2013: Year in review

2013 was a great year for our family!

Matt-kept busy at work and in the yard.  Built a shed in the backyard.  Was called as the Scoutmaster in our ward, went on lots and lots of camp outs, took Zack and Derek backpacking, took all three boys skiing, took Laurie on dates, cheered for all of Sydney's new dance moves and gets Ellie to break into a smile when she hears his voice.  Made all of Laurie's dreams come true by taking us all to Disneyland for five days in November.  Is a constant example of hard work and patient teaching.

Laurie-realized that being pregnant at 23 and 33 are VERY different.  Brought Ellie Jane into the world, the sweetest baby ever.  Was released from Primary after 3 and a half years.  Since having baby number five, can no longer get anywhere on time.  Working on that.  Loving every minute (except the ones that involve throw up.)   of all the different kid stages at home right now.  We go from ten years old down to six months. Canned salsa and tomatoes, sat on the sidelines and cheered at soccer games, (x3)  basketball games, swimming lessons, t-ball and piano recitals.  Enjoying the slower pace that automatically comes with a new baby.

Zack (10)- I think he had a great tenth year.  He will be eleven in a few weeks.  Worked hard at school.  Learned some new piano pieces, played soccer and is currently playing basketball.  He is fun and responsible and has a great group of boys to play with in our area.  Finished his Webelos Badge and received his Arrow of Light award.  It is his goal to earn all 20 activity pins before he leaves Cub Scouts behind.   Does push ups every night with Matt and can do 106.

Derek (7)-has grown up so much this last year.  He is the best helper around the house, gets right to his homework and is a happy, funny kid.  He still has more energy than all the rest of us put together, but when he was a toddler, I couldn't imagine ever getting to this point.  He has the best teacher at school and she has made such a difference in his attitude toward school and reading.  I love her.  He went to a summer reading program that helped him so much.  He had surgery to remove a growth and gave us a little scare for a minute, but all is well and he thinks it is pretty cool to have a scar.  He is looking forward to getting baptized in about a month and becoming a cub scout.  He loves to be funny and he loves to cuddle.  Played soccer this year and is starting basketball and piano in January.

Austin (6)-loves going to school.  He loves the bus and he loves that he gets home earlier than his brothers.  He played soccer and basketball and unlike Derek, wants to learn to play the piano.  I have been teaching him a few little things on the piano  to work on.   Austin marches to the beat of his own drum.  He is not competitive, unless his opponent is Derek.  Plays well with anyone, but is perfectly content to be alone.  Sweet and a deep thinker.  Thrilled that he can beat Derek in arm wrestling.  Although Derek is about four inches taller, he only weighs about 2 pounds more than Austin.  He is a fun kid.

Sydney (3)-loooooves her baby sister.  She also loves having mom to herself a bit while the kids are at school.  She takes a little weekly dance class and takes it very seriously.  She loves to play and has a great imagination.  She loves to cuddle and sit on mom or dad's lap.  She adores her brothers and has been a very sweet and fun toddler.  Except when she sneaks into my bathroom and tries to paint her own nails.

Ellie (6m)- Ellie has been the highlight of our year.  Everyone adores her and she is just such a happy and sweet baby.  She is in the 60th percentile for her weight and 99th percentile for her height.  She is just under 18 pounds which is noteworthy only because none of my other children had reached 20 pounds by their first birthday and she is at 18 at 6 months.  No wonder my back hurts.   Ellie has learned to sit and babble and grab things.  Her greatest talent is thumping.  When she is on her back she will raise her legs straight up in the air and with a mighty THUMP, hit the floor.  She will do it over and over.  The kids think it is hilarious.  Especially when she is taking a bath and she thumps water all over me.  :)  She is such a special little girl and we are thrilled to have her in our family.

We have so much to look forward to in 2014.  We are so grateful for family and the joy that they bring to us.  We are grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ and for His sacrifice for us.   We know that as we follow our Savior we will be blessed.  Happy New Year to you all!