School Days

We are a week away from school starting. The kids are both nervous and excited. They are missing their friends terribly, but curious about who they may meet at their new schools. We have purchased five backpacks, five large stacks of clothing, PE shoes, lunch boxes and few dozen bags of socks, paper, pencils, etc. I think I'm shopped out! Yes that is possible!!

This year Aaron will be a sophomore, Dylan in 8th grade, Morgan in 6th, Jayden in 2nd and Aspen in Pre-School. That means two hours - two days a week I will be free! Okay actually it will give me time to volunteer in Jayden's class, but it's a nice thought. 

School lunches to be made, homework to be started and early night bedtimes - I'm sooooo not ready!!

Loving the Sunshine

Living on an island people get the impression it is surrounded by sandy beaches and sunshine! Not if you've lived in SouthEast Alaska's Rainforest. Annual rainfall of 200 inches = rain 5 out of 7 days a week. The big round circle in the sky doesn't always appear. You get a little stir crazy. When the sun does come out and the temperature hits 70 degrees - you run for the beach. The black lava and gravel beach. Now don't get me wrong, the kids still have a wonderful time. It's an amazing place to live. We will miss it a ton!! That being said - I LOVE THE SUNSHINE!!

We have gone to a pool, played in the grass or lounged at the park every single day. I forgot how much I love that big dumb yellow circle!!

The kids have absolutely loved the water. They beg for it each day. Pools, waterslides, splash ponds, sprinklers; it doesn't matter as long as they are getting wet. For those of you who haven't experienced weeks and weeks of continuous dark days and rain you truly cannot appreciate the sun. So go out and get wet and smile!

House for Sale

HOUSE FOR SALE

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 

Large Great room with Ocean view

Family Room on main floor - convert to a 4th Bedroom

Small back and front yards

Close to schools, shopping and bypass.

Garage and Woodshed

2438 3rd Avenue

Travis @ 907-821-0013 or Sandy @907-821-0073

Growth Hormones

Title got your attention didn't it? No I am not feeding my children growth hormones or anything of the kind, but I must be giving them something! Aaron now stands at 6 feet 3 1/2 inches. Yes it is important that you include the 1/2 inch! Dylan is 5 feet 9 inches (one inch from me!!!). It's crazy how fast it's happened. They are so proud. Travis tried to stand on a log to seem taller, but they wouldn't let him! It won't be long before I'm the shortest one in the group!!!

Basketball 24-7

If it's winter it must be Basketball season! That means four kids on four different teams. Aaron is playing for Kayhi this year. He plays both JV and Freshman team. At 6'3" he is officially the tallest player on the entire team! Not just the JV - the whole team! He's hoping to add a few more inches before senior year. He will travel four times this season, three times to Juneau and once to Sitka.

 Dylan played for the middle school team and is now playing in the 9-12 grade division for City Basketball. Even though he's only a 7th grader, he fits right into the division. His form is almost perfect. He was voted MVP for his team, averaging 10 rebounds a game and 6 steals. I can't believe how good he's getting!

Morgan is playing in the 4-5th grade division. I am coaching this year. I'm having a blast, but most of the parents don't like me as the coach. I firmly believe in teaching the girls fundamentals - dribbling, shooting, passing, basic offense and defense. I've been told after more than one game that I should be teaching plays, full court press, etc. Some of these girls haven't ever played before! It's crazy how competitive the parents get!!
Jayden is doing the Pre-K dribblers camp on Saturdays. He loves it. The coach is a wild man, but the kids think he's awesome.
For now Aspen is content to wear her blue for Dylan and maroon for Aaron. As long as I have the right pom poms she's happy!

Happy Birthday Morgan! 11 years ago today in Orem, Utah you joined our family. I didn't know how blessed I would be to have you for my daughter. I also am SOOOOO glad that you are a tomboy. This year you asked for a bow and arrow for your birthday. Your dad was so excited to get it for you. 

Memories I have of you:

Aaron knocking you out and having to call an ambulance. Then having to get you a CT to make sure everything was okay. Then having it happen again two days later.

Sitting with you for hours to scrapbook. You loved glue sticking everything!

Walking you to Head Start every day and then coming back after school was over.

Having you brush my hair everyday when I was pregnant with Jayden, you knew how much it helped me fall asleep!

Loving you and knowing I am the luckiest mom in the world. 

Happy Birthday my beautiful girl.

Summer 2010

School winds down, days get longer and the next thing you know it's the last day of July. What happened to summer? Oh yeah, work, work, work. I have a new job this summer, which I really like, but it means I'm gone 45 hours week! Dylan has been a lifesaver this summer. He tends while I'm at work and Travis isn't home yet. This is quite a feat as Aspen has increased in attitude and naughty behaviors. Dylan says that Heavenly Father made babies and dogs cute because if they weren't they'd get in trouble more.
As for the rest of the kids, Aaron is playing High School football. Did you read correctly? Yes, Aaron, my baby, will be in High School this fall. As if that wasn't enough punishment, six days a week he puts little pads on and lets big boys hit him. Height wise he's the second on the team, weight wize he's at the bottom few. Good thing we have insurance!
Dylan is babysitting, alot! When he isn't he takes walks. I'm not sure where he goes he just leaves. I'm worried about him. He's such a good kid, but he's so quiet! In a few weeks he'll start soccer both in the outdoor league and at the Middle School.
Morgan is her usual self. Playing outside, reading about animals, watching shows about crazy animals and things they can do to you. She's also got her dad convinced to buy her a bow and arrow. This should be interesting!
Jayden is still having a hard time with reading. He has interest but it's just not clicking yet. His pastimes are begging mom to play video games and then resolving to play legos when I say no, everyday.
Aspen is running wild. Litterally! That girl never stops, it's go time all the time. She's going to be so bored this fall when everyone is in school. What to do....