Facebook is so much quicker than blogs, but I do like putting more information than 450 letters - we are more complex than that!
I read my OCTOBER post - lots has happened since than! Let's start!
Craig is enjoying his job and the people he works with - namely Shawn! They have too much fun at work! He is a great friend and I am glad Craig has him. I think Craig's next career should be landscaper because our backyard is gorgeous! Our spring flowers are all in bloom right bow - pretty tulips and happy daffodils nod and smile at you when you go outside and our crab apple tree is blooming and it smells heavenly! The pond is the highlight area - rocks carefully placed look like they just tumbled there and have a small waterfall cascading down the side into the pond where orange goldfish and white koi dart around. There are grasses inter dispersed among the rock that you would never know weren't there a year ago. Lilies, painted daisies and black-eyed Susans are either blooming or starting to grow to their full height to bloom later this summer. The bridge has an alyssum water effect under it - like a curling current. We just planted a good-size purple autumn ash tree so that one day, soon hopefully, it will shade the wood and iron bench that sits on pavers that are held in place with pea-gravel. Two small fairies are hidden in the flowers and you really have to look to find them peering out at you! White solar light dot the entire area and give it an ethereal look at night. He also has a Honey crisp apple tree to plant and some other projects - the garden needs to be planted, my boardwalk and awning need to be built on the shed and the fence that will enclose the garden (small picket fence), we are going to tear off the deck and lower it and that's just the backyard! The front yard he has one more flower bed to build and fill in and hook up a small water fountain in the shape of a little girl holding a watering can.
He is still in Scouts and working hard with all of the boys to earn their merit badges and ranks. He has scout camp coming up and trip to Portland, Oregon for work in July.
Jessica is anxious for school to get out on June 1st and have the children home! I have tons of fun things and chores for them to do! I spend my days with Chloe and sometimes lots gets done and sometimes nothing gets done! She is a handful! I watch Abigail sometimes depending on her mother's schedule. They like to play and are good company for each other. I am still 2nd counselor in Primary and loving it (most days!) Scouts, Nursery and sharing times are busy things! I am trying to help the girls with their personal progress by doing it with them - we don't have a lot of time - but we try!
Ryan is in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, right outside Lawton. He doesn't really care for it there, but it seems like he is having a good time! He has his weekends and evenings to himself, so he and his battle buddies spend a lot of time at the mall and movie theater. His visit at Christmas was wonderful and too short! He comes home August 19th, one month after his 19th birthday! We are excited to get him back!
Courtney is 16 now and really blossoming into a young adult - complete with her own ideas and opinions! Her hair is permed and down to her waist now. She is super smart, super talented and has a super testimony of the Gospel. Her favorite classes are seminary and drawing and paint. She is busy on two committees - stake youth conference and young women's camp. She is a fifth-year and goes with stake this year - they have amazing leaders - she is excited! Her Young Women's presidency was just released but were replaced with awesome women, so we can't complain. She is in high demand for babysitting and is known for her "magic bag"! She likes to play with Chloe and read any book she can get her hands on!
Joslyn is 12 and in Beehives! She is doing well in school and likes her teachers. She sings in choir and has a beautiful voice. Joslyn can always be counted on to watch Chloe and take good care of her. She still loves horses and loves to watch them on TV and go to the local horse races. She enjoys going to Mutual and hanging out with friends. She is becoming quite the book worm also and is filling up a small bookcase in her room, maybe one day she will have the small library Courtney has (4 large bookcases).
Chad is Chad! He is still a Lego-maniac and video game connoisseur! He would rather be outside than anywhere else now that the weather is warming up. He has lots of ideas running around his head and the energy to try them all out. He is kind and loyal to his friends and smiles easily. He has made friends with the older generation in our ward and has lots of things to show and tell them - they are a great support! He loves Chloe and making her smile.
Chloe Matilda is a source of light for all of us - she is a happy baby and LOVES to be outside from morning to night! She is crawling and pulls herself up on EVERYTHING!!! She will be walking soon and I'm not sure if that is a good thing! She always has a toothless grin for us and loves attention! She has blond/light brown hair and blue eyes and one dimple! We can't imagine life without her - she keeps us young - we go to bed when she does and get up at night when she does, except now it's because we have to make a bathroom trip. She sees the simple joys in life like water in the baby pool is the most fascinating thing to her and birds flying overhead and seeing the kids after school - she just wiggles with excitement!
We are grateful for the family and friends that love us and for the true happiness they bring into our lives! We are incredibly blessed and know it!
