As Winter FINALLY starts to leave us (maybe), I realize that I haven't kept up with our blog. I started this blog mainly so that I, and future generations, could have a small piece of what our family was all about. As of now, it is a very small manuscript.

As we continue to grow as a family, I can't help but to continue to understand the need for the circle of life. As we continue to go through family trials, as we all do daily, it reminds me of all the sacrifices my own family did on my behalf and I feel sure that our children will someday, if not now, realize their own parents sacrifices, and understand why they were made. It becomes harder to judge and easier to forgive as we go through our own trials and temptations with our own families.

Nathan finally had his braces removed! He now has a lisp due to his retainers but that will soon go away. He doesn't seem to be that thrilled about it, as I am, but he will be grateful someday - or I will disown him. Wait, as stated above, it's all about forgiveness. I'll probably just let him know how I feel, make him feel guilty, and let it go. I have to have some fun. (ha, ha) He has a nice smile, now he just has to use it more! On a positive note, Scott caught Nathan talking to the new missionary in the hallway at church today all about being on a mission. Seems he is seriously thinking about it. Nate has to do anything on his own terms, so we are thankful that he is asking the questions.

Isaiah is starting club wrestling and puberty. He would dislike that I am writing about his puberty but, again, I must include some fun in my life. He is anxiously waiting for his "growth spurt" but Scott and I don't see it coming. He is growing, just at a steady rate, which is what Scott did and so....we will see.

Kael is in kindergarten and he really does enjoy it. He sometimes has a hard time sitting in class but he always wants to please and tries his very best. He loves to ride the bus and play with his friends. He would play with a friend every second of every day if he could. He is also wrestling and does very well. So far he enjoys practices but doesn't like to lose so we will see how the wrestling tournaments go. He will be starting machine pitch baseball in March.

Logan wants to keep up with his brother and can't wait for pre-school to start next Fall. If he had his way, he would be in wrestling and baseball right beside his brother. Logan is our last child and has a sensitive, sweet disposition which, on a selfish note, is so wonderful to have since each milestone he goes through will be our last. This adds so much more significance to each stage he passes through and we cherish those milestones with much appreciation and gratitude.

Hope all is well with you and your families!

Halloween and other fleeting thoughts....

It's already the middle of November and once again I have failed to continue writing but I have viewed all your blogs for many ideas and to see how everyone is doing. I must admit I feel overwhelmed when I see how creative most of you are. I don't have anything particular to say but I wanted to check in and let you all know that I am still alive and I am "planning" to write in my blog weekly. Please hold me to this!! I want sarcastic, funny, and just plain mean emails and/or blog comments coming my way if I don't comment on your blogs or write even a line on mine. I realize most of you are waiting on the edge of your seats, checking daily, to see if I have written (said with much sarcasm) but this is my only lifeline to my family back West.

Halloween was a blast for both Scott and the kids. Nate and his friends tried to plead their case that they have one more year of trick or treating door-to-door in them (they didn't) and Isaiah went to a Halloween party acting like he was sooo mature (he's not) while Kael and Logan went to the Publix shopping center and then ran from door-to-door in our neighborhood.

I had to jog along and go to almost every door since Kael felt if they didn't say no he could continue taking all the candy that he wanted (he couldn't) while Logan stood frozen in time with his bag open and since he was so cute (what 3 year-old isn't?) they kept putting candy in his bag which, in turn, made Kael think that he should have more and so the vicious cycle continues... I was there to "remind" Kael to take one and say thank you while ever so gently pushing Logan down the stairs while saying, "Two is enough, honey. Say thank-you."

The Halloween party was a blast and from what I understand it will be an annual party. Is that correct, Amy? I don't want to put you or Jessica on the spot but I'm thinking it would be a fun tradition and since most of us live away from family, it would be nice to have a big yearly gathering. Just a fleeting thought... Maybe we will start an annual New Year's party. Any thoughts? Well, bye for now!

I actually created a blog!!

I have stubbornly refused to start a blog. I'm not sure why since I have been known to scrapbook and I do have the desire to communicate with my relatives that live in the West and yet never seem to do so. After much coaxing from my friends, I decided it would be a fun and in evasive way to chat with those we, as a family, care about.

Scott came to Huntsville, Alabama in January of 2000 on a four month temporary job assignment with Boeing. Within a month of being here, he calls me and casually mentions that he thought Alabama would be a good place to live. I quickly shot the idea down since the last place I was looking to move to was Alabama(we did want to move somewhere). But after many
"conversations", he convinced me to fly everyone (Tera, Nate, Isaiah, and myself) to Huntsville for a spring vacation. I was pleasantly surprised by the area and after much thought and prayer we decided to ask Boeing for a permanent position.

Almost nine years and two kids later, we call Madison, Alabama our home. When we moved here Nathan and Isaiah were the same ages as Kael and Logan are now. We plan to be here, most likely (since no one can be sure), until retirement. At that time, we will re-evaluate whether we stay here or move nearer to the mountains which we both miss very much.

Nathan is fifteen-years-old, Isaiah is almost thirteen, Kael is five, and Logan is three. Tera is almost twenty-four and her daughter, Tessa, will be two in February. Our clan is growing but I, personally, will not continue contributing to the family tree. My child-bearing work is done and I am quite content in that fact.

I would love to hear about you and your families. All the funny stories, exciting news, and life-changing events, big or small, are welcome. Sometimes a simple "hi" can brighten a day.