He did it!

January 6, 2012--Christian did it. He became a Marine.

Jan. 5, 2012, the day before graduation

Graduation day

Yes, we are proud.

Blog Neglect

When I pulled up this blog today, Dean started to laugh when he saw the date of the last post. Okay, I've been more than a little bit neglectful of this blog site. I have kids and a full time job and craziness in my life. I'm afraid it just wasn't a priority.

So here is the last two years (almost) in a nut shell.

Dean left his job at Arnell-West and went to work for Brigham Young University as a Construction Cost Estimator for Physical Facilities. He is proud to say that he played a part in the cosmetic facelift to Lavell Edwards Stadium.

Christian started his senior year and the marching band season that went with that, he finished his senior year (well, almost--there's still a couple more credits to polish off). He joined the Marines and is preparing to head off to boot camp in October.

His band, Just for the Record, wrote a song in honor of Christian called, "I Swore into the Marines in Skinny Jeans." Check them out on Facebook or at this link. You can listen to this song and you'll hear Christian drumming his heart out. At their last concert, he cut his hand and was very proud of the blood spatter on his drum set.

Spencer, Kristina and Sidney wrapped up two more years of school full of homework, friends, piano lessons, color guard (for Sid), and many other activities. It's hard to believe we started another school year just last week.

As for me, I left my job at the library (sniff, sniff) to take full time employment as an account manager with a company in Chicago. I work from home, traveling occasionally when necessary. It's a good job as far as full time jobs are concerned. Not my dream job of being a librarian but hey, when the economy stinks and money is tight, I count my lucky stars that I found a full time job when I was looking for one and that I do have the flexibility of working from home. I've been with that job for just over a year now. I'm still doing Close to My Heart (see my CTMH blog here) but on a more limited basis.

And just three weeks ago we said goodbye to our wonderful Jack. After 11+ healthy, happy and wonderful years taking care of our family, cancer got the better of him very quickly. He is sorely missed.

So there is two years worth of blog posts in one. I will try to be better. I make no promises. but I will try.