So it's been a while since I've blogged. A lot has happened in the last four months. We went to Disney World with Mike's parents during the first week of May. It was awesome and we had a great time. The kids were engulfed with the magic of Disney. We came back and prepared for Riley's Pre-K graduation. He is growing up so quickly and it's hard for me to believe he'll be going into Kindergarten this fall. He's very inquisitive about EVERYTHING and he has the absolute best memory I've ever seen. You have to be careful if you promise him something because he will remember it, and if you break your promise, he will not forget to remind you every time you turn around. Riley is still a very compassionate sweetheart, and he can't stand to see someone hurting. He told me the other day he wanted to be a chef so someday he could cook food for all the hungry people in the world who can't afford to buy food for themselves. He has such a big heart. :-) Riley is starting on a basketball team next week and Mike is going to be his coach. He's excited, but it's going to be challenging because he's the youngest player on the team and hasn't really played much. Here's hoping he loves it!
Reece is going to be in the three year old class at Little Lambs preschool in the Methodist church here in Fairfield. He will be four years old in November, but because his birthday doesn't fall before September first, he is forced to be in the younger class. He is still excited about preschool and talks about it all the time. Reece is definitely the 'middle child'. He is the one who pushes his limits and tests his boundaries on a non-stop basis. However, he is also very snuggly and cuddly. He loves to give hugs and kisses. He loves to play in a corner by himself. As long as he has a couple of cars and a table or windowsill, he is good to go. Reece is very smart and when it's quiet...I begin the search to see what he's into.
Rowen is 2 1/2 years old now and sharp as a tack. He speaks so well and all the time (I have no idea where he gets it from). He loves to play with his brothers, follow them and imitate them constantly, but as the baby of the family...he can hold his own. He doesn't take any flak from his big brothers, he'll throw a punch or shove back whenever it's necessary. I have already seen glimpses of what my future in this house is going to be like. Lots of ice packs, bandages, peroxide, and a big belt. Rowen is my most affectionate one of the three. I can always count on him to come snuggle up next to me on the couch, pucker up for a kiss, tell me he "lubs" me, and give me hugs. He gets very excited and the way he expresses himself melts your heart. He sings his words and loves to sing and dance.
My heart is overflowing with love for these three precious little boys and I burst with happiness every time I see them hug or kiss each other, say a prayer, learn something new, sing a song, or help another person (young or old) with something. We have truly been blessed. :-)
Mike is really enjoying his job as the facilities manager for the ATI Houston operations plant. It's a lot more responsibility for him so he's adjusting to being a boss and delegating responsibilities. He's made a few people angry as well as making others extremely happy. He's hired a few people, which is a big deal in this pitiful economy, which has essentially saved his company money by cutting on overtime. He's doing very well and steadily working his way up the corporate ladder. He celebrated his 34th birthday in May so I would say he's doing pretty well for himself.
I'm doing well with my writing. I actually finished my first novel in six weeks, which is miraculous considering I had three little boys in my face and on my lap every day. Somehow, in between diaper changes, refilling cups, feeding, dressing and playing with my babies, I managed to finish my first rough draft. Though complete, it was very rough. I then turned to my non-profit editors for help (Mike and my mom) who read and corrected spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.
I am still waiting to hear from some literary agents, but I read somewhere that starting a second book helps in the waiting process.
The awesome idea for my second novel came to me in a dream I had at 6:30 in the morning. I woke up and decided I had better get up and write it all down before I forgot. So far I am on my tenth chapter and it's got great potential. I'm still tweaking my first one in case some of those agents request to read the full manuscript, but I'm eager to finish my second one. I'm trying very hard to get published, but the waiting process is excruciating considering patience is not one of my greatest virtues. I have made a few new friends from church who are lifting my spirits, boosting my confidence, and encouraging me to keep writing. (Thanks ladies!)
We've become more involved in our church and really love it. The kids love going to bible class and are making friends. They love their teachers and are learning (slowly) how to behave during church. Our biggest challenges right now is getting them to whisper. As I'm sure most of you know, a 3 year old's voice can break through an entire room full of adults.
Above all, we are loving it in Cypress, TX. Things are finally working out and we are getting settled into our new house and community. There are lots of things in store for the McDonough household and we are excited to be able to share our journey with you. I will keep you posted!
~Judy
