Daddy, the good helper

Johnston can just crack me up sometimes. Today he informed us that he is scared of aliens and monsters on the base (yes he did say the base). For those who don't know we live right next to the air force base. Now, I just know someone told him that on the base are monsters and aliens, probably one of his siblings mixed with to much scooby doo, so there we are. He also informed me of the help that he and James gave daddy with taking down the lights. Personally, I think it was more of a "Hey dad, think you missed a spot" and "Hey cool can I climb that ladder too and what exactly would happen if I stuck my finger in this socket here". When I told him that he and James were really good helpers he seemed pleased so tonight when daddy helped him shut the door he told me that daddy was a good helper. I'm sure it was only hilarious to me because of lack of sleep, because Jimmy wasn't laughing like I was, but it was cute. It makes you wonder how much you can miss with your kids as they grow and change. I remember Jessica being as little as JT and now she is wearing makeup, going to dances and in 9th grade being a teen. Time flies so quickly and I am constantly reminding myself to slow down and enjoy my kids instead of doing that one last load of clothes. Yes, they have to get washed eventually and sometimes we are grabbing things out of the dryer but isn't it more important to watch them grow up in person then in pictures. So, for those of you who know me well and speak to me often keep reminding me to slow down for this time in life, even when dirty diapers are a part of it.

Busy Busy Busy

The last few months have been incredibly busy here in the Skinner home. In November, we celebrated Johnston's 3rd birthday. December 10 was Jordyn's 8th birthday and we had a party all planned when mom and dad got really sick and it had to be postponed a week. We finally had her party and had 8 little girls over making gingerbread houses with graham crackers. It was so funny to watch the houses as they all fell in one by one. Finally, we all decided to have flat roofs and some were decorated with as much candy as the plate could hold. Of course, we had Christmas which was very fun as always in our house. We were able to spend time with Jesse for a few days when he came down. Jordyn had her ears pierced right after New Years and we had Michelle up visiting for a week from California. The new year began with a much anticipated baptism. Jordyn looked beautiful in her white dress and shone with her smile. She will be able to go to her first Achievement Day Girls here in a couple weeks. We were excited that Great Grandpa could be there to help in the confirmation. And all through this Jessica had soccer on the JV team at Eldorado High School where Jillian and Jeana continued practices for their league teams. Jordyn also began piano again and is doing really well remembering where she left off.