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.

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!