January 2012

When I first sat down to write this post, I thought January hadn't been too very busy for us. Then, I looked at our calendar and thought to myself

" That's where January went!"

This is the first year in quite sometime our Christmas break wasn't extended by an additional week due to school closings because of winter weather. Yippee!!

I guess I should start at the very beginning... yep, it's a very good place to start.

New Years Eve.

For the first year in a looong time, there weren't any kids around. Every child was gone for the night with friends or church activities. Alex worked and then went to the Stake Dance that Jeremy and Kyle were attending. Mikenzie was at a ward activity for Beehives and Deacons. Baylie and Brandon were both at friends houses. It was kind of weird. So, James and I ended up getting Chinese take out and spending an unexpected quiet night home alone.

January 10th was Jeremy's 17th birthday. He chose to have an extra expensive Christmas gift, so the gifts for his birthday were minimal, but it's Jeremy and he was totally cool with that. We had an ice cream cake and he, being a wrestler, had cut calories all day long so he could have a piece. Such dedication!

Jeremy was also able to present his Eagle Scout project to the board, it was accepted, so we all know what that means... Driver's License!!

On the 13-14th, after days and days of gorgeous weather, James went to the Klondike with the scouts. It was the only cold weekend of the entire month! He had a good time, despite the cold. Nothing a little hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls can't fix!

On the 21st, after attending a baby shower, watching Brandon play basketball and taking Kyle to soccer practice, I got a phone call from Jeremy who was at a wrestling tournament. Second match in and he had his second concussion in six weeks. NOT good at all. He was very upset, as he had just made Varsity that week and was looking forward to lettering as a junior. That, and his girlfriend, yes, his girlfriend, was there watching. He lost both matches and was benched for head injuries. Not a good day for Jeremy. The following Wednesday, he was told by the doc, no exercise, no nothing for four long weeks. He accepted it at first, but Jeremy is kind of a slow burner, so the more it set it, the more upset he became.

Later that Saturday, James attended the three youngest's piano recital while I picked Jeremy up from the meet. He thought he was driving himself home, uh... no.

It has been 10 days and he has yet to make it through a full day of school. I think this is going to be a long, difficult time for Jeremy. He has worked so hard to reach his goals and they all seem to be in jeopardy right now, specifically, Rugby and Varsity Football, as well as grades.

On the 23rd, Alex and Jeremy had a band concert. It is so fun to see the two of them in the same band. Jeremy came home from the concert completely exhausted. Bright lights and loud sounds don't do him well these days.

Last Saturday, the 28th was a dream filled day for Brandon. He had the Pinewood Derby-- after all those years of watching his brothers, it was finally his turn to feel the thrill of watching his hand crafted car cruise down those sweet lanes at the local church gym.

However, shortly into the races, Brandon had to leave to go play basketball. Such torture. He told me he was dedicating his game to.... no, not his Mom, none other than Jimmer, of course!

It was a great day for Brandon, full of fun. His car lost, his team lost, but good memories are what he has of that day.

So, kind of a busy, productive month. I was released as YW Camp Director ( mini yay) It was one of those callings that never quite fit right and I had a feeling I would never really fulfill it. Mikenzie was disappointed, but she will have a great 3rd year at camp!

Onto to February...