Almost Christmas!!!

Wow!! This year has gone by so quickly!! Christmas is my most favorite holiday of the year, the meaning behind it and all the 'magic' about the season. I love having a Christmas tree, spending time with my family and teaching my kids about the REAL meaning of Christmas, Jesus' birth. It is such an awesome time!! To make things even more special this year, Kassy and her preschool class put on a play about Jesus' birth. It was so cute and special. Kassy played Mary and just made me smile the whole time. :D I was very proud to say the least (but who wouldn't be!).

This year we have Nic home with us as well, which is very special to us. We won't have him home next year with us, so we are just enjoying this time together as a family.

Lilly turned 7 on December 15th!!! How time is flying with my babies. Kassy and P will have their birthdays in February and Nic and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary in April! I love my life and am amazed everyday how quickly the time is going by (even when I have a little guy in his 'terrible two/threes!).

Merry Christmas to everyone!!! :D

It's December already!!

Wow! I can't believe that Christmas is just 15 days away and my baby girl (Lilly) is going to be 7 in 5 days! Time goes by way too quickly. It feels like only yesterday that I was watching Nic bring her over to me to hold for the first time. Amazing. Now she is just a smart, wonderful little girl. *sigh*

Nic has been gone for a little over a week now and we still have over a week to go, but we are just so thankful that he will be home for the holidays this year! Lilly (as well as Nic) is disappointed that he won't be here for her birthday this year, but we'll make up for it with the gift. LOL.

As for my Kassy, she is going to be Mary in her schools Christmas play, I will be sure to put up pictures! It should be so fun to watch all the kids, I can't wait! She is growing up so quickly and is becoming such a good little girl! I was so worried about her, but she is definitely becoming such a joy. :)

Preston on the other hand has become quite the handful and is in his 'terrible' three stage. Ugh. Lots of temper tantrums and ugly-ness. (If that is a word!) I can not WAIT for this phase to pass, it has been one month already. He likes to try to negotiate and argue for his way. Horrible, he never wins but he still tries his darndest.

Nic and I are just enjoying the time he gets to be home (which is few and far between lately). We are so thankful that he is safe and sound and that everyone is healthy! As always we are praying for all the military friends and family who have loved ones in harms way and who are far away from their families this holiday season. It is the hardest time for them (as we know a little too well). Please join us in praying for these special people this season. Love to you all!

He's on a BOAT!!!

So finally, we can post Nic has a boat! He is now on the USS Toledo and is very excited to be 'back in action'. We are also very blessed to be staying here in CT and not having to move!! It makes things much easier for us (with Lilly and Kassy's schools, etc). We are all very happy and relieved.

Sickness has been running rampant in our house the past few weeks, nothing big, just annoying really. Fever, cough, and nastiness. We are just blessed that no one has any 'underlying' conditions and we are all relatively healthy and happy.

With the holidays right around the corner, it is such a special time of year. We love every minute of it and are enjoying just being together (when possible) and relaxed. Now I just need to get in gear and get our Christmas cards made and out... just need a good picture to put on it! :D

Must go, have a VERY whiny Kassy.... *HUGS*

Look Book is up for Soft Clothing!!

Here is the link for the Soft Clothing website!! So exciting... it will launch at the end of this month! You can browse the website and also the look book. You will see a familiar face throughout.... ENJOY!!!

http://www.softclothing.net/

Soft Clothing!

Hi everyone!!! For those of you who know, Lilly had an exciting saturday (last weekend) and got to model for a company called Soft!! She had a blast and we are so excited about this company! She keeps talking about the clothing, how she loves them and can't wait for the company to launch. I'm not sure I have seen her this excited over something in a long time. Her and three other kids got to go to NYC, try on the clothes and then model them for the companies Look Book that is coming out in November! We are beyond excited and wanted to share the link with people who may have a child with a sensory disorder or just like to wear nice, soft, comfy clothes!!! (I will also share one of the photos that was taken that day!!) If there are any questions about this awesome company please let me know and pass the word on!!!

Lots of changes....

Looking at my blog, I realized I hadn't blogged in a long time! We have had an interesting past month... between two hospitalizations for me, school starting, orders not cut and my 30th birthday looming the blog hasn't been first on the list of priorities!!

Update on my health: I was hospitalized at the end of August (for four days) and had my gall bladder removed. We were hoping that was the problem, but unfortunately it wasn't. (Not a huge deal, considering I have a very bad family history of bad gallbladders, so it may have needed to come out sometime in the future. My surgeon actually said he was shocked because he couldn't find an artery running to my GB anywhere! So it was amazing it had made it this long...) I went back into the hospital 9 days later (for four more days, yuck!) and had some more tests run. Turns out I have ulcerative colitis, which makes lots of sense. So lots of dietary changes, medication therapy and hopefully we can get this under control! :)

Update on the kiddos: Lilly started first grade this year!! Amazing! She is back at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School and loves it! She has the same teacher she had last year (block classes) and loves her. Kassy is back at Tollgate Christian Preschool (for her second year) and thrives there! She loves it and can't wait to go on monday, wednesday and friday! Preston is home for one more year with me. He will be going to Tollgate next year (as long as we are still here) and can't wait to be 'big' like the girls.

Update on orders: We have no orders as of yet. Nic has been working furiously to try to get us to stay here in Groton. But we only have until November 1st before we take a serious dock in pay unless he gets back to a submarine. So, we will be taking orders no later than October 15th, no matter where it is we end up. Will keep you up to date on all that....

One year older: Well, Nic (my dad and my friend Julie) pulled the wool over my eyes this year! They threw a 30th birthday party for me yesterday at Stash's Cafe. It was super fun and loved having lots of my family and friends all in one place, at one time. :) He also got me a minivan!! I never thought I would be so excited about a minivan, but I am thrilled!! Love it and the ease with the three kiddos. :)

So that is the short version of the past two months. I'm sure I forgot things, but am hoping to keep up with this a little better now that things seem to be relaxing a bit. :)

Catching up...

July just flew by for us here at the house! I kept meaning to blog, but the time was just getting away. We went to Yellowstone National Park! It was by far the coolest place we have ever been! We are hoping to do it again sometime in the future... we only got to spend a few days there, but it was well worth it! We also went to Mt Rushmore, which was absolutely incredible in itself. I was so glad to be able to bring the kids to these spectacular places. I was getting quite frustrated with the fact that my health was keeping us from doing things this summer. But once I got the intestinal infection under control we were able to go on our trip! The gallbladder will be coming soon, I'm suspecting.

Here are a few pictures of our trip out west!



This was us as we were driving. We stopped at a rest stop in front of the Mississippi River. LOL



Us at Mt. Rushmore!




Nic and I in front of the sign for Badlands National Park.


Those are just a few of the pictures. I have many more on my facebook page if you want to take a peek. All in all it was a wonderful time.

With school just around the corner, we are now taking a bit of a break, just trying to get ready to go back. Lilly will be in 1st grade this year, Kassy will be in 3 day preschool and Preston and I will be chilling together! It should be a fun year. Nic will be returning to a submarine, we just aren't exactly sure which one yet. We have an idea, but don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet. We have had it change on us too much. Once we have specific orders IN HAND I'll be sure to pass on the news!!! :)

End of June already?!

Wow, June has really flown by! I mean, being stuck inside on the couch was not what I call 'fun' but at least it is starting to warm up and I can now stand up straight again! (Most of the time, anyway!) For those of you who don't know, they think that I will have to have my gallbladder out. That was actually a relief to me! I was so afraid it had something to do with my stomach... but the gallbladder, ah, no biggie! :) I go to the GI doc on the 9th, so hopefully we'll have something to go on then. For now, the attacks have calmed down and I can get along fine.

Now, a little retrospective glance. I am in awe and shock that almost (to the day!) that one year has passed since my wonderful husband came back to us from the middle east! One year! (It'll be a year on July 4th, just in case you didn't know that.) How thankful I am and blessed to have him home with us. Boat life will be an adjustment (whenever we find out when and where that will be) but having that small glimpse of the families who have their significant others gone for 12 to 18 months at a time definitely helped to put things in perspective for us. Life can change in an instant and I am so thankful for each and everyday that God gives me with my family and friends.

The girls 2009 dance recital!

Today the girls had their 2009 dance recital! I must say, I was so proud of them! They both did a wonderful job. Kassy did a tap dancing number this year to the song 'Put on a Happy Face'.



Lilly did a ballet number to a beautiful lullaby called 'Baby Mine'. It was my favorite number that she has done in the past three years of dance recitals.



Needless to say I am very proud of them and just wanted to share a few pictures of them. For a 'break' this summer they both have decided on a new path, jazz class. So that should be fun! I was so blessed as well, to be able to go. Thankfully my stomach condition has calmed down and I am able to now stand up straight! I'm able to start taking in more food along with the antibiotic that the doctor gave me. Test results should be coming back this week, so I'll see what was going on. Thanks for all the prayers, I really appreciate it. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Rawr.

Things around our house are quite interesting lately. I have been down and out for the past week and it isn't showing signs of letting up. I am very frustrated and wish for it to go away. I finally went to the doctor yesterday (thinking I just had some kind of a stomach virus, I decided to wait it out) and they told me I had colitis (duh!) and if it didn't go away in a few days to GO BACK. Argh. I'm not happy. Today I decided I am just going to push through it, I need to take care of my family and sitting on the couch, curled up in the fetal position or in the bathroom is not working. I know that God must have a reason for this, but I'm not seeing it right now and I am very frustrated. Maybe I need to be taught to rely more on Him? I take good care of myself... I don't know. I'm just very frustrated and think it might be better if the doctors just fully took out my digestive system (okay, maybe that is a little extreme). Anyway, sorry I just needed a little rant... hopefully this is just a tiny storm and it will pass.

Memorial Day

I just wanted to write a quick post to say thank you to all of the men and women in military service, past and present. We have lived the life for the past nine years and it isn't an easy on, but we are so fortunate to have our husband/daddy still with us. We pray each and every day for all of the families who have lost loved ones dedicated to serving the US and protecting our freedom. Today, Lilly came upstairs crying... I wasn't sure why. She told me she didn't want to tell me because it was too sad. I was very confused and had her tell me. She said that Daddy told her about Memorial day and then she couldn't get anymore out. I then tried to explain (as well as you can to a six year old) about memorial day and why we celebrate and remember. Then Nic came up the stairs and he was holding Lilly on our bed and they were both crying. I quickly took the little ones (who didn't know what was going on) into another room to give them some privacy. Not sure of what to say or do I tried to compose myself so I wasn't crying as well... Nic got Lilly calmed down and she went off to play with her brother and sister. He then told me that he was trying to tell her the story of two of the men who lost their lives while he was over in 'the desert'. He couldn't finish with the story and Lilly asked that I tell her more about it later. Wow. I was taken aback... I thank God each and everyday that Nic came home to us and he is still here with us, but just never took time to think about how he felt and what he saw while away.

Please, stop and take time to say thank you to a military member, pray for families that have lost loved ones or families who have loved ones in harms way today. It means so much to them... God bless America.

Back to 'normal' life

Well... this week is our first week back to normal. Nic is back to work, I'm back to being the sole caretaker during the day. It feels good to be getting back to normal again. I'm actually going to try a mild workout today. I want to try to get back to normal as fast as my body will let me. And thankfully the sun is shining today!! So we can go out and play and get some of this pent up energy out of the little ones. With the rain all of last week they were like little animals, it was awful!!

As for the surgery aspect of things... my body seems to be healing rather quickly and well! We are very thankful for that. I'm still struggling with food, but that seems to be getting better daily. I actually had my first (very small) piece of pizza yesterday, without the cheese! It was delicious and I actually had no reaction to it! I'm eating very small amounts, but that is not a big deal to me. I actually like to eat this way... now the big thing will be to start losing a bit more weight and keeping the weight off that I lost after the surgery. So far so good. I am still at the weight that I was one week after surgery and haven't budged.

Happy mother's day to all yesterday!! We didn't do a whole lot around here, just hung out. I had a rough morning yesterday, but the afternoon got better. We went and visited with my mom and stayed for two hours. It was the perfect amount of time. It was nice to just hang out and be out of the house again. :)

Nic is starting to play softball tonight (on a Navy league)! He is very excited and I'm excited for him! He hasn't played since we lived in Hawaii. The kids are very excited to see him play. We'll be able to catch the end of the game tonight, after Lilly gets out of dance. It'll be a bit hectic but at least he can now ride his bike, so we have two vehicles.

Anyway, better get back to the two little ones. Kassy has been a bit naughty lately so I'm trying to keep my patience and attitude in check. Hoping the workout will help me out with that. :)

HUNGRY!!!

Bet that got your attention! LOL! ;) But man, I'm super hungry! I had the surgery on last monday and it went great! The surgeon was very pleased with the results. But the first week was horrible. Thankfully everyday seems to be getting better. Nic was off from work for the first week, because I couldn't take care of myself, never mind the babies! He has done such a wonderful job! I couldn't have done it without him. (He also says he now appreciates and understands more about what us stay at home mommies go through, lol!) He goes back to work this coming friday, much to Preston's disappointment. Preston has definitely gotten closer to Nic during the past week and a half!

So now, the recovery still continues. The pain of the incisions is virtually all but gone. (Which really wasn't bad, just felt like I had done a million sit ups and was sore beyond belief!) But the food, well that is a WHOLE other subject. I can only eat pureed foods. Which doesn't leave a whole lot, considering I also can not have beans, acidic foods or juices, chocolate or anything with caffeine in it, to name a few. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow, so I'm hoping that he may add a few things for me to try. At this point, anything I put in my belly blows it up like a balloon, but I know that will go away with time. Just need to reteach my stomach how to eat and process food.

All in all, I'm glad I had the surgery done. I however, was not saying that last week! It is getting better though, like I said previously! Thank God! I also read up today (online) about other people who have had this surgery done, and that made me feel a whole lot better. Like I was normal (well, almost!).

Anywhoo... will keep everyone updated on the progress. Thanks for all the prayers and the help given to Nic and the kids this past week. We couldn't have done it without you!!! :)

Home again!

Wow, I had my surgery yesterday and got to come home the same night! We were all surprised and excited that the surgery went so smoothly. I was told I was in and out of the surgery in just under two hours! They had the surgery room booked from 11 to 3, so that was pretty significant! I totally attribute it all to the prayers of all my friends and family and the fact that I am in good shape physically. I was supposed to have stayed one to three nights. The nurse wasn't very happy I was going home (she was great, by the way!). She thought the doctor was pushing it, but I told her that it would be okay, Nic has two weeks off and he will take such good care of me. I even heard her commenting out at the nurses station that he was one of the best husbands she had seen, so attentive and loving. :) That made me so happy.

So now I'm home in my OWN bed. :) Although I am incredibly sore (and hungry, LOL!) I'm good. Thank you everyone for the prayers and support. We couldn't have done it without you. I'll update again in the next day or two once my head is a bit more clear.

Sleep is over rated.

At this point I think that sleeping is over rated. I am having major issues with sleeping. I think it is just stress from my upcoming surgery, but it is still majorly frustrating. I didn't sleep AGAIN last night!! I am frustrated but at least I'm not sleepy! LOL! Going to try some hard core exercising today and hoping that will work. As for the surgery front, I have my surgery at 730 am on monday the 27th in Newport, RI. I'll be there for a few days and then get to come home. Not too excited about the stay, but at least I'll (hopefully) get some downtime, recovery time. I have to be at the hospital at 630, which means we have to leave the house by 5 am! Yuck!! Not sure I'll be sleeping much that night either! :) LOL. Oh well...

Beautiful weather

This weather we are having is absolutely gorgeous! We have been playing outside and loving every minute of it. I have to get in as much time as I can before I have my surgery on the 27th. I finally had my esophageal manometry done yesterday. It was miserable but at least it is finally done now. :) So now we just wait on the surgery. Nic got a ten day leave period so that should cover all of my recovery time (excluding the food/diet portion). We have school vacation this week, so it has been nice to just be lazy and lounge around a bit. I'm not one who likes to go far from home, so it is right up my alley! Here is a picture of our Easter, we had an awesome time!!!

No orders...

Wow, things have been happening like crazy lately I can barely keep up! Poor Nic has been jerked around and this boat we were hoping on him getting is not going to happen. So back to the drawing board again. I know that both Nic and I have peace about this decision. We just pray that we can stay here and if we can't then we just want peace for our family. Nic is in Newport for today and tomorrow which will make for two long days for the kids and I. But that is, just trying to keep busy! Preston is sleeping (for now) and Kassy is busy as usual. Sometimes I just don't know what to do with her... I just want to relax and have some down time and she just doesn't stop!! Frustrating and good all at the same time. I suppose I could start schooling her like I did with Lilly, she is such a quick learner I'm almost afraid of her getting ahead of Lilly... wierd but true. I know it will be fine though. Anyway, now that I have rambled time to get back to my crazy four year old!!!

Changes...

Here in the Fort household things are changing... again. (Isn't that supposed to be the norm for the military? Yes, but not for me!) Updates will be forth coming, but I can say (vaguely) that Nic has been offered a boat here in Groton. Will it all work out? Only God knows, but for now we are praying. As some of you may know, I am scheduled for surgery on April 27th for my stomach to be fixed (finally!). Long story short, Nic is supposed to report to the boat the day I have my surgery. :( Not such a great thing. Especially since I have to be in the hospital for one to two nights in Newport, RI! Augh. Being an hour and a half away from home isn't going to be easy. I'm rather stressed about the whole situation but know it will all be taken care of. I have such wonderful family and friends that it will all be pulled together, even if Nic isn't going to be around. I'll post more as the week goes on.

In other news, poor Lilly woke up this morning with a nasty infection on her little pinky finger! Yuck! We went to the doctor and they drained it out and are testing it for the type of bacteria it was. She was VERY brave and I couldn't have been prouder of her. :) She is home for the day (a bit traumatic for her being at the doctors office this morning), in her jammies and loving it! As much as I love having her home with me. She is getting too big too fast. But I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Preston (we believe) has some sensory integration problems, like our Lilly. It has been becoming clearer and more noticeable lately. Nothing of concern for us (pretty much the same as Lilly's) and since I know how to help Lilly hopefully I can do the same with Preston. He's basically a little boy version of Lilly, which is pretty neat!

Kassy is as active and crazy as normal! As I type, she is jumping on the couch, which she knows better than to do! She wants to be active and on the go constantly, which as most of you know, is the total opposite of me!! LOL. But she is fun and is always keeping me on my toes. Such a little helper too...

Anyway, as I said, I'll post more later this week once things become clearer for us. Just keep us in your prayers! :)

Fun at Terra Firma Farm!

Today, while Kassy was in preschool, Preston and I went to a farm to see some animals. A few of my friends littles ones came as well. We had a great time! The picture above is of Preston and Audrey walking around the farm. What a beautiful day it is!!

In other news, we just go word today (from Nic's detailer) that we will NOT be going to Washington! Exciting, yet a bit scary, news! We are still praying for orders here in Groton. We'll keep you posted on the latest developments. :)

Submarine Birthday Ball!

I am exhausted tonight while I sit here blogging, but with a smile on my face! We got to go out as 'grown ups' last night! It was wonderful! Mom and dad came and stayed with the babies as Nic and I went to the sub ball at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods!! It was so fun and we got to stay the night in a fabulous hotel room! :) I felt very special and fancy (I must say!) and we both had a wonderful night and a great breakfast this morning when we woke up! Hanging out with lots of old and new friends is always fun, especially people who really understand what it's like to be a submariner's family. The ceremony in itself was amazing. It lasted for about an hour. There is some talking, tolling of the bells (for all the submarines and submariners lost) and the POW/MIA table. It was amazing, hard to be from being emotional though. Especially since our very close friends had to rush out (before dinner was served) because their precious baby boy had a seizure. *sigh* I was very somber for the rest of the night, but happy to be with my honey non the less. I'm happy to report that little Brayden is doing well. But please for him as he has to undergo testing this week. Also pray for his mom and dad (Jessica and Michael) as they have to undergo this and watch their son in fear he may seize again. Must get back to my lovely husband... Here's a picture of us from last night!!!

Moving...

So we got news that we will be moving to Bremerton, Washington in July. I'm so very overwhelmed right now. I know everything will be fine but I'm just trying to sort everything out, like where we will live when we get there, what schools the kids will go to, stuff like that! :) Keep us in your prayers... I'll update more when I can think a little bit more clearly.

Lilly's artwork.

So, the art show at the Mystic Art Gallery was on saturday and we got to see Lilly's art up close and personal! I posted a picture of it and we loved it! It was so great to see a picture that she made up on the gallery wall. She was very excited and so were we!! We are very proud of her, her 'thing' has always been art, so this was a big step for her!! :) Good job Lil!!!

Lilly's art!

Just wanted to write a quick blurb about some exciting news we got today! Lilly has a painting that is going to be displayed at the Mystic Arts Center in the Young At Art Show 2009! We are very excited! It is called "Sea Turtle Painting". I guess there will be an opening reception this saturday (February 28th) from 1-4 and they will be presenting awards at 2pm. We are very excited! The show will be on display from February 28th to March 28th. :) Just wanted to do a little sharing!!! Plus, we have been celebrating birthdays all month long! Preston turned 2 on the 12th and Kassy turns 4 tomorrow!! How time flies.... :)

Winter Vacation

Well, I am very thankful for winter vacation. This week has been a nice, relaxing week. I miss the days of homeschooling when we could do our own thing. Lilly does so much better at school, but it is nice to get a break. We have been running errands and even went to the aquarium yesterday! They loved it, thankfully we went early. The crowd was massive when we were leaving. Unfortunately all the kids have a yucky cold and I seem to be coming down with it now. Everyone else in the NE is sick right now, so why not us right?! :) Nic had monday off, but he has been at work for the rest of the week. I think he doesn't mind being away from home anyway! Being home for him is worse than going to work. He gets bored too quickly. Anyway, better run, I have a little boy who is exploring electronics right now that I must get too... until next time!

February already?!

I can not believe it is already February! Two of my babies have birthdays this month! Preston turns 2 on February 12 and Kassy turns 4 on February 24th!!! Insane!! I can't believe I'm going to be a mom to a 6, 4 and 2 year old. I feel old!!! :) Lol! But I love it none the less.



For some reason this year I am really excited about Valentines day?! This is quite strange for me considering I don't usually even acknowledge the day. I just am excited to get the kiddos little gifts. Also both the girls are in school this year and Kassy's class is going to have a little party, which is exciting! :) Ahhh well, the little things I suppose.

Also, I'm so glad that the snow is finally melting!!! Woohoo, it is also 50 degrees today, I just am beside myself! :) I know we'll get more snow but it is nice to have a break in the bitter cold of the NE.

In other news, Lilly cut her beautiful, long hair! Yes, believe it people, she really did! :) It looks absolutely adorable and she is giving her lengths to Wigs For Kids who makes wigs for cancer patients at no charge. Very exciting, at the same time Kassy and Preston also got cute little hair cuts.



As for Nic, he is doing well, his physical therapy is going well and we will find out more in March when he goes back to the surgeon again. Until then he is trucking on. We are just thankful that he is not on a boat and on shore duty, it makes things easier for him to get done what he needs to regarding his ankle.

Nic's ankle

Well, we finally got some word on Nic's ankle. For those of you who don't know, he was playing Wallyball on base with the guys and thought he rolled it. He rolls his ankle all the time, so he thought it was no big deal. I went and got him and noticed it didn't look right. But he was insistent on going home and doing what he always does with it (ice and motrin). So we did, next morning he was in excruciating pain and couldn't put any weight on it. So off to the doctor he went. Came out with crutches and pain meds. He went back a week later and they said it wasn't healing right so they sent him for an MRI. The results came back yesterday and he seems to have tore at least one ligament. So he goes to see an Orthopedic surgeon on tuesday. It should be interesting, I'm just thankful that he did this while on shore duty. Now just praying that the doctors can fix it so that this stuff doesn't keep on occuring.

Another year already!!

Wow, how time flies. I can't believe it is 2009 already! How exciting and at the same time a bit scary. This year could bring about big changes for the Fort family. Nic is due to rotate in September, so we are not sure where that is going to put us. We are still waiting on orders. I'm just so thankful that I have my husband around for the start of this year, so different than last year! The kids are getting to be so big so fast! I can't believe I don't have a baby anymore!! Preston is getting to be such a big boy and the girls are growing bigger everyday it seems. Lilly is such a little grown up. (Good and bad!) Kassy is our 'little mommy' and tries to help out whenever and wherever she can.

My goals for this year are pretty much the same as previous years. Making sure to be in God's word everyday, exercising and eating right and being as good of a wife/mommy as I can possibly be. All of these things are struggles at sometime or another for me. So focus is key.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe new year!!! I'm also going to try to update this more often than I have been. (We'll see how that turns out!)