Ryker
Ryker turned 2!!! He is growing up to be such a sweet, sweet boy. He always says thank you and please, and he is such a little lover. He hugs, kisses, strokes your face gently, and cuddles all the time. He reminds me of a small Sage but even more cuddly. He can name all his ABC's on flashcards and LOVES to be read to. He has also learned to balance a two wheeled bike (strider). This summer I am sure that he will take on Jace's old bike and will be riding a two wheeler with pedals soon!
Ryker has really found his voice. The little guy talks all the time. And if you tell him something he repeats it just to confirm what you said. He still loves everything with a motor and has recently discovered remote controlled cars and trains. We love Ryker and he really has been such a blessing to our family.
Jace
Jace turned 4 in December. He asked for a chocolate, construction cake with a back hoe on the top. So that is what we gave him!
Jace has been having a blast this year at Kid's Village. He has just started to sound out letters and read. School has been good for him and Jace, although he is still stubborn, has been learning to take things in stride and not get upset about little things.
Jace has become quite the charmer. He has this look that he uses to make any girl or woman swoon. Goodness, it practically works on boys and men too. The kid is irresistibly cute. He has become best friends with little Ryker this last year. They do everything together. With this new friendship Jace is learning how to be a big brother and how to be patient. Although Jace has been extremely challenging in the past, as he grows up and matures, he is becoming easier and easier to handle. It is amazing what love and patience can do for a child.
Ashton
Ashton has had a great year in 2nd grade so far. He does well with his studies and manages decently with friends. He did get in a fight with a boy at school this last month. But he was not the aggressor. He did learn that sometimes you have to walk away and choose not to play with someone when they are being disagreeable. We did make his attacker cookies in hopes to extend an olive branch but that did not seem to work. So Ashton decided he wanted to take up basketball so he could play in a different crowd. And since I am actually a pretty decent basketball player, I bought him a ball and taught him how to play.
Ashton continues to take piano lessons and has recently learned how to work and shoot a BB gun. It has been fun to watch his Dad teach him the basics in firearms and safety. Ashton definitely loves everything his Dad does. I would not be surprised if he take up flying airplanes one day.
Sage
Sage is growing into quite the little lady. She is FINALLY starting to care more about her appearance and has been learning how to blow dry her own hair. She has even been asking for earrings in which I told her when she showed me that she could stay responsibly clean (meaning take showers where she actually washes her hair and body) then we would consider getting those ears pierced.
Sage is still very much into Science. It is her favorite subject. When asked what her talents are she always mentions her knowledge of Biology, Geology, and Physics. Now if I could just convince her that math is just as fun as Biology then things would be perfect! I am not saying she does not do well in math. She does great when she actually tries. But she sure does whine a lot about her equations. Especially when I tell her she has to re-due them because she got them wrong.
She is still very much into boys. She even came home the other day excited to tell me that the boy she likes has a 6 pack. When I doubted this story she explained that he was in gymnastics... and then I realized the kid probably did have one and the fact that my daughter noticed and was excited by that scared me just a little. Having said that, she really is an amazing gal. She still shares her testimony every month at church, helps out at home, and is the perfect big sister. Well maybe she is not perfect, but she is perfect enough for me!
Me
My fall and winter has been a bit of a whirlwind. In the fall I was inspired to pick up an old guitar and start playing. And now, I can actually play the guitar. I am no pro, but I do alright for a self taught beginner. I really enjoy learning the guitar and even bought myself a new guitar that sings a much sweeter song than the guitar I started on. And yes I did name it, and that guitar is sometimes my refuge from the storm. Do you realize how loveable a guitar is?? You can actually comfortably hug it. If only they could hug you back. I have been tinkering with various songs and styles. If you are ever visiting, just ask and I will play a little tune for you.
Just before the beginning of the year I was called to Primary President at my church. At first the calling was a bit stressful due to the time of year. But I have amazing councilors, a better than average secretary and I sure do love the kids I get to serve. I can honestly say that I truly do enjoy my new calling in my church and am thankful for the blessings it provides. Kids really are the best! And I find it easy to connect with any child.
Curtis
Curtis has been a busy guy as usual. He continues to work on various projects and education. Right now he is actually working on creating a flight simulator with a friend that could potentially be sold to flight schools around the country. There goal is to make it affordable and functional. He has also been having fun buying a bunch of toys for our new boat we purchased recently and he can't wait to take it out on the lake.
Curtis has taken on the huge task of redoing my entire basement. We have added one bedroom, a hallway, and a storage area to the once more open floor plan. Next comes paint and carpet! I am so thankful for the fact that my husband is capable of doing almost anything. He is such a hard worker.
Curtis continues to work hard at Fidelity Investments and SAR. This winter has been relatively calm when it comes to Search and Rescue. Curtis has become the Dive Sergeant once more for the team and is looking forward to energizing the program. Other than that things are pretty normal for Curtis.
And there you have it folks! And now I must go downstairs and put my kids to bed. Hope all of our family and friends are doing well!
