Another Year Begins

Well once again I haven't blogged in a while but I seem to manage to blog the first day of school so I guess I need to keep the tradition going. Today was monumental in so many ways...One child takes on the new adventures of a new school and new expectations. Jordan started Jr. High today. I can still remember the day he was born so small and weak, and I can remember taking him to preschool so small and weak. This morning I looked at him and thought he is finally not so small and weak. It was so hard to let him go. I hope he loves school and has a blast. The other child who faces changes is Raegan, she started 1st grade meaning all day school. I loved my time with her while the others were at school. The bonding moments are so special to me and I think she will miss me too. Paige my niece was so sad today to see Raegan gone. She keeps looking for her. I have to admit I keep looking and calling for her too. She is going to be missed. Madison starts 5th grade and she is so ready and stoked. She was all smiles this morning, writing down her goals that she wants to accomplish and what she needs to do to get straight A's. I love her enthusiasm. She is going to go places in the near future. McKinley was just as excited to start 3rd grade, but for other reasons. She has been mapping out her wardrobe and hair choices for the week. I hope she will be as excited for school as she is for clothes and fashion. We shall see. James doesn't start till Wednesday so he was excited to make them French toast this morning and drive them to school. He also is starting his doctorate degree this year and so everyone in my house will be in school but me. However, I will have plenty of homework to do. As for me I babysit my adorable and irresistible niece, Paige. She fills my heart that has an empty spot. I love taking care of her and will enjoy the next wee one when he/she comes. My life is full and I am grateful for my heavenly father and all these wonderful blessings that I get to enjoy daily. Here's to a healthy, happy, and successful year.

Miracles never cease...

I can't believe that it has been 1+ years since I have blogged. I am just getting the blogging bug again and who knows maybe I will actually update it, but don't get your hopes up. It is going to be a work in progress. I wanted to start the new year with a journal and since it is so hard to keep one for me I figured this was the easiest and fun way to record our year. A lot has happened over the year, 2010 was great for us. We all got our tonsils out this year and a few surgeries, but we were pretty healthy and happy this past year. We added a new addition to our family, it was the easiest delivery ever. (Yes I actually helped deliver him)

Gunner. He is our new yorkie and Mandy's "boyfriend" so we are excited to have little puppies this coming year.

Jordan is getting ready to turn 12 this year AHH! I can't believe he is going to be a pre-teen. I am seriously not ready for that. He is in the 6th grade and has developed a love for running X Country, and has taken up the saxaphone ( I have invested in earplugs).

Madison

is turning 10 in a few weeks and she is in the 4th grade. She loves, loves, loves school and homework. Her passion right now is art (I have invested in a vacuum for her room). She is also loving piano. Her other interest is cooking. She got a cupcake maker for Christmas and has made us some yummy treats. I asked her if she wanted to be a chef and she said "no my goal is to cook good food for my family". I was a proud mom.

McKinley

is 7 going on 21. She is preparing to be baptized this year and wow, that is going to be a fun experience for her. She is in the 2nd grade and kind of likes school. She loves to sing and dance and perform on what ever she can climb on. ( again the ear plugs). McKinley was recently diagnosed with ADD. It has been quite a challenge to find what works for her. Mac has such a fun and zany spirit about her and we didn't want to alter that. She is doing great now that we have figured out what works. McKinley has started to teach herself how to play the piano. I think we may have a talented pianist in the future.

Raegan

My last and final baby is growing up so fast. I can't believe that she is going to be 6 this year. She is a ball of fire...she may seem shy but watch out she may bite. I love having my time with her in the mornings after the older kids go to school. I know this time is precious for us so I try to use my time with her wisely. She is a great student. She is already reading at a first grade level and excelling. She loves to learn new things, and try new things. Raegan loves to draw...on everything (I have a huge supply of magic erasers). She likes to leave her mark so to speak. Her favorite past time is dressing and playing with her doll, I mean dog. Mandy I think is her best friend. Wherever Raegan is Mandy is.

James Has been doing triple duty. He is currently teaching seminary at Rigby high school, teaching institute at BYUI, and teaching a religion course at BYUI. We hardly see him. He has discovered how to make awesome closets this winter which has been to my benefit. Keeps him busy and keeps me organized a win, win situation.

Me, well I am doing about the same. I have finally figured out that I have celiac disease and so that has been a challenge for me. I help my mother in law in her catering business and love being able to implement my college education while being a stay at home mom. I am also taking care of my cute niece Paige 2 days a week so she keeps me on my toes, and helps me with the last child going to school transition. Life here on the ranch in Idaho is awesome. James and I are going to celebrate our 15th anniversary this year. I can't believe how time has flown. Every year has had its ups and downs and we are still plugging along. I can't wait for the next 15 years.