New Experiences

As I sit here listening to the news about the fires plaguing our valley I almost giggle at the thought that my sweet husband is in Texas at this moment freaking out because he is away and doesn't know what will become of what surrounds his family. I don't giggle because it isn't a very understandable feeling on his behalf. I giggle because it seems that as much as you feel like all is good things can change so quickly and many don't even worry about it until it is upon them. This isn't true for my husband. He is ever vigilant and concerned for our well being. Always planning ahead and making sure that we are prepared for any eventuality. When we moved to CA he bought a trailer and it is ready to hook up to the truck and head out, filled with camping equipment and ready for boxes of pictures and papers to be added. He is always making sure the cars are filled with gas. He made sure we bought a generator and we even *gasp* have a landline in case our cell phones go down. He made sure that our girls, who are on the go constantly these days, have bags with clothes and necessary things just in case they can't get home. This isn't new for him. He is the proverbial boy scout, always prepared. This is why the thought of my daughters being without him at girls camp or my sons not having them at a scout campout scares me. I now realize that I never fully appreciated this facet of him as much as I should. Maybe I just trust in the Lord to much (not possible) or don't ever worry that bad things like that will happen. Sure the washer or dryer will break or a kid will get sick. Those are normals of life. They happen and life goes on. But what about those things that happen that can devastate or damage. If a fire were to hit our area I know that we would be fine because my sweet man has made sure of it. I should be more vigilant and with moving here I think I am better than I was in NV but I can do better. I love that my husband is so prepared and ever patient with me. Maybe that's why I don't worry, because he does and I know he will protect us in any instance.

Busy Life

It is amazing how busy life gets and how totally wonderful. The kids are healthy and happy and we are blessed beyond belief by Heavenly Father. I know I should post more, however; I never seem to take the time. I keep getting wrapped up in my kiddos and the every day. Just this morning I was reminded that sitting and watching cartoons with Joseph was ok when he asked if he could hug me. How could I resist such a sweet request from someone with no other motive but the joy of a hug. I need to constantly remind myself that it is the little things. Like the ride to see my grandma on her birthday, I had two hours of uninterrupted time with Jeana during our drive. We may not have had a life altering conversation but we did talk and she may not have thought it was a great day, but I enjoyed every moment. Take the time to breathe and just be. Watch your children play, turn down the radio, put down the phone, listen and laugh.

Whew!

To say that a lot has happened in the last 2 years would be an understatement of momentous proportions. We have had two graduate from high school(that would be Jessica and Jeana), added another Skinner to the family (Joseph) and moved from Nevada to California. These are just the BIG milestones in our lives and doesn't even compare to all the things that happened since my last blog post. As tough as some of these things were and as wonderful as others have been, I really have felt Heavenly Fathers love for me. I have realized that life has a way of happening and continuing on despite what you may be dealing with at any particular time. When I was put on bed rest it seemed so hard but worth it knowing that a precious baby boy would be joining our family. I knew that I could handle a few weeks of being bored and uncomfortable for the end result. When my kids graduated, as sad as I was at the idea that they could go on and leave me, I was thrilled that they had grown to be so wonderful and responsible. I see that they have grown so much especially with all the challenges put forth the last 2 years. When Jimmy's work decided they needed him somewhere else we didn't struggle as much with whether or not to move but the actual move itself. You find that when you have been in one area for so long that your friends become family. Things you didn't realize people did for you or were around for are all of the sudden become very crystal clear. All of the sudden we were alone, something Jimmy and I hadn't had not experience since before Jessica was born. Yet thru everything, never once have we wondered if God loved us or if He had forgotten us. The challenges have been plenty, however; the joy has been even more. We have found a wonderful place to live and are part of a fantastic community. We are part of an incredible ward who has welcomed us with open arms. We have had sadness, we have had excitement, we have had joy, we have had love. More importantly, WE HAVE HAD EACHOTHER! I cannot express the love I have for my Jimmy and the children, it is too great. We have our moments but all families do. But thru it all we have never stopped loving one another or supporting each other in our pursuits and endeavors. We are a forever family warts and all.

Bedrest

It's been forever since I have updated our blog, however; so much has happened in the last few weeks and months that I can't help but post. Also, I have a little bit more time on my hands seeing as I am on modified bed rest and not able to do a whole lot for that last few weeks of my pregnancy. We are very excited to welcome our newest and #7 addition to our family very soon. My actual due date is May 4, however; due to placenta previa it looks like our newest arrival will come mid April sometime. We are very excited and I am finding that my faith has been strengthened in the Lord thru all that has happened in the last year.

Camp and Tonsils

We had a great time the last week of July going to Camp Cartwheel. This was my first year that I could go and volunteer and, even though people told me I should not do it and should use this time alone to relax, I really wanted to give back to the camp and was excited to go. I think I had about as much fun as the kids did. Camp Cartwheel is for kids with cancer and other diseases that the kids have attended since Jessica was 6. They have alot of friends they have made over the years and this was Johnstons first year. He had a ball!

Right after we got home we had Jeana's sweet sixteen party at Crystal Palace Skating Rink. It was alot of fun. I still can't believe she is 16.

The next day, yes I know "mean mom", Jeana and Jillian had their tonsils removed. We have been struggling the last year with bouts of strep throat and I was seriously done, so when the dr said ENT I said YES. The hope and prayer is that this school year we don't have the struggles we had last year. I think Jeana is finally not angry with me so that makes me happier :)

I Know, I Know, it's been a looooong time...

But as much as I love to keep everyone updated it seems that our blog has totally been put on the last thing to do list.

Just recently, however; we had a family vacation. We took the kids to Disneyland, which was a BLAST and then off to San Diego. I wish I could say that was a blast as well but the circumstances around it were not since we finally buried my fathers ashes after losing him in January.

I just want to post a few pics that I hope everyone enjoys.

Magic Birthday

Jordyn is 10yrs old today, the 10th of December. My kids call the birthday that you turn the age of the date you were born the "Magic Birthday". Actually, every birthday is magical, especially where my family is involved.

Jordyn has been so excited this year, much more than in the past, and has been announcing the countdown since before Thanksgiving. The funnest, all be it hardest, part of her birthday is figuring out what presents to give her and which ones to save for Christmas time. The jury is still out on that one as I type away.

I am in love with Jordyns sweet smile and bubbly personality. Yes, she is moody at times at well. I tell people that Jorydn has two moods: happy and very p.o.ed, thats it nothing else :)

Jordyn is friends with everyone and is very sensitive to others around her. I am grateful the Lord put her into our lives and wish her the most "magical" birthday ever.