Wow, it's been almost a year since I last posted an update. Not sure what happened. Just lost my bloggy groove. I think facebook made it too easy to update friends and family on our current situation. I am going to try to get back into the swing of things here, and keep on blogging away.

So, what's new since we last spoke. Hmm.

1. Brody turned 8 and went through an awful streak of anxiety attacks etc, he is medicated and doing well now. He is in love with computer games, and hanging out with his friends.

2. Nick turned 6, and lost most of his teeth, learned to skate, and read, and in general is just a happy guy.

3. Megan turned 5, learned to read, is still in love with fashion and shoes, and is enjoying being the girly girl that she is.

4. Jack turned 4, started JK, is a great big ol' momma's boy still, and has a stubborn streak that can rival any opponent. Thank goodness we all have a good sense of humor in this house!

5. I turned thi thi thirty. 31 is sneaking up quickly.

6. Dave turned 31, and this brings me joy that he will be 32 before I hit the three one.

7. We added a bedroom to the back of our house to allow the kids more room to spread out upstairs. Jack got his own room, and Megan got a bigger room. Nick and Brody are best buds and are enjoying the master bedroom all to them selves. No little brother allowed.

8. We went through a rough patch financially this year, with Dave being laid off for a short period. When you live paycheck to paycheck this can be devastating. He got a new job and we made it through with a bigger appreciation for savings and a MUCH bigger Visa. :)

9. I started taking anxiety meds for my own anxiety issues, and gained 50 pounds. I would rather be fat and happy, then skinny and not able to leave my house to show off my hot body.

10. I can't think of anything else that's new, so until next time......

Nick. :)  What can I say about Nick.  He was the happiest kite flyer I have ever seen in my life.  The smile never left his face the entire time the kite was in the air.  He was so proud, and having so much fun.  Most of the pictures of Nick from this day are all far away shots of him flying his kite.  My favorite is the one of him flying it with one hand.  :)

Brody was pretty happy to get some outdoor family time this past weekend.  I think hunting for water creatures and other boyish things with Uncle Jake was one of the highlights.....although I don't have pictures of that. I don't enjoy looking at icky, stinky, possible pinchy water creatures....:)

These pictures really were surprising for me when I took a peek at them Sunday night.  Where have the years gone?  He is growing up right under my nose, and time just keeps slipping away from me.  He's almost 8, and yet it feels like yesterday he was brand new.....

Jack :) 

What would we do with out this kid.  We wouldn't yell as much maybe, but we wouldn't laugh nearly as much either.  He can really turn on the charm when needed.  Here is a sneak peek at him on Easter Sunday! The picture of his crash landing at the bottom of the slide is my favorite picture of him that day.  He was so exhilirated from the quick slide down, even a crash couldn't wipe that surprised, joy filled smile off his face.  And the way his eyes are sparkling melt my heart.  Love this kid!

This past Sunday we spent some time flying kites and visiting a park with Dave's family.  It was a really nice day for a number of reasons....time spent with family and lots of outdoor time for the kids.  For me the highlight was lots of grownups to watch out for the little ones, so I had opportunity to stand back and take pictures with no worries of anyone running off.  I spent a bit of time focusing on each child, and as a result managed to get some pictures that I really enjoy.  Here are a few of Megan...

Sunday Afternoon!

We had a nice walk/wagon/bike ride to the park today, and spent some time playing, came home for a family wrestling match, and spent the evening eating BBQ'd roast beef, and watching cartoons!  Couldn't ask for a nicer ending for a weekend, although it would be nice if we had a maid to clean up the house after the kids are in bed......I offered Dave the job, but he didn't seem to think it was something he would be interested in.  :)

This picture pretty much sums up how excited the kids were about heading out for a vacation to Montreal.

Is it possible for life to get any better than it is right now? These little people are just amazing!

The littlest man throwing snowballs.

The proud moment of showing off the "ball".
The wind up.

Getting ready to release the fury on all the other kids.The proud snowball maker.

It got a little too quiet this evening after the little people were all tucked in for the night. I guess Jack wanted to pretty himself up before bedtime. At least he needed a haircut! Buzz cut time again. :)

Brothers in Action!

Taking down the big guy! They have learned it takes team work to get the old man down. Although it looks like Brody is caught in the spanking machine despite Nick's efforts to help. This is the scene from our living room at least 3 nights a week!

For some reason both boys chose the same shirt on this particular day, and it caught my eye when I saw them side by side. I love seeing them enjoy being right beside each other and not pushing and shoving each other. We are really blessed to have kids that truly love and enjoy each others company. I hear of major sibling rivalry, and feel thrilled that our boys manage to get along so well. For now.....
This last picture is Nick and Brody on Christmas morning playing Star Wars and shooting everything, and every one in sight. How loving. :)

We've been really enjoying these kids lately. I always thought I would be sad to see them growing and changing, but it turns out that this "kid" stage is WAY more fun then the baby stage. I love that they are so independant, but still want to cuddle and spend time with us. I am going to soak it all in while it lasts. I have a feeling the next stage of teenagers won't be nearly as sweet!! Here's to hoping I am wrong!!

I am one very lucky lady! After the kids were sound asleep in their beds, Dave cooked me a fabulous supper to enjoy while we watched some tv and relaxed. I love those nights. It's just as nice as going out for dinner for me and a whole lot easier on the budget. He is an amazing cook, and I love to taste test his creations. That's what I call team work!