Family Pictures

When Mary was here last weekend, we went up along the road that Jim drives every day at work to take some family photos. Well, I forget how much work it is to get little kids to stand in the right spot, look at the right second and do it over and over again, let alone having the cooperation of a baby. So they are a little candid and crazy, but here are a few . . .

4 days til departure~

In just FOUR short days, Jim, Billy, Ethan and I will be boarding a plane on our way to France! Last year when I attended the firt meetings, it wasn't really something I was planning on doing--I would have gone had tere been the need for another chaperone, but I was okay to wait until the next trip to head a group. Not because I didn't want to go but because I knew I would have a little baby and it would be a big chunk of time away from my children. However, as things played out, I needed to step in and take the lead. And I have learned so much. I absolutely love the company with whom we are travelling. Language and Friendship is a wonderful organization and the idea of a family stay is amazing. I am so excited for my students--and a little jealous that I didn't have such an opportunity when I was their age. But I do get to stay with friends while they are with their host families for a week. And at least I get my husband and my baby with me. It has been a challenge and a sacrifice on many levels, but when cards come your way and an opportunity like this arises, you have to take it and run. My other children who don't get to go this time know that since I have/get to teach French for a while now, they WILL get their chance to go with me. And that is exciting for us all as it motivates me to keep teaching them French and gives me a fringe benefit of having to teach. My mouth is already watering for my first pain au chocolat aux amandes (my favorite patisserie) and a viennoisse (my second favorite). And how often do you get to go back to TWO wards in which you served as a missionary to visit?
I can't begin to thank my wonderful, dear friend Jennifer for being so willing to watch the three little kids we will be leaving hee. I get more and more anxious about leaving them, not that they won't have a blast with her--they love her children--and her--so much. I am just going to miss them dearly. But we will call and send postcards to them, so that will help. Paris or BUST!

Update

Not so good at keeping up-to-date, but thought I would add a little something. I should really be grading papers, but I guess a few minutes won't hurt. A lot has happened lately . . . On Eric's 5th birthday, Billy was ordained to the office of a Priest in the Aaronic priesthood. He is growing up so quickly. He is such a wonderful ,helpful young man. He is funny and good and he sure loves his siblings--both oler and younger. And they love him right back. He is quick to wrestle with his little brothers and sister and teach them wrestling moves. It's actually so fun to watch. So, we are certainly proud of him and his worthiness to hold the priesthood.

Ethan is now doing the military crawl and crawling at least one step before going back down to the ground and shuffling across the room. He is such a happy boy, alhtough he does not like his bike helmet! He laughs like no other baby. He loves to eat whatever we are eating and now has two little bottom teeth. He is adorable and so fun to love!

Tanner is a terror and a sweetheart. It's extremem to extremem with little middle ground. He is either creating a disaster or loving you or helping you with the baby. He sure loves his little brother! He has a tremendous vocabulary for a 2 year old and isn't afraid to express himself to EVERYONE. He constantly says Hi to everyone we pass--and often adds, "I'm Tanner. Who are you?' He thinks running away is a lofty hobby and loves to eat and run! We love him, too, so much!

Eric says the darndest things. I really just need to attach a microphone/recorder to him because I swear i will remember his cute little snippits because they are so clever and adorable, but when I finally get the chance to write it down, I can't remember it. He is ambitious and so cuddly and lovable. He loves to make others happy.

Amelie is stuck between being a little and a big sister and the only girl at home. She loves to create imaginary worlds to which she brings us all. SHe loves t create and write. She wrote a cute little song the other day (remind you of anyone? I used to do that!) She is very crafty and creative. I love her desire to make the world beautiful! She is a little princess!

Tiffany and her ittle family are in their own apartment and I am so excited for them. I can't wait to meet Holly and see her cute big sister growing up so fast!

Mary is still nursing her foot. It's so hard to stay down when you are such a go-getter! She is such a bright, hard-working girl. No longer a college freshman--crazy!

Jim and I stay busy, busy, busy as we pass each other each day. He get a moment together from time to time :) Like last Thor's Day, he took me (and Ethan) to see Thor--since we had just begun the unit on Norse Mythology. It was very good and, aside from the technology side, was pretty accurate. And today we went to a Primary lunch that we held for our Primary workers and their spouses to thank them for all they do for us. They are amazing--but that's a whole other entry!

Sweet 16

Billy turned 16 on Thursday. And though I am not sure guys usde the 'sweet' 16 title as much as girls, it certainly applies to Billy. He is the most kind and caring big brother to his little siblings. He always asks them how their day went and what they id. He lves to wrestle with them and tease them and love them and just cuddle up on the couch with them. And it isn't just with his brothers and sistes that you see this. Many times people have told me how sweet he is--so pleasant, thoughtful and caring. We are so glad he is part of our family!
Happy Sweet 16, Billy!! We love you!

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

Mary has had a bit of an adventure lately. At volleyball practice, she broke her foot 9 i am not good with the details, but basically, the outside toe was broken, So, Thursday, she had to get minor surgery to place a pin in the side of her foot. It is about an inch long titanium pin. We got to see her today for a little while (not nearly long enough, but better than not at all) and her foot was still numb and healing well. She will be on crutches for 6 weeks, then back onto the court. Luckily it happened now and not during the season! And she is really doing well--although, now as the numbness wears off, she may not be doing so well :( She is a trooper and a strong young woman. She will heal well and be back on her feet in no time!

Tenacious Tanner

Tanner is a doll. He is cute and confident and crazy! He has no concept of danger. He constantly seeks out knives and scissors and i think he actually gets a kick out of my reaction when he comes to me with a knife in hand, 'Look, Mom, a knife!' He doesn't understand the fear he puts in my heart when he runs down the middle of the street, or when he escapes the backyard and gets half a block away before we realize he is gone. He is Houdini. One minute, he is beside you and the next, he is down the block. And when you run to get him, he thinks it is a game and laughs and keeps running. 'Mom, I run away!' he says with a smile, thinking it is cute and fun--and to him, it is. He doesn't seem to mean any harm. But man, oh man, he certainly puts himself in harm's way day after day. He must have a very busy guardian angel--probably a whole platoon of guardian angels who have kept him safe so far. I just keep praying that he stays safe and starts to realize very soon why we get so worried and upset when he runs or tries to play with knives (he thinks they are swords--but he has toy swords to play with, so it's not like he needs to seek one out). And Tanner is confident. Whenever we are out somewhere, to whomever we pass, he says, "Hi, I'm Tanner. Who are you?' And often he proceeds to introduce the rest of the family. When he wakes up in the morning, he comes downstairs and whenever I come into the house, whether I am returning from work or a meeting or a store, he runs up to me and announces, 'Mom, it's me, Tanner!' he is so fun and cute and crazy and we love him to death!

getting old

So with family responsibilities, lesson plans, grading and primary assignments, I have not had time to play/post online for much other than searching for IB documents or ideas for my French 4 students. So now that it is spring break, I thought I would take a few minutes to dust the cobwebs on our family blog. The little kids and I are in Calgary visiting my mom & brothers. The concept, however, of "Spring' break is lost on this trip as our first night here, it snowed and covered any signs of spring that were trying to pop out--if there were any. There was already a good blanket of snow pulled up over the ground. I've already been able to hang out & visit with my mom & all 3 brothers. It's so fun to get together! It does, however, remind me of how much time has passed and how old I am getting. I have not colored my hair for quite a while. With everything going on, it has been last on my list of priorities. So, I am showing my silver (sounds much better than gray!) more than ever. I figure I have certainly earned each silver hair--like the silver beaver in scouts, or a silver medal, I figure it is simply a sign of my efforts over the years. I will probably color my hair again soon, but that does not mean I am not very proud of every silver hair I have :)