  Then I took all the kids outside and we played with sidewalk chalk, rode tricycles, went down the slide, played frisbee.  It was great.  I love that the twins are walking now.  Between that and the weather not being so blazing hot, we will probably be spending every evening outside!

future artist

future La Cross player

The twins got pretty filthy outside, so it was straight to the bath tub

Tim then went and got us Moe's for dinner, yummmm.  Just the thought of the extra cilantro on my joey bag of donuts is making my mouth water.

black bean beard

After dinner, I planned out meals for next week, made a grocery list and then Tim went to the store for me.  See how awesome he is?

Looking at next weeks calendar, I think we may possibly have a somewhat chill week. Here's hoping!

Here are some favorite random pictures from instagram and facebook from the last few weeks

my favorite "twin" moment so far. Their first time on a tricycle and they did it together

I like big bows and I cannot lie