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!

Caitlin's Birthday

I didn't post pictures of Caitlin's actual birthday and didn't want to overlook it because my weekend was a little, well... emotional.

Caitlin had a lovely birthday. She went to school for a few hours and then we headed to PCMC to deliver our special treats. We had intended to "give back" but got much more out of this little visit than we possibly could have given. Sweet Bonnie made a card for Caitlin and had all of her team (except Dr. B) sign it. We were able to see everyone and they all seemed genuinely pleased to see our girl; to see how tall she's grown, and to see her celebrate another birthday. Dr. C sang happy birthday Rockin' Roll style and Bonnie followed up with "geriatric " style. We love these special people; they are our angels.

We then headed downtown and had lunch at Olive Garden, where Caitlin opened her gifts. After lunch we said goodbye to Clint and the two of us headed to Lion King. I was so impressed with the performance! We have seen Lion King in New York, so I couldn't imagine it would be as good here. It was. The voices and costumes were amazing. Next year Mary Poppins will be here in September and we've already decided it's a date. ;-D

One more thing, you've gotta love it when your child decides to try a new hairstyle on her big day. I have pretty much given up control, well, I'm still holding on a little bit.

View Full Album

Birthday Stuff

Well, my birthday is almost over, the last one beginning with the #3. Time flies when you're having fun, right?

It's been a good day and I am grateful for the thoughtfulness of family and friends. I walked this morning with my friend, I came home and cleaned and straightened (it is Monday after all!), I laid on my bed to read and ended up having a little nap in my quiet house, then our family went out for an early dinner to P F Changs, and for a walk around Temple Square.

I appreciate the cards from my parents and grandma's, the awesome gifts, the cupcakes from my skinny neighbor who is always bringing treats by, and even though I am not a fan of Facebook, it was fun to receive birthday wishes from friends scattered all over the country.

I was thinking of some past birthday memories and thought I would share-

The year I was born was exactly like this year with Father's Day falling on the Sunday before I was born. I'm sure I was the best gift my dad could ever hope for. ;-) I was born on the first day of summer too.

When I turned 3 (I think) my mom told me I could do anything I wanted to celebrate my birthday. Apparently I was lacking in the imagination department and could not think of one thing to do. I believe I ended up dancing on the coffee table. Does this girl know how to party, or what?

I remember a slumber party in my backyard with all my neighbor friends.

When I turned 16, my parents threw a surprise party for me. I was so surprised and happy, I started to cry.

When I turned 20, I went through the St. George Temple for the first time and married Clint the following week.

Clint threw another surprise party for me after we were married. It was a surprise too, I had no idea.

For two birthdays in a row, Clint and I celebrated without kids. Caleb and Caitlin were at Camp Hobe.

Life is good and I have so much to be grateful for. Goodnight!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Some of the special things about my dad.

• I am grateful for the love you show mom, your children, and grandchildren.
• I appreciate how you care about your mom and sister.
• You have always worked hard to provide a comfortable life for us and we have never gone without anything we need.
• I am grateful for your testimony of the gospel and your desire to do what is right.
• I love that you take the time to write special messages in the cards you send to us and let us know you love and are proud of us.
• I appreciate your courage to travel with my family, especially when we fly standby.
• I love that you care about having family dinners and are always excited when we come to visit.
• I think it's pretty cool that you finally have an email address and send my kids emails.
• I think it's even cooler that you know how to text and I don't!
• I love that you have found a new hobby in genealogy and hope you will teach me what you know someday.
• I am impressed that you gave up drinking Coke and wonder if I will ever be able to do the same. I think your peanut M&M habit has replaced your Coke habit though. ;-)
• I appreciate how you encourage Clint and have been a mentor as he experiences the ups and downs of a sales career.
• I appreciate how you have helped us when life has been difficult.
• I really appreciate how confident you felt about Caitlin's recovery and future when we didn't know what effects cancer would have on her.
• I love that you have confirmed both of my kids and I was especially touched by the special blessing you gave Caitlin.

And just so you know, you may not be Kysa's favorite guy, but you are ours. We love you dad! Have a great day.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

10 Things I love about my Mom

1. My Mom is classy and has an eye for beautiful things
2. She is full of knowledge and common sense
3. She is a great cook
4. She has always inspired me to be the best I can be
5. She is a patient and caring Grandma
6. I owe my organizational and cleaning abilities to her
7. She loves Clint (possibly more than she loves me) and shares her kitchen with him
8. She has blessed my life with her creative talents
9. She has strong convictions
10. She is Home

Fifteen

Fifteen... is how old Caleb is today. It is also the number of years I have been a mother. Fifteen seems like a really big number tonight, but it has gone by way too quickly.

At 15, Caleb is pretty amazing. He is making good choices and good friends. He is learning the gospel and visits the temple at least once a month. He works hard in school, is on the high honor roll, and has big plans for his future. He is kind, patient, funny, and everything I could hope for in a son.

Fifteen is going to be a big year. Caleb will start driving, complete his project and become an Eagle Scout, he will participate in the National Scout Jamboree and travel to and around the East Coast for three weeks, and he will go to High School. It's enough to make his parents feel really old, but also very proud.

Happy Birthday, Caleb. We love you!