I've had numerous people ask me why I don't update my blog anymore. I keep trying to come up with a good excuse, but now that I can't use the cranky baby line anymore (Caleb's over a year old and cute as can be by the way), I guess the only true reason not to do it is pure laziness. So, I guess I'm going to try to ease myself back into a semi-regular blogging schedule. Don't expect dailies or even weekly posts, but I'll shoot for at least one or two a month. So, since I haven't posted anything in this entire year, I don't quite know where to start! Maybe I'll give you a quick summary of what everyone's been up to - Christmas letter style:
Jared has officially had his optometry office open for two years this July. Wooohoo! The business is doing pretty well. We still have scary times where we aren't sure if the money will stretch, but somehow it always works out. For a start-up business in this economy, we really couldn't ask for better. A couple of months ago, Jared was released as the ward's scoutmaster and was called to be the Elder's Quorum President . . . AGAIN. Maybe he'll get it right this time, eh?
As for myself, I've just been doing the mommy thing. I love watching the little guy grow and develop his own personality. I haven't really spent any time on my own hobbies - unless you count reading books, and then I've been horribly, horribly selfish. Ah, but I love to read! Nothing calms me after a day full of KIDS like a good book. I haven't been completely self centered though. I've put many hours into birthday cakes, diaper changing, bike fixing, house cleaning, and kid entertaining. I even put in a few hours of community service on the fourth of July by painting faces at the local Children's Museum. My kids of course had to have their turn when I got home, and then all the cousins felt left out - so I spent almost a whole day painting little butterflies, doggies, fireworks, flags, superheroes, and more. It was fun being artistic again.
Andrew turned nine in May. He's such a good kid. I seriously wish it was legal to leave him home as a babysitter, because he's more responsible than most of the 12 year old girls I know. He love's scouts and got to compete in his first pinewood derby this year. His car was awesome (thanks to my dad and his wonderful carpentry tools). He won first place in his age division and was so proud. We also finally got him riding a bike. We didn't have anywhere for him to ride for so long when we lived in the apartment, so he just never learned to ride w/o training wheels. He loves it and can't wait to explore the neighborhood. Andrew is excited to start fourth grade this year. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Seriously. I can't believe I have a fourth grader. What freaks me out is that I can remember fourth grade as the year that boys started to troll for girlfriends - remember the "check YES or NO" notes? I think I got my first one in fourth grade. UGH. So not ready for this.
Braden is still a sweetheart. He will be seven on September 5th and starts first grade this year. Yes, he is older than almost all the other kids in his grade, but stupid Farmington schools are super strict on their Kindergarten enrollment requirements and he was not five by September first that year, so he got to start a year later than almost everyone else. Blah Blah, I'm over it. Braden is super-smart and loves to be at the top of his class, so he'll be right where he's happiest.
Katie, Katie, Katie. What to say about Kate. She's a little ball of fire, that one. Honey sweet one minute and vinegar the next. I fear for my sanity when the little stinker hits thirteen. She's already a drama queen. She just turned four and LOVED her strawberry shortcake cake. She loves all things sweet and girly and lives to play dress up. Every day she begs me to put makeup on her, but I am determined to make her wait until she's an old maid. She's too gorgeous already. So she has to content herself with her princess dresses, her princess shoes, her princess crowns and jewelry, and her quirky little ballerina moves. Hee Hee, it makes me giggle just picturing it. I really need to sign her up for dance classes so she can learn how to do it.
Caleb turned one in June. He just started walking, so now is the stage when every time you see him he has new bruises on his head and I swear I don't beat him. He's starting to talk too. He of course says mama and dada, but has recently added "dog," "cracker," "cooka" (cookie), "gucky," and "mum-mum." He's gonna be a genius, I know it!
Okay, so there's the individual updates. We just got back from a weekend trip to Colorado to visit my family there, and we have a few days to recuperate before we head out to California for two weeks. I'm already exhausted and I haven't even started to pack. To be honest, I haven't really unpacked from the last trip, so maybe I should just add a few more changes of clothes and call it good. What I really don't look forward to is the many hours in the car listening to Caleb cry. He's not a great traveler. Oh, I hope I don't forget my ipod charger. What will I do if I don't have my ear plugs?
