I took two years off from blogging. I needed the time to pour myself into my kids, my family, and try out Facebook as an option for sharing life events with family and friends. The latter I can say after two years of trying, is not my style. I am officially the older generation rebelling against the new social networking world. I'm a writer, English and literary fanatic, and so this is where I feel more comfortable. I have missed getting my thoughts down on what is going on in my life. I have to, I'm afraid I won't remember it all one day. So, this is mostly for me. I am so thankful for my life and the people in it, I have to record it somewhere.
Where to begin... we have been living it up here in the PNW. That means hiking, going to all the festivals, hitting the beach, farmers markets, roadtrips to new and interesting drivable destinations, and also includes soccer games, dance recitals, girl scout camp, and band concerts. And seafood, you can't live here and not enjoy seafood. There was no snow last year or this year so far for skiing, but that is a nice day trip too.
Sofia is now almost ten, in fourth grade, and loves music, art, reading, writing and screen plays and costume design. Yes, she is our artist. She even hates math to boot. She is taking jazz dance this year, but she really loves soccer. This is her fourth year to play. When home, you can find her in her top bunk reading, playing the recorder, clarinet or piano, or cutting old socks into Barbie fashions for a major production. They are actually quite impressive.
Stella is eight and in second grade this year. She is getting ready to go through her First Communion, which was the last thing I blogged about two years ago for Sofia. I am teaching Stella's faith formation classes like I did for Sofia, though I'm not a great fan of teaching. I am sure that is never something I should do long-term, but I do like having this time with her. She tried soccer this year, and did great, but it is not for her for now. She loves to dance and is taking tap this year. She is our happy go lucky girl, and our subtle comedian. She has a very dry sense of humor and sneaky prankster side of her that is so seriously funny and quick witted. She reminds me of my nieces and nephews. She is also very responsible and helps her big sister get out the door in the morning.
Nico is almost five, I can't believe it! I try not to treat him like a little sweet pea, but he just is one and always will be in his mama's eyes. He is the sweetest boy I have ever seen (no bias.) I can't believe he will be set loose in that big, awful school next year, my little kinder munchkin, say it ain't so. He has been dabbling in preschool, soccer and will start t-ball with his best little girl pal in March. He mostly just loves his spy car, spy guys, and secret spy missions. And his snuggly blue doggie. He is already reading short words, just like with potty training, he tells me when he's ready, and I don't have to do much, he's got it going on. He keeps us laughing. We laugh so hard at things coming out of that kid's mouth.
Vic has just about wrapped up another major kitchen remodel, while working at a very challenging job, and still finding time to rebuild a speaker box (a sub woofer he has dragged around from house to house since college), and all the house and car maintenance that needs to happen. He is also a master gardener, amazing chef, tech support, and plays spy with Nico when he gets home, God bless him. He also coached Stella's soccer team this year. He is such a present dad and sweet husband, but you know him and know that already. We are blessed. And the kitchen is magnificent, again.
I have been working part-time for a consulting company, where I am contracted out to my previous employer in Dallas. It is a crazy schedule, and along with taxiing kids to activities, maintaining the house and teaching at church, I am keeping busy. I am also volunteering at the elementary school as the Safety chair, where I work with the district and principal to make policy and building changes. I only occasionally have to vent to Vic about how I need a maid, which means we must be adjusting to the pace. This happens every time I take a job. I also play bunco with neighborhood ladies that are now great friends, including my next door neighbor.
We took a lot of trips last year, and have more planned this year. We are planning to travel to TX in April for spring break, take a Canadian road trip this summer, and go back to one of our favorite spots, Cannon Beach, OR in August.
More coming soon... and pictures!
