Christmas 'Letter' 2018

Christmas letters didn't happen this year - thus, this post.

2018 is a big blur, but I think we are safe to say we've survived and are doing well. We are excited to be expecting baby #4, girl #3 in April. We might require prayers and miracles in order to reach an agreement on a name so we don't resort to drastic measures, but maybe we won't reach that point. Sabrina continues to work from home for Vacasa while Paul is an assistant captain of a fire engine for the USFS out of Burley. None of our kids will let us choose their outfits or do their hair, so they continuously look like homeless children, but we promise they are loved and cared for.

Caleb - Caleb is 6 years old and started kindergarten this fall. He absolutely loves it though Sabrina still isn't so sure. Regardless, we're all thrilled to see Caleb thriving now he's settled into a routine. He's becoming pretty slick at reading and is pretty good at math with his brain for memorization and patterns. He still makes friends easily and has a ready smile and greeting for anybody he meets whether they want to interact with him or not. He asks more questions in a day than we could possibly count and must be preparing for debate team in high school based on his current penchant for arguing.

Caleb Quote: I have a big decision to make when I grow up, Mom. Do I want to join the air force, become a pilot, or work in the temple?

Abigail - She is 3 years old and constantly asking when she gets to start school and dance. She loves to count things and is working on recognizing her letters. She has reached a definite "button-pushing" age, but will still be so sweet and cuddly when she's in the mood. She loves to play pretend, especially if it involves bossing around her little sister, and she is frequently found dancing and singing throughout the house. She has recently become fascinated with aging and reminds us frequently that she'll visit when we're old.

Abigail Quote: Ha! Funny me. I AM the funniest!

Eve - will be 2 in a few weeks, but she likes to act as though she's at least 6. She brings so much joy and absolute terror into our house - we never know what to expect, especially with her apparent love for mountain climbing. She has a very strong personality and does not tolerate much older sibling 'abuse.' She changes outfits multiple times a day for the sheer joy of it, and is constantly found marching around the house in anybody else's shoes but her own. She is the artist of the family as she has ruined the glider, several books, and marked every surface in the house. She is our best eater by far at this age, but she still makes sure to have leftovers to 'color' her tray with at the end of each meal.

Eve Quote: I go bug Mom now.

Sabrina - still thinks she's 22 and wonders what problems this will cause her in her old age. At this point her brain is so fried she can't even think of anything to say about herself.

Sabrina Quote - Is it bedtime yet?

Paul - can't remember how old he is...ever...yes, this is concerning. He is grateful to have some time at home this winter after a busy summer of fires. He's keeping busy training for the Spartan race in Boise next spring and helping hold down the fort while Sabrina works. He loves taking the kids to swim at the YMCA and getting us outdoors for family activities. He can often be found napping as well. 

Paul Quote: .....*snore*.......

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and appreciate all of you that have thought of us and sent us a Christmas card/letter. We hope to repay the favor next year!

Catch-Up 2017-2018

Some people say they are flying by the seat of their pants, but I feel more like my pants are flying me and I have zero control over where we're going or how fast or what we do on our way. Can you relate? Please tell me it's not just me.

So, I'll try and do a quick chronological update on our family since I haven't said anything since our eldest turned five. The other kids are going to think they're not loved when they read through these in ten years. Parent guilt is so strong. Must fight it.

Let's start with our littlest. She turned one; started walking at about 13/14 months; has lots of teeth, including a few molars; says quite a few words including mama, dada, all done, good girl, there you go, hi, bye, yogurt (gogo), and probably more I can't think of; she is a big time climber and is frequently found on top of the kitchen table and sometimes in the kitchen sink; loves to be read to; adores being outside, especially if someone will push her in the swing; loves to shriek when she doesn't get her way. Please enjoy one picture a month since the last update in September.

Our middle child is such a character that I don't even know where to begin. She loves to dress up as girly as possible and then go be a villain and murder her siblings, all while rocking pearls and heels. She turned three and has been speaking like a pro since before she was two. We used to get comments on it all the time, but I guess she's finally at an age where it's not surprising for her to talk so well. She recently had her tonsils out due to sleep apnea and an inability to eat well. (You can also read that as her tonsils were so enormous they were almost touching.) She also loves to be read to and enjoys puzzles. She likes playing mommy to her dolls and animals and being sidekick to her brother as she runs around willy-nilly with a lightsaber.

And, last, but not least, our oldest munchkin. He finished preschool this spring and was heartbroken, but he is looking forward to kindergarten. His social skills have improved so much (unless we have company over - then he's just an animal), and he loves being a helper. He's becoming a much more adventurous eater and is willing to try almost anything at least once unless it's going to be spicy. He still loves pirates, but he's also moved on to dragons. We have read the entire Wings of Fire series (10 books), and he's anxiously waiting for the next one to come out this month. He loves finding the librarians and asking for book recommendations. He still wants to be a pilot when he grows up and has decided he's joining the Air Force. He lost his first tooth and has a second one loose as well.

I'm out of steam, so I'm stopping there. Maybe I'll be better about posting in the future? Fat chance, as life continues to get busier, but there's still a chance.