Shame On Me

I can't believe I haven't posted anything in a month!! I check my favorite blogs almost every day and I'm so disappointed if no one has anything new, but I have left my own blog terribly neglected. And the longer I go without an update, the more I feel discouraged about getting caught up. Not that there has been anything amazing to write about. Thankfully, our lives have been pretty normal and uneventful! We're busy with daily stuff, but it's the same daily stuff we always do.

Todd is still working hard at Payless and putting lots of time and effort into his calling as Bishop. Since our ward meets in the afternoon now, he has filled Sunday with meetings and appointments before and after the block. It is a very long and tiring day for him, but it has freed up Wednesday nights again and it is nice to have him around for another night.

Tyler is doing great at school (A+, A+, A, A+, A+, A). He goes to the Math Club and last week took a test to qualify for a math competition - and he got on the 4 person team for his school!! He is currently reading about 4 books of all different genres. He's taking on some difficult piano pieces for a Piano Guild thing in April and he just agreed to play a piano solo in Sacrament Meeting in March. He's been finishing up a few of the required merit badges for Scouts and is looking for service opportunites. He is also getting very interest in cars and driving cars and buying cars.... don't tell the other boys, but I've been letting Tyler steer when I pick him up from school. He is getting the hang of it and doing very well! This is Tyler parking Todd's car in the garage.

Ryan is always playing! He is on a basketball team right now, but he's already looking forward to soccer in the spring. He likes recess and PE best at school and when he comes home, he likes to play Wii, computer games, shoot hoops, ripstick, play with guys. He favors the trombone over the piano, but so far is still taking both kinds of lessons. He is also working on merit badges and ranks for Scouts and is starting to realize that he will be going to Scout camp for the whole week this year. He just finished reading the Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith so we finally let him watch it with us last weeked. He was so excited!

Justin is growing up fast. He still likes to cuddle up with me on cold days. However, more and more, he wants to do everything the big boys do. Unfortunately, he can't. He is now reading the Star Wars novel so that he can see the movie too. He plays the piano and is learning very quickly. He's doing well in school, but seems to enjoy socializing more than academics. His pine wood derby is coming up in about a week and he hasn't even started his car! Justin is also playing basketball. I took some lousy pictures on Saturday and then put my camera away. Then he made 2 baskets right in front of me! He made 4 baskets that game - I love to see him play.

I have renewed my efforts to exercise consistently. I know it's good for me, I just hate it. I've also made a list of projects to finish and some to start! But this month I found a new hobby - like I need another! I'm learning to knit! I've been a crocheter with no desire to knit for years, so I don't know why I suddenly wanted to learn! So I taught myself some basics and made scarves for the boys. I had the idea that scarves handmade by their mom would entice the boys to bundle up more. They seem to try to see how few clothes they can wear and still not freeze. But no - my boys' three new, lovingly knitted, favorite colored scarves stay in the box of winter wrappings and they go to school in sub-freezing temps in a hoodie sweatshirt. I don't get it, and I try not to take it personally. So I thought I could tackle a pattern for a knitted hat and it wasn't too hard! I made it for myself, but I have more learning to do because it turned out to be the perfect size for Justin. Good thing I made it green. Todd asked for a scarf too when he saw me making the boys', and it's almost done, but I'll be shocked if he wears it!


So that's our January. It's been so cold and we envy our family and friends who are enjoying warmer climes. We're supposed to get a little snow tonight, but as Tyler said, if it doesn't snow enough to get a snow day off school, it's just not worth it! We feel ready for spring, but that is still 2 months away!