Dear Friends and Family,
It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone. Life seems to go so much more quickly as I get older. Our kids are growing up a bit faster than I would like them to, but they are such a joy to have around.
I guess I’ll start with the youngest and go up. Jackson is almost 4 months old now. He is such a happy baby! He laughs and chatters all the time. He loves his siblings and chatters at them with the most vigor. They return his adoration with lots of kisses and pats. Jackson is even thoughtful enough to let mom sleep very well at night. He only wakes up once or twice to eat and then goes right back to sleep (well-almost always).
Charlee is growing up fast. She misses her brothers when they are away at school. But mommy appreciates this time with her because she knows all too soon Charlee will be going to school as well. She is looking forward to preschool next year. She is also looking forward to dance lessons starting in January. And let’s face it….mommy is looking forward to that more than anyone. Since I only have one girl, I pretty much insist on Charlee taking dance just so I can dress her up!
Jayden is in first grade this year. He is doing very well. His teacher tells me all the time how much she loves Jayden’s personality. He is such a sweetheart to everyone he meets. He gets so enthusiastic about life and everything around him. It is very contagious. Very often, when I ask him about school, he will say, “Best. Day. Ever!” And then tell me some sweet story about why it was the best day ever. I just hope that someday I can adopt that positive attitude and have that many “best day evers.”
James is in third grade this year. I cannot believe how advanced third grade is! He is doing some challenging math! Sometimes when he asks for help on his homework, I am secretly figuring it out on my calculator under the table. I know, right? But he is keeping up with it very well. James is at the age now that sometimes after the other kids go to bed, he and I sit and talk. We have had some very stimulating conversations about life and the gospel. Honestly, it scares the crap out of me to have him growing up right before my eyes. I think to myself, “How am I going to teach him everything he needs to know?” I guess that is when I just get on my knees and beg for help and guidance. Parenting is a big job, you know?
Jason had a wonderful year this year. He really loves working with GPS. And apparently, he is super good at it. He won the CGO (company grade officer) of the quarter award at the squadron, wing, and 14th air force levels. I am so proud of him. He is actually away right now in California for some training he was hand-picked for. Then in January and February, he will go to Alabama for another training. He is moving onward and upward. What a good husband I have, huh?
I am still working on my Masters in midwifery. I can’t wait for the day I can write in my Christmas letter that I graduated from MCU and am a certified professional midwife. But alas, it is still a couple of years away. I am on “maternity leave” right now from attending births. I am going to start going to births again after the first of the year. It will be tough to leave my baby, but I am going to start slow. I only have 1 birth a month scheduled right now. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything I need to be doing. School, callings (yes, plural), housework, exercise, scripture study, homework with the kids…and the list goes on. But everyday I strive for balance. I tell my birthing moms to be gentle with themselves, and I need to remind myself of that same thing on a daily basis.
We miss our families that live far away. We wish we could see you more. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
