News Flash

Hello. I feel somewhat long and lost here, so I figured I'd give a little family update.

Nate:

Busy busy busy! He's pulling lots of weight at work doing the JSP and other projects plus managing. He's recently turned in a first draft of a chapter he's writing for a co-worker's book on the side. Also the web manager for Addison and Bryn's school and the blog administrator for LDS Earth Stewardship. Teaches 10-11-year-old boys at church. An endearing quality: takes whole quarts of peaches to work as part of his lunch.

Michelle:

That photo's just for you, Mom. Haha. Staying busy trying to keep afloat with normal everyday life. Recently asked for a release from nursery after almost two years. Still slightly torn about whether that was a totally dishonorable thing to do, but very much appreciating the change and the new scenery as Primary chorister! Doing mental gymnastics to try to figure out how make our house stretch and fit us all for a bit longer. (Did I mention we took our house off the market? We did. We'll try again later, I suppose.) Cracking the whip on homework, reading, chores, piano, etc. In, not a boot, but some kind of shoe thing for an inflamed tendon in my right foot for a couple more days. Will it ever really end? Current projects: Halloween costumes and gearing up for Christmas!

Addison:

Loving his 2nd/3rd grade split class. His teacher is fabulous and holds him to a 3rd grade standard, even though he's in 2nd grade. It's so good for him! He's getting excited for Halloween, a birthday party before too long, and being baptized in just over a month! Also looking forward to having Asa as a roommate pretty soon here. Is totally gobbling up the first Harry Potter book, which we're reading together each night at bedtime. Is running quite low on teeth and high on cash flow these days.Fun fact: Part of Addison's daily routine is having tv time, and then heading immediately to the trampoline to jump and jump until dinner time. Likes playing Plants vs. Zombies out there.

Bryn:

Rocking the house at school. Recently began to notice that people know her as "Addison's little sister," which is not her fave. Has impeccable penmanship. Will soon be inhabiting the top bunk in Leah's room. They're trying to work out whether they want to decorate with peacocks or princesses. I'll let you guess who wants which. Enjoys running next door to borrow one of the residents' dogs several times a week. She runs him around and around the yard and teaches him "evasive maneuvers." Got to live out a life-long dream yesterday when she pet a turkey at a friend's house. Becoming very interested in pierced ears. Favorite breakfast: "Crispy-crisp toast" and yogurt.

Leah:

Learning anything and everything she sees and hears. Is quite the chatterbox. Lives for Wednesdays because that's the day we go to Discovery Time at the library. Loves nursery, preschool, and any organized activity that she gets to participate in. Is very, very good with her little brother and loves him lots. Is excited to have a room with Bryn and do "makeovers" with her, using the makeup she got at the dollar store on our date last night. Watch out: She's begging to learn how to ride a bike!

Asa:

The boy is a mover and a shaker. Dances like nobody's business to "Uptown Funk." Can say and sing the tune for "EIEIO," and does so frequently. Has also mastered the melody to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, though he can't say the words yet. Surprised me yesterday by saying, "Aww man!" Lives to be outside. Is officially old enough for nursery in four days, but went without Mom and stayed the whole time on Sunday! Woo hoo! Is getting quite good at using silverware and napkins. Will soon be rooming all the way upstairs with big brother. Note: Raids the snack cupboard constantly.