Oh, where to begin...it's been so long since I've posted. A lot has happened since I last posted in October. First, Bryan lost his job at CVS in November (that was a big shocker, since he had been with the company for so long), but when they size down, that affects everyone. He got a contract job in February (that he is still currently at) and he is in the process of getting a more permanent position (possibly with a different company). Bryan has also been busy coaching both Blake's soccer and baseball team. With him coming home later from work, he makes every effort to be at all of his games (on time) and be there for some of his practice (2 times a week). He has been a tremendous help in taking the kids to school every morning on his way to work. He has also been helping me teach the kids bible classes at church every week.
As for the rest of the family, Blake was getting sick with tonsillitis every 3-4 weeks for months and in January (after insurance kicked in again) we got his tonsils out. Now he is all better and his throat looks beautiful now! Blake was in soccer in the fall and Bryan was one of his coaches. The boys played a good season. Blake just now finished up baseball for the season and he was an awesome catcher! He made great plays and threw a lot of people out about every game. I am so proud of him and it is fun watching him grow up. Blake is also involved in cub scouts and he just bridged over from a Webelos I to a Webelos II. Next year he will be in boy scouts. He is in a very active pack and they do a lot with the boys. He really enjoys it and looks forward to his meetings, earning his pins and patches and going on fun outings. I have to say that in 4th grade, is when you notice a definite change in the kids. Girls are something at this age. Blake has been informed on some interesting info from the girls that I've had to explain and never thought I'd have to be talking with my son about before my daughter (if you know what I mean). He is a well liked kid, ran for student council this year, performed a speech in front of the school and got voted for school Treasurer. He informs me that "all" the girls like him, which I can see when I am helping in his class. I think it is funny to watch. They all want to know who he likes, but of course he would never say because that would go around the school (as he has clearly informed me). I told him to say Delaney at church, since they don't know who she is and he said he's said her name before. That doesn't matter, they are still obsessed with him. I just told him to get used to it, it's only the beginning. Don't worry, I have a close eye on these girls. Girls are very pushy these days. So watch out if you have a son!
As for Amanda, she has been doing well in school and is still taking piano lessons every week. She has had a few recitals so far and has one coming up next week. She is a quick learner and loves to see how fast she can play a song. I am always telling her to slow down. She is my social bird and loves to talk. She has been very involved in Brownies this year. I am a co-leader of her troop and we have been keeping these girls busy, earning patches, try-its and going on lots of fun outings. We have been horseback riding, ice skating, caroling, scouting for food, camping, selling girl scout cookies and lots more. This year Amanda sold 1,022 boxes of cookies all by herself! We went door to door and sold in front of our local Ralphs store for days on end. She made it to her goal of an Ipod Nano and got so many other prizes as well. In July we get to go see the Mary Poppins Musical at the Sergstrom Theater (another one of her prizes). I'm excited for this one! Last night she had her talent show at school and was in 3 acts. She sang a solo song by herself (Reflection, from Mulan), she sang with her choir (Favorite Things & Edelweiss, from Sound of Music) and she sang with her Brownie Troop (It's a Hard Knock Life, from Annie). My whole family came and it was a great night.
As for Lauren, she has been going to preschool (my work), which she loves, especially when her best friend Gracie is there. She loves school and can't wait until she can go to Kindergarten! What is up with my kids wanting to go to school? I never wanted to go and cried every time school started and gave my mom such a hard time. I have been blessed with children not like me. :) Lauren does a tap/ballet class through her preschool and they actually have a performance at a local theater next week. She is very into her song/dance (called Groovy Chickens) and it will be fun to watch her perform. We will see if she's anything like her sister and likes to perform in front of people. She is a little more reserved than Amanda and definitely doesn't have such a strong personality as her sister so it will be fun to watch her grow into her own little person. Since Disneyland passes are so expensive now and we can't afford a family of 5, only Lauren and I have passes. I figure, the other two got to experience Disneyland for all those years, they are now in school and busy with extracurricular activities there is no time for them to go anyways (to be worth the money). Lauren and I love to go during the week while the kids are at school and we have a great time. Sometimes grandma even comes with us.
As for me, nothing much has changed since last year. I have been busy with helping in both the kids classes every week, being a co-leader for Amanda's Brownie troop, attending meetings, taking Blake to all his practices (since Bryan can't do it now), being a chauffeur, teaching Bible class every week and working part time.
Here are some pictures of our latest activities. I have pictures posted on facebook, but here are some more.
Amanda with her friends Jackie and Abbey
Singing "Reflection"
Amanda's Choir group
Singing "Favorite Things"
Amanda's Brownie Troop singing "It's a Hard Knock Life"
Blake at first base
Catcher Blake
Blake at his last pack meeting for the year.
Emma and Lauren in Idyllwild
Us, the Austins and the Venturas. We all went camping in Idyllwild
Amanda and Lauren
Amanda and Carley
Blake and Russell
Delaney, Carley and Amanda swimming in the pool at the campsite.
Emma, Lauren and Russell
Camping with the girl scouts at Camp Scherman.
Brownie Troop and the counselors
Blake's infected tonsils. He was like this every 3-4 weeks for months.
No more tonsils! Yea!
