Lucas and Co.

It's been so long since my last post....I've thought about it but it's been a pretty tough year for me and I couldn't get to my happy place!!! If you can't say something nice than don't say anything at all! I didn't want to be one of those people that complains and can't find anything positive to say. Instead of blogging about it, I called my close friends and let them listen to me!!! (I'd like to give a shout-out to my friends for listening to all my issues!!!!)

Here are some updates of what has gone on with our family... in no particular order--

We've moved again and again! (can you say GYPSY?!)

The situation we were in last year was not good which is why I have been in such a funk! So Josh told me to find a place to move--I found the first place that was for sale and I jumped on it. It was so much better than our situation we were in currently that I didn't see it for what it really was and it was a HUGE mistake! I've learned my lesson and I am not even going to discuss the place that we moved into for a month and half since it was such a bad situation. Needless to say we moved out to a home and we LOVE it. All the kids have their own rooms. So after all this time I'm finally getting my groove back and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm a Nanny!!

I started watching my friends three kids at her house. I LOVE it. I actually watched her little girl, McCoy, years ago when Jessica was a baby so it really feels like I've come full circle. Jessica and McCoy are best friends and we've missed her!! It also great that I can still be with my kids and not have to send them to daycare. All the kids all get along so well and being around kids all day it's hard not to have fun. I have Karson (7), Jessica (7), McCoy (6), Tori (3) and Ryker (1). This really has saved my sanity (as crazy as it seems) and I love doing it! My new nickname is Nanny Annie!

Jessica started first grade

She started a new school and has made new friends. Her new teacher is Mrs. Alozian, she really focuses on having fun while learning. Jessica really loves school and oh course her favorite subject is LUNCH! She wasn't even nervous about starting a new school and having to make new friends....she is such a well adapted kid and can find the positive in every situation. I'm so thankful for her! She also turned 7 and had a spa party! It was so much fun and she and all her friends got makeovers! She also got her ears pierced--she's getting too old for my liking!

Jayden started high school

Being in the house we're at now we're also closer to his mom's so the commute is easier and he spends a week with us and a week with her. His school is right down the street from us. He's taking french, guitar, and all the other normal classes.

Tori is off the bottle and potty trained

I admit it was all due to my HATRED of public bathrooms that I put it off for as long as I did. Tori brings so much joy to our lives and seriously is the funniest kid.

We a new kitty and a new puppy!

This is by far something me and the girls needed so bad!!! Josh did not want a cat (he's just not a cat person) so I did what I knew was best and hid it from him until Tori and I were so attached he would've had to break our hearts getting rid of him!! (I know, that wasn't the right thing to do but he was such a cute kitty!!) I can't tell you how many times I've done this to Josh in the 14 years I've been with him....I think 5 different times!!! I was honestly surprised he didn't see it coming but I can tell he loves the cat (not really--but he loves how much Tori loves the cat) Josh even named the cat, Lincoln, after his favorite car!!!

Jessica got a 6 week old Basset Hound for her birthday. We named him Gus after Josh's dad. He is the CUTEST thing I've seen. We are all absolutely obsessed with him. Potty training hasn't been the funnest thing but his cuteness makes up for it. I'll apologize in advance for how many pictures you'll see of him!

So Lincoln the cat is Tori's and Gus the dog is Jessica's! We love both of them so much.

A few other highlights.....

Josh and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary
Josh and I both had birthdays! I know they come around every year!
Josh and I got a weekend to ourselves in Las Vegas--We did the zip line on Fremont St. and visited the Hoover Dam. (I told so many dam jokes it was pretty dam funny!!!)
I'm no longer blonde....I'm dark brown and I LURVE it. I might never go back!

In closing I would like to thank all my friends that listened to my problems and gave me the support and patience that I needed! We are a much happier family than this time last year. We are still planning on building our house on our property in the mountains but we realize how important being happy is. If anyone needs or wants my address email me (annelucas577@hotmail.com) and I'll send it to ya! I will also be posting more pictures on this blog so look for regular updates.

I am also going to be working on the Richards Blog and posting some recipes on there. So in the next week or so look for that!

Much Love--Anne

Today is my baby's 3rd birthday! I just looked at last years post on her birthday and I remember begging her to stay my baby 4-EVA. Now she's another year older {sad face}. She was the happiest, easiest baby ever!

As her mom I like to think of her as fiercly independent--but she's also been called naughty!!