The Seven of Us

Just after Christmas, my parents left NY for Marco Island, FL.  They first went to Marco Island two winters ago (before their mission).  While there in 2011, they met another retired couple playing softball at a park.   My parents got together with Bob and Rita and some other couples and played softball. They stayed in touch and when they finalized their plans for this winter, Bob put my dad in touch with the people in charge of Old Man Rec League softball in Marco.  Dad filled out paperwork, was approved, and joined a team.  My mom is a true-blue baseball fan and former competetive softball player ( the result of growing up with four older brothers, one of whom was a baseball fanatic), so all of this ball playing suits her just fine. On non-game days, my parents often take their pitching machine to the park. It's fun to see them enjoying themselves during their retirement.  I'm happy they have the opportunities they do. But I d...

This is my cousin, Andrew Droddy, with his mom, Suzanne.  I haven't Andrew (in person) since 1989. (Or Suzanne.) Funny how twenty-some years changes things.  Add caption

      Taylor's Prince Charming...  for about 18 months now.   It's crazy.  I never expected (or wanted) teenagers who were dating someone steadily.  But, I got one. And ya know what? They met at Youth Conference. Not sure I love the fact that the Church was doing the matchmaking.   I do, however, love the fact that Quincy is a nice, friendly kid.  He puts up with our family. He is kind, sensitive, and treats Taylor like the Princess she is. He calls and asks us if he can take her to special events before he buys tickets. He's a hard worker. He's planning to go on a mission. We know his family.   Time will tell what happens to these lovebirds.  But for now, suffice it to say, they're smitten. Totally smitten.    

Life can change on a dime.  In an instant, a loved one can be killed, a poor choice made, or something life-changing said or done. On Friday I felt like my life changed almost instantly.  Actually, something happened that has the potential to change my life. I was walking into the school for an accountability committee meeting when Darcy Garretson (our superintendent) pulled me aside and said, "I just want to give you the heads up that we're going to be advertising for a full time high school science teacher for next year."  I think my mouth dropped open.  I just stood there--I think for so long that Darcy felt she needed to offer an explanation, because she clarified that Alan Nall, my chem teacher, isn't getting enough science taught because he's acting as a part-time administrator and he's always having to deal with student issues during class time. (Or he's gone at meetings.) So.  What does this mean for me? Time will tell, but I ma...

This was Isaac and Corbin's favorite part of Christmas! Jared's mom always has things for the kids to do.  A few years ago there were tons of toys and video games.  Sometimes the horses are nearby.  Recently the four wheelers have been a big attraction.   Isaac and  Corbin spent most of their time at Grandma Sally's place riding these.  We were there 4 days--one of which was Christmas--and I think they each logged a full three days of "driving".  Although this picture is of Ike, Corbin also drove the small four wheeler on his own. He felt soo cool!   (The older kids also did a little four wheeling-- and a little driving. This place has a circular drive that loops around the house; it became a practice track for Caleb and Kenna, who each made a few laps in the suburban. )     The older kids also did a little four wheeling-- and a little driving. This place has a circular drive that loops around th...

When we arrived in Washington Jared's mom was at his sister Janna's house in Port Orchard; Janna had gone into labor the day we left.  Janna has her babies at home and his mom wanted to be there. Actually, it was a good thing; we needed to spend some time with Jared's dad and stepmother anyway.    Here's Isaac when we arrived.  The grass there stays green most of the winter.     On Sunday afternoon all of Jared's local siblings (that's six) came to Dad and Rosannes.  Here's Corbin getting to know his cousin Aleeah, who is 3 1/2.  They were having a discussion about the ice machine. Here's Taylor with her Uncle Matt.      Caleb kept a slew of younger cousins entertained .   The seven siblings (Jon, Jared, Steven, Beth, Becky, Josh, Matt) with their dad.