Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Hello, hello is this thing on?

It has been six long months since I last posted. I almost forgot how. Just like everyone else in this world we have been extremely busy and posting has gone by the way. I actually put blogging on my "to do" list today. I was going to catch up with pictures and do some fun things but then was inspired to go to the temple instead. I had an amazing session where I received some beautiful answers to things I have been praying about. I love the temple. I love the repetitiveness and the peace and even trying to stay awake in the afternoon session. We are so blessed to have a temple that is only 20 minutes away. It will be even more amazing when we have one five minutes away.

A quick announcement to all those who are out of town and I don't get a chance to talk to very often. We are pregnant again. I am 17 weeks along due April 20th. We just found out a few days ago that we are adding yet another boy to the house. I would expect nothing else. We love our boys. It would be nice for Eleanor to have a sister but it is not to be this time. It's a good thing that Alan and I want more children so we can try for girls another time.

Besides that we have had a ton of sickness in the last month. We think that everyone but me contracted swine flu and we all lived. It wasn't fun and it wasn't short but it is over now and they all have a beautiful immunity to it for next time. Our bodies are amazing. I have been gone a ton with my calling lately. I am the secretary for the Stake Young Women in a very busy stake. We were gone 8 days out of 14 of the last two weeks. It is a crazy calling but one that blesses me and my family (I hope).

Alan's business is going along. We have good months and not so great months but they are still in business and enjoying the ride. We can not be grateful enough for the good name his Father left us in the business.

Mark, Bradley and Eleanor started a new school this year. It is a charter school that focuses on the Spalding method, discipline, high expectations and focuses on our founding fathers and the importance of the constitution. It has been great for Eleanor. She adjusted beautifully and has straight 99-100% and Outstandings in all her classes. She has made tons of friends and is very happy. Bradley adjusted a little slower than Eleanor but is now doing quite well academically. He is still trying to make friends and feel secure there. He has attended four different Elementary schools now so he tends to be reserved for several months before he will let himself make friends. Mark has had a tough time all around. He doesn't have friends that he wants to invite over but he loves playing all the sports at recess and seems happy with the other kids at school. Academically it has been quite the wake up call for us. He went from being an A student to straight C's, D's and even and F. By fifth grade they expect the kids there to do quite a bit and don't review much but so much of the curriculum was brand new to Mark. He is improving drastically but still has a ways to go.

Luke and Darren are very happy playing at home, going to preschool and playgroup and love having Co-op (babysitting) at our house on our turn. If I haven't told you about co-op it is one of my most favorite things and one I highly recommend. They have discovered the word "jerk" and use it often but still love playing together.

We are happy and busy.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the little boy! How exciting!

Jenifer said...

Welcome back! Congrats on the baby boy! And btw, you are doing a fabulous job with your calling!

Kaylee said...

Glad you did not drop off the face of the earth. I missed seeing you at the last family party, so hopefully we can catch up at the next one.

Bobbi Jo Nichols said...

So great to read an update from you. Congrats on the little boy! Hope you are feeling good.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

The Van Clan said...

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I was wondering if your little one was going to make it into the all boy baby cousin club. It's good to get an update on your family. Kim went into Franklin in 3rd grade and had a similar experience. She was way behind and her grades reflected it but by the middle of the year she had caught up. Mark is such a smart kid I'm sure he'll be bringing straight A's home soon.

uniquelynat said...

so happy to hear from you! YAY for another sweet boy. congratulations! there has been some whisperings of kickball on thaksgiving. but who knows. if so, maybe we'll see ya there.

Melody said...

Hooray, Amy! Congrats on your pregnancy. I always love reading your blog and hearing about your fam, so post more often, okay? (End guilt trip.)

Don and Amy Bennion said...

Yea! It is good to see a post again. We've missed each other on Skype a couple of times...still, I can't believe I found out through Nichols Worth of News that you guys are pregnant What am I, chopped liver? :) Every time I talk to Mom and Dad, I ask if there is any news from the family. Never heard about your baby news, but we are excited for you! Congratulations. Let's talk soon! Love you!
Amy

Dawn said...

Hey Amy! If Mark needs help with Spaulding, JJ can help! I know they're good friends, and that's what he's been doing at Neely forever! Get Cooper along, and we can make it a party! There has to be some sort of game we can make up to get these three boys having fun, too...

Em said...

Hey - it was good to talk to you at the Fall Festival! Congrats on another man child! We will have to play sometime!

jhoopes said...

Amy, good to get an update!! And congrats on baby #6. ;)

MJ/Mom/GrammaJ said...

I was just talking about you two to Watanabe this week and thinking it was time for a new baby! congrats on your boy. I am sure he will be just as cute as his brothers. It would be fun to have another Bradley but you might get another Luke. The school sounds great. Man, do I miss you! So happy to see you back at blogging

Linda and Arlon said...

Amy and Alan,
You surprised me with this new blog. I check it often and was so happy today. By the way, where did you get the individual pictures of the kids that are along the right side? Are they ones you took, or professional and how do I get a copy???
I love you both and your kids are so adorable. I pulled up a picture on dad's computer the other day of Alan when he was 17 months old. Boy, other than his hair being lighter, he looks a lot like Darren.
We miss you and need to skype this weekend.

Mom

Kirsti said...

I've been checking on you from time to time, I am glad you are back! Congrats on the pregnancy, what a fabulous blessing for your family.