Strengthening the Family

Well, it's me. The blog that you always pass by because it usually says -"last update- one month." So not to disappoint or ruin my reputation- here I go again. The year has been great so far! We've had fun as a family with game nights (it's no nice when the kids get old enough to play) we got to visit family in Provo and kiss my nephews' cute chubby faces, last night we took the kids on the front runner again to Salt Lake but then had to take trax to the Huntsman Center at U of U campus. Never again! Frontrunner's OK but Trax on the other hand- let's just say we were quite entertained and when we got back Zac informed his grandparents that he met 15 Hobo's. Our kid's also made the comment on the way back that they reaffirmed their committment that they were never going to touch drugs or alcohol! One lady had a conversation with Hailey about Human Development and why kids spill milk all the time. She intently listened with eyes wide open. The train was making some funny "gassy" noises and Brooklyn said- "The train TOOT-TOOED" We watched the Lady Ute Gymnasts compete against Washington. They were amazing!!!!! The kids were in giddy awe. I can see why the Utes are ranked 3rd in the nation. AWESOME!!! It was a great experience though the $5 hamburgers weren't that great.
So Wes and I started taking the Strengthening the Family class on Thursday nights in our ward. It was been such an edifying, thought provoking, and life changing experience and so I encourage everyone to take this class when asked by their Bishop or ask about taking it. I come away every week with a desire to be a better parent. During the week I am more mindful of my tone, my words, how I interact emotionally and physically with my children, how they feel, and well- just everything! I have been more mindful of my weaknesses and the desire to ask Heavenly Father -daily- for the things I need to work on and then praying for guidance on how to help my children with the things that they need help on. I hope that I can continue to have these desires and put them into action when I'm through with this class.
Well, dad had surgery on his hernia, Grandma Smith had surgery on her gall bladder the same day, and then when dad got his stitches out he was walking around the hospital waiting for my mom and saw Grandma Childers in a hospital room because she slipped and fell on the ice and broke her wrist, and then last week my sister in law Natalie had surgery to blast a kidney "boulder" and take it out. I hope everyone gets better soon- and please- no more hospital visits people! We look forward for Cherisse and their family to visit us the end of this month-to participate in the blessing of Baby Lucy. Yea!

Year in Review -'08

Happy New Year Friends and Family! I can't believe how fast this last year has flown by. Time sneaks past you the older you get-not to say that I think I'm getting the least bit old.(ha!) The beginning of the year started off with a lot of drama with different family members and has ended with gratitude and faithfulness to our Savior Jesus Christ.- It's a long story, but any how.
Wes keeps busy with work and still really enjoys it. Most of last year he spent training new hires so he had a lot more responsibility. Wes has diligently put his shoulder to the wheel and pushed along in his calling as bishop. It is humbling as his wife to hear people bear their testimonies giving Wes love and giving thanks for how he has helped them individually. I really know nothing of his calling or the burdens he has to carry, but I know that Heavenly Father has blessed the lives of others through Wes and his faithfulness.
I am the Laurel advisor and know of no better calling than to be with the youth of the church. They have such great knowledge and excitement about the gospel, and of course it gives me the opportunity to act "young" every once in awhile. I am still teaching dance once a week to about 45 students. I'm still fine tuning things but am quite content with the skill level and growth in my students. I love it! I am of course still busy at home with projects and the raising and nurturing of 5 great kids.
We celebrated 10 wonderful years of matrimonial bliss this last May. I'd like to say that we have marriage down to a "T" but I know through the ups and downs of life is where we strengthen our relationships and increase our love and respect. I am very greatful to have "My Wesley" for eternity and look forward to another great 10 years. We have five beautiful, wonderful, healthy children.
Zachary turned 9 and started 4th grade. He is so kind to his siblings, a peacemaker, and a great help to his parents. He loves scouts, dance, soccer, wrestling, and mom started him in piano this year and then got him a guitar to start getting him musically inclined. He has a very nice voice and has sang a few times in sacrament this year.
Cameron turned 8 and got baptized and confirmed this year. It was a great day. He is in 3rd grade and a little smarty pants. He has a great gift and was asked to go to a special summer camp for gifted children. He is a great artist and am amazed that he can see things in his head and put it on paper. I have to look at a picture already drawn to draw it. He is a great soccer player, doing well in piano, and loves to wrestle around with his brothers at home.
Jonathan just turned 6 a few months ago and started Kindergarten this year. He is doing well and his reading skills are quite good already. Jonathan does well in anything he wants to do. If he wants to do something, he just keeps at it until he can do it. He is quite athletic and wants to do everything his brothers d0. With that will power also comes obstinence and stubborness. He does not like being told no. He gets hurt a lot obviously. He knocked out a tooth, has scars on his face, arms and legs. He's still such a cutie!
Hailey turned 4 and is going on 16. She's our little drama queen. She loves her daddy and has quite the crush on him. She plays dress up almost every day and is quite the dancer and entertainer. Her brothers get quite the rise out of making her scream but she has to be all about their business anyways, so must not mind too much. She's no bigger than a minute so it is hard for me to see her going to Kindergarten next year. She has mastered spelling her name though so at least I can check that off the list. A friend of mine and I started doing pre-school together once a week and it has been helpful. She's so excited to come home and do her "homework".
Brooklyn turned 2 this year and is acting so big. She's finally had a little growth spurt and can talk very clear and complete sentences. She is her sister's little shadow. They love each other and can't be without each other. Brooklyn also loves dressup and dance and sings songs around the house. She got princess underwear in her stocking for Christmas and ever since then has been doing really well going potty in the toilet. She loves getting into mom 's makeup and drawing on walls.
Well, that's about it, other than we'd like to tell family and friends how much we love and appreciate you and our home is always open to all of you any time. We have great fond memories and experiences with all of you and look forward to many more. We are greatful for the gospel and the peace and joy it brings into our lives as we try to live it and all because of a loving Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. Have a wonderful 2009 !