2012 First Day of School

Noah - Freshman at Steilacoom High School

Ethan - 8th grade at Pioneer Middle School

Abby - 6th grade at Pioneer Middle School

Cole - 3rd grade at Chloe Clark Elementary

BAM ... An Extraordinary Young Man

BAM was just awarded a proclamation from the City Of DuPont, honoring him as a talented young philanthropist.   Ethan has donated his time and talents to the local Wear Blue Run to Remember organization, Chloe Clark Elementary School's PTA, Steilacoom High School Sports Auction, and a charity auction for a young boy needing a service dog, as well as donating a portion of his profits to World Vision.  We could not be more proud of him, and agree that he is one extraordinary young man.

Noah's 8th Grade Promotion

Noah's 8th Grade Promotion, June 13, 2012

Ethan is 13!

I honestly cannot even believe that Ethan is 13 today! Two teenagers in our home! I still remember so clearly when Ethan was born, and how I always called him my "angel baby" because he was such an amazingly good baby with such a sweet disposition. And, although he's certainly grown up a lot since those days, Ethan is still such a sweet blessing to our family. He has the most kind and generous heart.

These last few months, as Ethan's new business has grown beyond what we could have ever imaged it would, we have watched him grow in confidence, and that has been wonderful to see. But, thankfully, he has still kept his sweet, humble attitude through it all.

We are so very proud of Ethan, and are so thankful that God has blessed our family with him! I can't wait to see how he continues to grow into an amazing young man of God this next year.

Easter Eggs

Birthday Sleepover!

So thankful for the sweet friendship that Abby & Biz still share. There's no one Abby would rather spend her 11th birthday with!

B.A.M.

Ethan is starting his own business! Go to his website and buy a t-shirt (or 2 or 3 or ...) to help him earn funds for his start-up costs!

Wrestling 101

This was one of Noah's wrestling matches from the district tournament this last Saturday. This is what I have learned one should do after watching Noah wrestle for two seasons.


Apparently Noah tells me these are not actually the official terms for these moves. I guess, if you want to be technical, it should read more like this:
#1 Set him up
#2 Double leg take-down
#3 Hip pressure
#4 Set up for half nelson
#5 More set up for half nelson
#6 Drive the half nelson
#7 Sink the half nelson
#8 Stay on your toes (so you can PIN HIM!)
#9 Had this one right...it's really called shaking his hand
#10 Also right

Noah had a great wrestling season. The amount of improvement from last season to this season was amazing, to say the least. He worked so hard, and refused to give up. We couldn't be more proud!

Another Sewing Project

Abby is putting the sewing machine that she got for Christmas to good use! After sewing a couple of doll quilts, she picked out this super cute material and set out to make this tote bag. Of course, the bag looked like it would be way easier than it actually was! But she stuck to it and did an amazing job! I am so proud of her!

More Snow

Well, we definitely got some more snow!
And then we definitely got some ice!

Snow!

Finally, our first snow of the season! Yes, the kids were very excited! Yes, we built this huge snowman without Mark or Noah! Yes, the snowman is leaning considerably to the right. Yes, I did grow up in North Dakota and should know how to make a structurally sound snowman. Yes, I have been gone from North Dakota for 20 years now, and apparently have gotten somewhat rusty in my snowman-building skills. Yes, he did fall down and break into a million pieces. Yes, there were a few tears. Yes, I'm praying for more snow so we can try again!

Cole's 1st Basketball Game of the Season

Cole was a machine. He definitely does not get his athletic ability from his mother (which is a very, very good thing for him). His team won 24-23. Cole passed, rebounded, shot, and had tons of fun. And scored 14 points.