So, 3 years later....

There's nothing like a little neglect and denial to get a girl blogging again.  We left TN and I never blogged again.  HA!  Time to start anew.  Where to begin? My kids are all HUGE!  All 3 are taller than me...and obviously smarter than me.  Just ask them, they will tell you.  Here's the low down: 

Our girl, Gretchen, is now 12 and 1/2 years old.  She is currently in 7th grade and homeschooled.  As we all remember, middle school is tough, socially, emotionally, academically and it was time to take control.  She is a happy girl now.  She is also a dancing machine.  She dances 6 days a week at Ready Set Dance and is on the competition dance team.  She loves it and pretty much dances all day around the house, the store, the church...anywhere with a floor.  She loves all things that have to do with make up, clothes, shopping, youtube, dance, music and Vampire Diaries.  She brings laughter and uncontrollable giggles. Seriously, once she starts you can not stop her. Its contagious!  She is our family sweetheart. 

Parker, 14 1/2, is now the tallest in our family and continues to grow daily.  At last check he was over 6 ft tall and still growing.  He absolutely hates having his picture taken.  You have to sneak up on him .This is his first year of high school and early morning seminary.  Like his mom, he'd be a much bigger fan of late night seminary.  He is also currently being homeschooled and loving it.  Dallin takes him to seminary and dad or I pick him up.  He may be a quiet kid but when he does talk he's a smart one.  He is super witty and very quick with comebacks.  He's a great problem solver, maybe because he spends more time watching and listening.  He is a lover all things xbox.  His current favs are Destiny and Battlefield.  He is about to start driver's ed and has requested a 69 Impala or a Corvette.  

This kid in less than a year will leave for 2 years on his mission.  Dallin, 17, is a senior in high school.  He does have early release daily, so senioritis isn't so bad.  Everyday I look at him and think how fast time has flown by.  Everyone says it but until you experience it and look into the face of your grown child still remembering the chubby cheeked kid...it just doesn't hit home.  He is our resident "ask the expert".  He remembers everything he hears and reads.  When my kids ask me something, I refer them to Dallin.  If he doesn't know he will by the end of the day.  He loves all things cars, with an extra dash of electronics.  He still only has eyes for NC State after high school and his mission, which makes his mom proud and happy.  He has been working for the last 6 months at a doctor's office as a office assistant/file manager.  He loves it and the free lunches from all the drug reps!  He's an amazingly talented kid and can do anything he puts his mind to.  

This guy is the love of my life.  He keeps me grounded and calm and focused.  He makes me laugh every day, even in the midst of trials.  He is the most hardworking person and does so much to serve others. He gives 100% at work, at church , to friends and at home. I'm not convinced he hasn't found out how to squeeze a couple more hours out of the day.  He loves an adventure, a long drive with the windows down, a great meal and to spend time with our family.  He loves the FL sunshine, puffy clouds and warm winters.  These days, the kids are convinced he now has a favorite child....

Roxy! We have rescued pets before but this girl was the best decision we've made in a while.  It took some convincing on Parker and my parts.  Bringing a pit bull in the house, no matter how cute, is brave.  This girl is the sweetest, most loving animal I have ever met.  She greets you at the door.  She loves hugs and kisses.  She is loyal and smart.  I don't know why her previous owners gave her up but they were FOOLS!  For those of you wondering, Charlie is still around, almost 13 years old, and Buddy, our persnickety cat is still around.  He and Roxy have a typical sibling relationship.  Roxy wants to play, Buddy wants to smack Roxy, Roxy chases Buddy, Buddy lays in Roxy's bed and drinks her water....you know, teasing. 

And yes, Roxy has narcolepsy, sleeps on every surface in the house and loves pillows.  

So, life in sunny FL is good.  We are enjoying the sunshine, the beaches and the weather. We miss our friends and family spread around the country.  As for me, I am busy with the homeschooling, dog walking, being a mom type stuff.  Life is good and we are blessed.  There have been answered prayers and tender mercies all around.  

Until next time,

Stacey