A Little Catching Up

Ahh, my first day off work since December 28th, and while I have promised myself I will NOT turn on my work computer today, I thought I would take just a minute to catch up here.
Christmas came to Grandpa and Grandma's house. Christmas Day was spent with Grandpa and Grandma, Grandma Edwards, Grandma Roesner and Jerrie, Toni, Brian and Kylan. We had a yummy dinner, opened plenty of gifts, and went to a movie Christmas night.

We were given some really thoughtful gifts. My dad made each of his children a family history books with lots of stories I have never read before and pictures I have never seen.

My mom and sister have been bugging me forever about reading The Mitford series. Finally this past year I read these books and fell in love with them. They are now out of print, but my mom found two complete sets for my sister and me by working with a used book dealer- I love them!

My mom also made Caleb a quilt out of the same flannel she used to make his Eagle Court of Honor tablecloths- he loves it.

We did not get a cat; however this one sure seems to be trying hard to disguise herself as a gift.

Caleb's birthday was on December 27th, he turned 16 years old. We took him bowling and out for a nice dinner that night. He has quite a year ahead of him. Early in December, he was invited to travel to Sweden this summer for the World Scout Jamboree. We jumped at the opportunity and have already bought uniforms, he's had his physical, and turned in his papers for his passport. He also learned he has officially been hired to work at a scout camp in Alaska for the month of June through the first week of July. All in all, he will be away from home for a little more than seven weeks this summer, but we know he will be gaining valuable leadership skills and having experiences he couldn't have at home.

Caleb will be ordained a Priest in our church tomorrow, will be getting his driver's license this coming week, and is mulling over his dating options. ;-)
 
December 28th marked the ninth anniversary of Caitlin's cancer diagnosis. Nine years! I couldn't even begin to imagine back then where we would be today. While she is not into make-up or clothes yet, we have really noticed some changes in her the past several months. She's found that she enjoys spending time in the Temple, likes being in the Young Women's program, is becoming more responsible with her school work, and has just become the proud owner of her own cell phone (no texting, photos, or school use- thank you very much!).

We have started this year off with a new determination to accomplish our three year old goal of becoming 100% debt-free. We would already be done, but have added $14,000 worth of orthodontics since beginning this journey (expect nice smiles when we achieve this goal!). It's been a long road, one we have been consistent with, sacrificed for, and now it's time to cross the finish line already.

We are grateful to begin this new year with health, happiness, employment, focus, and the desire to better ourselves in all areas. Yay for 2011!