The Crazy Cycle

So, when I was just a mom to a sweet little girl things just didn't seem so hard. Then we added Lincoln. I specifically remember the day that I thought, I think I might have the hang of this. Lincoln was 4 months old...
After several conversations today I think that is where I am again... learning my new crazy cycle. Never did I think we would be in our 30's and looking at starting a new career. Since first meeting Danton I never understood why he wasn't doing something medical, in some weird way he just understands it and actually enjoys it. Currently he is in school and if all goes well he will be in school for 5-6 more years? Averie is getting older and becoming more involved in things and school demands more of her and well Lincoln, he is just Lincoln, busy busy busy!!! And this week I think I finally feel some sort of sanity. I have proudly made my famiy dinner, a real one both days so far. Every day we have been out of the door before we needed to to get to school, with no arguments or battles. And on Monday I even had everything ready to go to clean the house I clean before we left for school. I have stayed on top of the house and the laundry. And everyone is doing well in school and getting their homework done!!! I know this is only Tuesday, but I feel like things are going in a good direction.
It just seems like there is so much demand on perfection. Perfect house, car...life. I can say that I am no where near that. I can say however that I LOVE my family. Everyone of us is in a learning curve right now and I think we are doing okay.


Just a couple of little adds...If you are into praying with us Danton has his appointment for his grant today. We don't get a decision today but we are one step closer.
He is absolutely loving what he is doing and learning. He has had several shadow opportunites and has taken an interest in orthopedics and pediatrics, or possibly both together. We'll see???
And LIncoln's band aid is off and his head is looking a lot better!!!

Look who is 2!!!

We have had a bit of an adenterous week at the Zumalt house. It started last Sunday when Mr. Lincoln turned 2!!! Because Danton had to work on Sunday we did the birthday celebration on Monday afternoon before he left for school.

Monday- We were getting things done around the house and finishing the cake before my parents came over that evening. Danton's friend needed a little help moving a few things so in the morning he went to his house to help him move. I was trying to hold off Lincoln's nap because I knew the evening would be a bit crazy. He was looking tired around 1030 but I wanted to get another half an hour out of him. In was in that half hour things got exciting. I was rearranging toys around the house and Lincoln was sitting in his rocking chair eating a snack. I walked into another room and heard Lincoln start crying and he walked into the kitchen and I noticed blood dripping from his head. Of course Danton had only been gone for about 30 mintues and was 30 minutes away... Lincoln had tipped his rocking chair over and landed his face into the corner of his train set. There is still debate as to whether he was standing in the chair or just moving in it. Either way we had a situation to deal with. I called Danton right away and he drove very quickly home to help him out. We had to make the decision whether Danton could fix him up or if we needed to bring him in. I am so thankful that Danton was closer than farther away. I am also glad that the eduction we have paid for over the past few years came in handy. Danton was amazing and took care of Lincoln even though the situation was less than ideal. Lincoln had now missed his nap and lunch was very tired, which made him not very happy. After Danton was able to clean it all up and get a good look at it we decided to not go the stiches route. That turned out to be a good decision. By the time we got everything cleaned up and Lincoln taken care of it was about time for my parents to come with Averie and have a party. Not only did Danton do a good job of helping Lincoln, he did a great job on helping with the cake I decided to make for Lincoln's birthday. We got it put together just in time despite the fun of the day. Although the day wasn't what we had planned we had a good time enjoying the very tired birthday boy.

After Danton took off to school my parents hung out for a while then we had two kids that crashed hard...until about 300 in the morning that is.

Tuesday early morning~ We had a visitor in our bedroom that said she was very hot. When putting her back in bed I noticed that she was a bit warm and was running a temp. So, she got to stay home from school on Tuesday. Daddy watched her while I took Lincoln to clean. She broke her temp later that night and ate some food, I thought we were doing better.

Wednesday~ Everyone was up and ready to go to school and Averie got sick. Another day of no school for Averie.

Thursday~ Averie was back at school. I went with her and her class on their field trip. She had a great time.

Friday~ We seem to be back to normal. Danton changed Lincoln's bandage again and he said it is looking good. It will heal and now he has his first battle wound!!!

Here are some pictures of the birthday boy.

A monkey cake for out little monkey

Hugging his animals from Nanny and Papa

Daddy helping get the tool belt ready

Ready to get to fixin

Opening the presents Averie made for him

Time to eat the cake.

Well there you have it. Our 2 year old! Excited to see what the next year has to hold.

What's New?

So, thanks to all of you are praying for us in our fun family journey. Here are some updates.

Danton got the job at the hospital and started last week. We are still not sure of his schedule, but will know more about that in a week or so. He loving the ER, always busy and never anything the same. The great part is he is no longer in a commission job. What a stress reliever.

We don't have any news to report on the grant. He has a meeting with the WIA grant folks on November 16th. We should know something after this meeting. We can still use the prayers for this grant. It has the possibility to really help us out.

I was able to get a job that works just great with all of our schedules. I am actually cleaning the house of one of Danton's old clients. I am able to do it while Averie is at school and I bring Lincoln with me. Plus there is potential for cleaning a couple of other houses, I should know about that fairly soon.

Danton actually has today and tomorrow off. We are looking forward to enjoying some good family time and for Danton some studying time!!!

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

Ready...Set...GO!!!

I haven't done a blog in a while so I thought I would give an individual updates





Danton~ Last Monday Danton started Paramedic school. They were encouraged to bring their support system with them on the first day, so I went along with him. I am so excited for him and what he is about to take on. It is going to be a crazy year so all I have to say is Ready, set...GO!!!


He is staying very busy. When he isn't training he normally picks up an ambulance shifts.


If you are the praying type, we love some about a job he is interviewing for. He is actually interviewing to get into a hospital. He is in the last stages, we are just waiting to hear what to do next. The hospital is just about 10 blocks from where he is going to school. It would be a great opportunity for him to be in a hospital setting, especially during Paramedic school.


Currently we are both trying to figure out how we are going to do life and his school and work. Also, we found out the grant that we were awarded through the state for school would not work for Denver Health's program. Kind of a bummer since the grant would have paid for ALL of school. We both agree also that school is what he needs to do right now to get out the Sales game. Plus, he really does love what he is going to school for. So, we are going to do whatever it takes to make this year work. Currently we are trying to get another grant but are in the middle of that process as well.


We really appreciate all the help we have currently gotten to help make the process work. We don't know how to say thanks enough. I told Danton he needs to have start a Lemonade Stand and raise money for school. Or maybe a carwash. Every little bit helps and maybe that would work!!! He could get Averie to go out with him and they would be unstoppable.
I have been looking for something to help out as well. But it is hard to know what I can do until we hear from the hospital about what his hours would be.

Rebecca~ As always I am trying to maintain the structure of the house. Manage the crazy I say!!! I think I am starting to get used to Averie being at all day school. I miss her but she is loving it. A big part of Averie's school is mandatory parent volunteering. And because Danton doesn't have time I have volunteered to go in every Thursday and spend the day with her. I go at lunch and eat with her, then its off to recess. After that I do a bunch of work for the teacher. I love it. I especially love watching her interact with all her friends,and getting to know the kids in the class is a plus. I am trying to get Lincoln to have some playdates with out his sister around. I have been having a good time with that.

Averie~ So, as you all know she started first grade this year. We had a rough start but it seems to be doing a lot better.
She is LOVING ballet. She is doing a GREAT job managing her new schedule as well. She jumped full force into a very busy schedule. She has full school days then she does ballet 2 nights after school and on many Sunday afternoons. Weekends around the house are very laid back and Saturdays often turn into Pajama days and she gets to watch a movie.
Thanks Mountainside Dance for given her such an amazing opportunity. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Lincoln~ What a fun little dude he is. When kids are this age if you really don't see them all the time you don't get to see all the fun stages they go through SO quickly. I should just blog on him more often.
He is such a chatterbox. We have 2 very active and talkative kids. It is exhausting some times but I am so glad they love to enjoy and explore their world.
I think it just easier to list some of the things he does in a number list.
1. About 3 weeks ago he counted to 10. We all just looked at him and tried to figure that out. Averie took credit for teaching him...she didn't teach him. Silly girl.
2. He is often trying to get away with things by being a "Big Helper"
3. He is learning his colors and his favorite color so far is "Orange"
4. He loves his Papa. I think he would live with him if he could
5. He love the park and being outside...that hasn't changed.
6. He doesn't miss and thing and repeats EVERYTHING he hears.
7. He is our home body. After being in the car for about 5 minutes he is normally asking to go home. He would be content to just hang out at home, cuddle and play with his toys.
8. He loves to sing with his sister, and he especially loves it when she sings Twinkle Little Star to him.
9. He is FAST and he LOVES to run. I don't think you can really get this one until you watch him or he is around you alot. We have resorted on some occasions to harness him when we are walking around. He has run into the street filled with cars more than once. Maybe he will be a Running Back when he gets older.
10. He is funny. Again you probably have to be around him to fully see it. But he is funny.

We will glady accept any prayers this year. We are very excited about it but are also very aware that it will be intense at times. I am excited to see what opportunities await at the end.
Specifically we are asking for prayers for the grant. We would love to get it, as I am sure a lot of people are as well. And for the hospital job, it would be great to have Danton not have to worry about Sales during school and to also be around things he is actually studying. And for me to find something to help out family out and also be able to maintain helping with Averie and be there for the kids.

Thanks for all the support we have gotten whether it is with the kids or in other ways. It has not gone unnoticed or unforgotten. Thanks so much from ALL of us.

So, as Lincoln would say...READY, SET, GO!!!!!

To My Child

I ran across this today. I really needed to hear it today. First grade hasn't exactly started how I anticipated, and Lincoln misses his sister and is having a hard time. Needless to say it is a little stressful around our house. I have been praying for my little girl all day..I am excited to pick her up and see how today was.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of your together
Just for this morning, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by
Just for the afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you try to fix them
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the rub and not get angry
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and county the stars
Just for this evening, I will snuggle besides you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows
Just for this evening, when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever

And when I kiss you good night, I will hold you a little tighter, and a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask ask Him for nothing, except for one more day.......

Much love to my little blessings!!!

First Day of First Grade!!!

I can't believe she started 1st grade this week. I know I sound like a broken record, but time goes by way to fast. Here she is taking some before school pictures.

With her lunch box and backpack...she is ready to go!!

So Pretty!!

In the car and ready to go

In line with her good friend Aiden. So glad they are in class together this year!!

And this is what happens when Lincoln doesn't have a playmate. More destruction than normal.

It was long before he made his way to Averie's room, and this is what I found.

Well her first day didn't go so great. She actually told me it was horrible. So, not what I was expecting. I knew it would be rough going all day for the first time, it is just hard trying to prepare them for it.

Her first day landed her in the nurses office because someone knocked her down at recess and she fell into something. She also forgot to get her lunch box after lunch/recess. She was so worried that she wouldn't get it back and that all her food would be ruined from the heat.

Averie is a very thoughtful and hard worker and one of her classmates made fun of her while she was working on a project. She said everyone got done before her and it hurt her feelings. She said she felt like the turtle and everyone else was the rabbits.

Her second day seemed to be a bit better. She still isn't sold on the whole 1st grade thing but I am pretty sure she will come around.

Lincoln is taking it hard as well. He has had had several breakdowns and asks me "Mom, where Averie go" For the most part they do play pretty well together. He misses his buddy. He is also getting into a lot of trouble on his own. I found him eating toothpaste the first day, "Mommy, yummy" he said. And then he destroyed her room twice.

For mommy it has been a long few days. I am so glad tomorrow is the weekend and that we have 2 days off till we start this all over. Thinking some good Red Mango is in store for me!!!

I am very glad that Danton didn't start school at the same time as Averie. I am needing these couple of weeks to get used to all my current change.

Weekend Getaway

So, it was off for a final weekend getaway before school starts around here. We went up to Steamboat for a long weekend. We had such a great time. Wish we stayed even longer!!!

Averie enjoying her own room with a queen bed!!!

Getting a snack before we head out.

Daddy and his kiddos

Getting ready for bed.

Eating and hanging out with daddy

Couldn't pass this up. Lincoln with Abraham Lincoln!!!

Averie got to make her very own breaksticks at dinner. This is the pre cooked version

Daddy and Lincoln coloring

And here is the finished product.

Mommy and Lincoln

Enjoying a walk and some park time.

I love this one.

Picture of the ski slopes Sipping on some Chai

Some Pool time

Daddy and the kiddos in the kiddy side

Sitting in the Big Wheel.

Time to clean up and the end of a long day.

Headed Home

We had such a great time. It was a long ride up for the little ones but they loved it once we got there. And then on the ride down we had a lot of construction and a litlte car sick incident but we made it.

Now on to the start of school for Averie and Danton. It is going to be a VERY busy year for us. But they say time goes by quicker when you are busier. Excited for Danton to be done with Paramedic school and that to go quickly...but I am not excited for Averie to be done with first grade. She is growing up SO fast.

When we got home on Tuesday we went to Back to School night to meet Averie's teacher and see the classroom. Summer is OVER. I am so sad about that.