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.

Hand Surgery and Homecoming

Jeana had hand surgery on thursday November 19. She has had pain since April and after wearing splints, casts and being told it was because one bone was longer than another and not shorter we finally got the right answer. Yes her bone is longer but apparently so is the other arm so its just genetic and not the cause of her pain. We aren't exactly sure how it happened, but with Jeana anything is possible, she had an MRI which showed a tear in her wrist area. Not knowing the extent of the tear we decided that surgery was the best option seeing how the pain has been there for a while. The dr. found a large tear and fixed it saying that it should take care of the problem. Jeana is now dealing with pain from surgery and writing with her left hand until we see the dr. on the 30th to have a cast replace the wrapping she has now. The cast is only necessary because it is soccer season and since she and Jessica have both made the varsity squad she needs a cast in order to play or they would only put on a splint. Hopefully by Christmas she will be up and going ripping open those gifts.

On saturday the 21st another mom and I put on a Homecoming Party for Jessica, my friends daughter and a few of their friends. It was alot of fun. Our theme was cruise related and we had dinner at one home then moved to our home for the dessert and festivities (games mostly). It was alot of fun and a ton of pictures were taken, now if I would just stop procrastinating and download them. Jessica was able to wear a beautiful dress and get her hair done as well. I think I may have had more fun than all the kids did and can't wait to do it again, however; maybe on a smaller scale :)

Finally Five

Johnston turned five this month and it was so fun. He has grown so much and I love watching him. He started preschool and has made alot of friends and can't wait to go. He is very talkative and imaginative (just ask about his imaginary friend). I enjoy spending time with him and just watching him play.

He was able to have his party at Chuck E. Cheese. Even though it was busy there it was perfectly fun and I was happy to not have to clean up :). He received alot of presents and can't wait to get out those Thank You's.

Johnston is really into writing letters and mailing them out so don't be surprised if you receive one.

Happy Birthday Johnston!

James is 8!

We had a wonderful month of August! James turned 8 and had a really fun party with some friends at the Orleans Bowling Alley. They all had a really good time.

The best part of James turning 8 was his baptism on September 5. The water was so high (or should I say he is so little) that when he got in the font it went up to his chest. It was so wonderful to see our first boy get baptized and realize that one day he will hopefully baptize others and grow in the gospel, gaining the priesthood. It was a just so thought provoking. I loved seeing our girls baptized, however; it just seemed different having James baptized.

James is also now old enough for scouts and loves going every week. He has already earned a loop for his belt for volleyball.

We are so lucky to have James in our family. He is so sweet and has such a tender spirit. I feel that he will be a strong influence for his friends in the Gospel. He trys so hard to do what is right and continues to bless our lives every day. We love you James!

Happy Birthday Jeana Beana!

Today Jeana turns 15!!! Of course we did all our celebrating with friends on friday and family on sunday so we just HAD to find something fun to do today. We decided to take a short trip to St. George (Washington really) to a community center there where they have a great little swimming area with slides, kiddie area, mostly covered awesome!

I can't believe that she is already 15! Where does the time fly? She has always been smart and precocious, talented and sweet. She is also argumentative, LOL about everything! Just try telling her the sky is blue and she will find something to argue with you about it hehehe. We love her and her quirky ways!

We feel so blessed to have her in our lives! She was an unexpected blessing in our family but came at the absolute best time of our lives. The Lord knows what we need when we need it even when we wonder why! She is our comic relief and WE LOVE HER!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!!

Why...

Why do I open my mouth and say things (or write things as the case may be) when I know it could cause definite controversy? I realize that there are many people in this world and most the time I keep my strong opinions inside so as to not annoy others but sometimes...
My problem isn't that I said it, because it is what I believe, it is that maybe I could have said it better or maybe someone will totally hate me for saying it.

I guess the true friends in my life who love and respect me wouldn't care of my opinions as long as I respect theirs and honor theirs as they do mine. And, I guess those who don't aren't truly friends but merely aquaintances.

And so in an open forum I say Thank you to all those who listen to my, sometimes too honest, opinions and love me anyways and tell you that I love you just the same for yours.