Totally Random.

Wow, I don't blog anymore which is sad. Yesterday I was reading through my blog from the beginning and I realized that I used to be funny and kind of cool. I think I'm still funny and kind of cool, but I don't have the time or energy to blog like it. I think I am going to take on the 4 post per week challenge, so maybe it will encourage me to think outside the box!
For today, here's an update on what's going on in the Ward household. I am home with the kids full time which is a blessing, though sometimes I feel somewhat overwhelmed, especially when they are both sick for two months straight. This is our current situation...colds, ear infections, colds... 'Tis the season!
In other news, remember how I started a work out blog forever ago with the hope of completing P90X again? Yeah, that was an epic fail. BUT...I am proud to say that I have found a committed work out buddy (THANKS LISA DROLLINGER!)and we have begun doing the Insanity program. We are only one week in, but it's awesome. Super high energy, super high caloric burn, no equipment needed, only 35 minutes per day (that's the real kicker!). We are working out at 6:30 AM Mon-Fri and Saturdays (not at 6:30!).It's amazing how much better I feel when I am consistently exercising.
You might be surprised to learn that I have taken to cooking/baking lately. I have been somewhat adventurous in planning meals and have been trying lots of new things. Recently I made my first from scratch "pumpkin" pie, though I used butternut squash, and I even made the crust. It was pretty much delicious. I have made lots of different types of freezer jam, including plum, peach and apricot. Also, for the last month, I have been making all our bread without a bread machine or mixer... yes, I have been using the good old fashioned kneading method! I have found this new cooking hobby to be somewhat relaxing and therapeutic.
Berkeley is doing well. He is about to have a major change in his routine! He is quitting his job in January and going back to school full time!! Whoa! That will be a whole new life for us. The military will pay his tuition and give us a little extra for housing. We will also use pell grants, tax return, and Berkeley's bonus to get us through hopefully a few work-free semesters. He is planning on majoring in secondary education and would like to teach English Literature. I think he would make a fantastic teacher. I am really excited for this new adventure and for Berkeley to be able to dive into school without any other obligations. There is a chance Berkeley might be deployed for a few months to Africa. It is not certain yet, but definitely a possibility. A few months is better than a 7 month deployment for sure! We will keep everyone posted on that situation.
Our kids are good, minus the sickness! Asa is hilarious! His favorite thing to do is play cars. If I had a nickel for every time he says, "Do you want to play cars?", I would be super rich. I know it is time to give potty training a try, but I am so not wanting to tackle that challenge yet!! Berkeley is anxious to get it done, but I think I will wait a couple more months.
Hazel is a sweet, beautiful little girl. She is rolling all over the place and she sits up on her own now. We have just begun giving her solids a couple times a day and it is going well so far. She is a smiley girl, but the only time she laughs is when Asa does something she thinks is funny. She is a hard nut to crack when it comes to laughter! She and Asa already have a sweet, special relationship. They just love eachother so much.
Otherwise, life is good. Time is just flying by and we are trying to keep up! Here are some random pictures for your viewing pleasure.