The Seven of Us

It's late, and I should be sleeping, but sleep is elusive tonight. (Why does this usually happen on a Saturday night?) Here are some thoughts about What I Should Be Doing: * I should be reading to my boys; instead, I act as referee and demonstrate that my lap does have 2 sides. Hey, is anybody listening anymore? *I should be sorting through the old, outgrown clothes; instead, I remember that I just did that and I wish away the new pile. *I should be balancing the checkbook; instead, I have to clean my purse in order to find my checkbook. *I should be more empathetic and understanding of my kids; instead, I sometimes feel worn down by the repetetive nature of their requests. * I should be a better wife. Instead, I realize I am often a mediocre, boring person and I wonder why my husband married me. Did someone pay him? *I should be more prompt about doing things, for example, sending cards. Instead, I am not. * I should use my planner for everything, all of the time...

Dietician! Just not today. Today I have enough to do. But I think about nutrition constantly. I read food labels. I calculate the nutrients in my homemade desserts and experiment with strange stuff (flax in cookies, cornmeal in pancakes, etc). And one day I will go back to school and try to master organic chemistry so that I can be a dietician. But since today is today and not tomorrow, I'll simply share this: Exercise is king, Nutrition is queen, Together they make a kingdom. -unknown

Anyone who was sitting near Corbin yesterday during sacrament meeting probably heard him cry out for his "da-ddeeee". This really wasn't rare; he does it in the morning when Jared leaves for work, at dinnertime, when he wants to sit on his lap; and at bedtime when he chooses which parent he wants. What is interesting is how Corbin came to love his dad. Last October Corbin was 23 months old and still nursing. He nursed mostly at night; he'd never been a great sleeper, and I'd brought him to bed from a young age. When he was little I slept more this way, but as he got older he became "clingier" and was clearly not hungry, but wanted comfort. Enter Jared. He willingly took Corbin upstairs and held him, sang to him, and endured his screaming and wailing every single night for at least a month--sometimes more than once during the same night. His reward(s)? A wife who's much more rested and happy, and a little boy who adores him. Top: Corbin a...

McKenna loves her new gymnastics class! She says it is better than her old one. She says that because her old teacher didn't help her, and it only had two mats! Her new teachers are Kendra Tim and Megan Colglazer. The class is held in the Colglazers quanzet in Holyoke. You would expect it to be dusty and dirty, but it was painted pink snd purple and there were words all around it that had to relate to gymnastics, there were also two wall sized mirrors! The equitpment was better than just mats,in fact there were mats, a balence beam,a high bar and a low bar, and McKenna's favorite, a volt! McKenna said it was worth driving to Holyoke for it! Well I think thats enough to tell you. Gymnastics is awesome!!!

Almost two weeks ago we had a heck of a hail storm. Taylor was at a track meet that I'd planned on going to, but because of tornado watches and yucky skies I came home from Sterling, where I'd been shopping, instead of going to Akron to see Taylor run. All worked out; the track kids had okay weather and I was home to pick my kids up and "save" them from the hail, which was beginning as we pulled up in front of the house. These pictures were taken just a couple minutes later. (The picture of the backyard, where the swingset is, actually shows more apricot blossoms on the ground than hail.)

Too much time has passed since I've written about Taylor. Tay's winter has been busy, filled with lots of good stuff kids her age are often involved in. At school Taylor is involved in NJHS (Natl. Jr. Honor Society) and in Student Council, where she represents her class as the 7th grade class president. She stays plenty busy with these activities. Taylor helps plan school activities and spirit days, works in the Bulldog Store on Thursday mornings, and is involved with other junior high functions. Her teachers look to her for leadership. One good thing about Tay is that she is kind to and tolerant of everyone--even those she'd rather not be around. She does a good job of maintaining and explaining her standards to her friends and teachers. Taylor played basketball and worked hard to earn a spot on the 8th grade team...most of the time.  (Her coach gave her slot back to an eighth grader in the final tournament, explaining that the other player deserved a final chance to...

McKenna turned 10 on March 24. Because that was the night of the Pinewood Derby, we celebrated on Tuesday. Kenna got lots of clothes for her birthday, along with some cards and gramma and grampa's traditional "singing telegram" (over the phone). Kenna is in a difficult position--the middle child, surrounded by 2 older and very competitive siblings and 2 younger, very particular (and sometimes wild) brothers. We love Kenna and are amazed at what she brings to our family. She's especially capable with Corbin, who often asks for her, and she has an amzing ability to empathize with others.  Kenna also has a talent for baking, cooking, having fun with friends, and doing well in school. Happy Birthday, McKenna! Celebrating with our family.  She had plenty of help. Celebrating with her friends Dawson, Sloan, and Riley (a trio of unusual names, but nice friends).  Wearing a dress from Gramma and  Grampa Droddy. Caleb did an amazing thing today after church: He fell ...