Long time....No Post!

(Julie's 7th Birthday Celebration!)
After a long and tiresome 4 months, the blogging begins anew! We have had some MAJOR changes in our family the last few months but things are settling down and we are hoping to get back on track. For those of you living in a cave or who only talk to us every few years, We Moved! It was time to get away from the split level entry and join those of you who have gone before us.....(the Frosts, the McBrides & the Gibbons) and we purchased a rambler! And only about a block away from our old house. We love it here and have enjoyed the extra space that this home offers. We also live next door to the best neighbors and friends a family could ask for. (To be perfectly honest, THEY ROCK!) The move took place in December, and yes, we did still put up a Christmas tree, and the painting of the entire house has begun. (It will only take us a good four years to get it finished but hey, who's counting?) In the midst of all this something funny happened. James & I realized, we are getting old! We have a 8th grader, a 7 year old who will be baptized in 2009, and our youngest will be going to school full time next year. OLD! Anyway, we are taking collections for our retirement center fund if anyone is interested.



We have done some really fun stuff these last few months as well! We had a cousins party on the Webster side of our family and it was a blast. We had a murder mystery dinner and it was in a wild west theme. Most of the boys were cowboys (James & Dan really had a good time with this!) and are you ready for this......I was a Saloon Girl. I know.....Anyway, my amazing friend Becky made me the most incredible costume in a matter of days! I truly looked like a hooker.....It's true. That picture is one better kept a secret. I did win best costume for the night though.....Becky, my hero!



Julie & Jackson both took part in the "Reflections" contest this year. The theme was "I can make a difference by..." Julie took some pictures of Booties and did a collage that said, "I can make a difference by being nice to animals". Jackson drew a picture of him and two friends from school that said, "I can make a difference by being a good friend." They both won 1st place in their respective categories. Yeah kids! They also took place in the school talent show that night. Julie played the piano and then they both sang "Doe a Deer" with a group of their friends. (Good job Megan, Kaitlynn, & Tyler! And thanks to Amy for accompanying them!) Anyway, it made for a fun night.

We did a lot of fun stuff during the Christmas season besides move. We got to ride on the Polar Express with the McBrides and our favorite babysitter, Sara. (The kids adore her!) We also had a variety of Christmas parties to attend and have at our house including a special visit from Santa himself to our house! Julie did get sick on Christmas Eve which was so sad but held herself together long enough Christmas morning to open all of her presents with the family. We also had a special visit from the Arizona cousins which made for a really fun holiday season.

Things have started to slow down now but we are gearing up for a busy summer. James is involved, once again, in the Winter Training Circuit. He has already run in the 5K and 10K, but still has the 10 miler, 1/2 marathon, & 18 miler to go. Then, in May, it's time for the Ogden Marathon. Anyone with encouraging words as to why he does this can email him at anytime. He needs it....a lot!

Jeffrey is getting bigger but happier everyday. His smile makes are house light up. I don't know what we did to deserve this incredible person in our lives but we are honored to be his parents!

As for me, believe it or not, I am going to Substitute Boot Camp Training next week to become a substitute teacher. Who knows where this will take me but I am open to the experience and will keep you all posted.

We love to here from all of our family and friends and hope to here from YOU, yes you, soon!