We're back!

I will try, once again, to keep up a family blog.
Right now Reese and Callie are fighting over some Toy Story dominoes. Reese has just announced to Callie that she's fired and retreated to his own bedroom. Callie, in Cinderella shoes, seems unfazed as she clomps after him. And now I just had to tell Callie to stop using her brother's toothbrush.
Ah, a typical  morning in my house. I got up and made egg-less pancakes, saw Maddie and Ben off, and decided to revive our blog.
Things are usually pretty dull around here. I rarely have anything to report. Lately our life has spiced up a tad.
Maddie has her driver's permit and is working very hard not to run anyone over. She has her behind the wheel driver's ed in July. Then the dreaded (for the parents anyway) driver's license. Personally, I'd rather she wait until she's 18 to drive. But all of her friends have cars by now so she's itching to join the club.
She will be finishing her Sophomore year in June. This means we need to start seriously considering colleges. She wants to be a horticulturist, so I'm guessing she will want a school with a strong biology program. We have discussed her taking care of her gen. ed portion at MSU so she can live here (for free!) and save some money. We will see what our research reveals.
Reese is starting preschool this fall. He's relishing his last months as a carefree kid who can sleep in and do whatever he wants all day long.
Callie is finally potty-trained! I know, I know, I never thought it would happen. The only thing you can ever count on with Callie is that she is predictably unpredictable. She's always been one to keep me guessing. Just when you think you know how she'll handle something she'll surprise you. She will be starting preschool next year (fall of 2012), and Reese will move on to Kindergarten at the same time.
All three of the kids are growing up at an incredible rate. We are done with diaper days now. The outlet covers aren't such a big deal anymore. The toy pieces are getting tinier and stabby-er. No more cribs, no more onsies. It's hard to see them growing up so fast, but getting past all these baby things is a breath of fresh air.
Ben is working very hard in the Taylor Corporation basement. He plays basketball with his co-workers about twice a week. I think they would like to play more often, but the weather has been a real jerk this spring. Harumph.
He has been going to quite a few get togethers at Microsoft lately as well. This affords him more opportunities to learn new things and exchange information with others in his field. I think he has fun at these events. The drive home gets long for him, but I think it's still worth it.
He has been doing a lot of little projects around the house, but some of those deserve a post of their own (especially my seed starting shelf).
I have decided to go to school for Medical Coding. I will be getting a diploma first, allowing me the opportunity to get a job sooner. Membership in the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is included in the program for the diploma.
This allows me to sit for the Certified Coding Specialist credential exam offered by the AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) as well as the the Certified Professional Coder examination offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders.
Once I have my diploma I want to obtain a CPC certificate immediately. Once I have a job I plan on continuing my education. The credits from the diploma program will transfer so that I can get an Associates degree in Health Information Technology.
Because I am home with Reese and Calista I will be doing all of my studies online. I'm excited beyond words to be going to school. It will be refreshing to do something that doesn't revolve around house work and mommy work.
I won't be starting school just yet. I want to wait until after my surgery. I will have 15 months to complete the course, which is set as a one year course. I don't think it will be a problem, but I rather enroll after I'm up and running again.
I go in early Thursday morning for the surgery. My doctor says I'm a perfect candidate for this procedure, so I hope it takes. I have an 85% chance that it will, which is pretty decent. I'll keep my fingers crossed and remain positive.
Speaking of which, I better get back to my chores.
We will be seeing some of you this weekend when Ian and his grandpa celebrate their birthdays.
Take care everyone. Keep thinking warm weather thoughts.