Now the Fun Begins.....

Today Jacob and his cousin, Tyler, passed their tests to receive their learner's permits. So I am going through many emotions: joy, anxious, fear, etc. Jacob learning to drive! I can't believe it. He has done very well on the times that we have gone and "cruised" the church parking lot. What a fun stage in life I am in right now. Bryce graduating high school and attending college in the fall. Jacob just entering high school and learning to drive. And Mariah leaving the world of elementary school behind and joining the ranks of teenager. But regardless of the whirlwind of activity that seems to be constantly at our house, I have truly been blessed with awesome kids who I am so proud of.

Boys 2 Men

Could I be that old to have both of my boys shaving! It is one thing that both of them are taller than me (no short jokes please - I think I've heard them all!), but to have both of them shaving that is just way too much for me to handle.

For some time now, Jacob has had a "stache" growing. We've teased and laughed, and teased some more. But when Jacob asked me about shaving, I knew it was time. Bryce, being the awesome brother that he is, taught Jake one of life's passages in a man's life - the art of shaving. Jacob wasn't too sure in the beginning but everything turned out fine. In fact, both Bryce and Jacob cut themselves shaving in the exact same place!

Mariah wanted in on the action, but Jacob wouldn't even think about it. I was able to enjoy this moment in between taking pictures to record this momentous occasion and trying to keep Mariah from peeking.

New Rooms for Bryce, Jacob, and Mariah

One of my most dreaded household jobs is painting. It is one of those things that I love it when it is finished, but I hate the process of cleaning, preparation, taping, priming, and the actual painting! But I am forever grateful for my parents who helped me with this "little project".

Since the upstairs was basically painted just a few years ago, I repainted Mariah's room and let her pick her colors and the accessories to go in it. She was fun to watch as we shopped for paint, pictures, etc for her room. She definitely knew what she wanted and where it was to be put in her room.

The boys rooms definitely have a new look to them. We took down the wall borders and the dark colors and just added a tan color to the walls. We have a little bit of decorating to do, but they are just not into shopping like Mariah is. When I ask what type of things they would like, they just tell me "sports posters". So off to the internet I go, looking for their posters.

Queen For a Day

As part of the assignment in her medival unit, Mariah made a "castle" as the final step for her to become "Queen for a Day". There were different levels you could work on. The more work you did at school and at home, the higher up the social ladder you climbed. A few of the levels were serf, lord, princess, and queen/king. So when it comes to the Medival Festival that will be held later this week, Mariah will be able to participate in all activities because of her "status" as queen.

So yesterday, Mariah and I went to the store after school to buy items to make her "castle". We decided on rice crispy treats. Since I was on my lunch hour and needed to get back to work, I left Mariah to her own devices to complete this project. When I got home, she had just finished her "masterpiece." She designed, created, and decorated her castle all before I got home! Great work Mariah!

It Keeps Going and Going and Going and Going....

Bryce's car, aka "The Chick Magnet", reached a huge milestone tonight! Just as he was pulling into the driveway coming home from a school basketball game, he noticed the speedometer. Let's just hope that the "Chick Magnet" has another 150 to give us. I've already been priming Jake and telling him that this wonderful vehicle will be his mode of transportation once he gets his driver's license. He doesn't quite know what to think about that!

For those of you who don't know, the Chick Magnet is a 1998 Toyota Sienna Van!! Quite the cool ride!!

Lookin' Good!

Go Titans!

Family Update

As I was thinking about what to write, I decided to just write what we wrote in our Christmas letter.

Bryce is currently a senior at Syracuse High School. In just a few short months, he will be a member of the first graduating class! It is hard to believe that soon he will be attending college to be a sports therapist and then leave for a mission. Bryce played football again this year and what an awesome season the Titans had! After a rough first season with a record of 0 - 10, the Titans turned it around with an overall record of 10 - 3. The Titans made it to the Semi-finals and were able to play at Rice Eccles Stadium. Go Titans! In December, Bryce was awarded his "letter" for football and he is counting down the days until he gets to wear his jacket. When not in school, playing football, or hangin' with friends, Bryce works at the local movie theater.

Jacob is in the 9th grade at Syracuse Junior High and turned 15 at the end of December. Besides growing taller than his Mom, Jacob played city football this year. He played on the Syracuse Midget Black Team as an offensive lineman and a member of the kick return team. Jacob's team, although they were the smallest in height, they made it through the first round of play-offs. Between his football schedule and Bryce's football schedule, we were living, breathing, sleeping, watching, and talking football constantly! But we had a blast supporting Bryce and Jacob in all their games! Bryce is now trying to convince Jacob to play for the high school team next year.

Mariah is currently in the 6th grade at Syracuse Elementary. She turned 12 at the end of December. She loves school and and everything about it. Mariah is still taking gymnastics and is close to getting her double back hand spring! If you are looking for a babysitter, Mariah has just started taking on a few babysitting jobs.

I am still working full-time at Ed Kenley Ford and found a new hobby this year. For my birthday, I bought me a new digital camera and took some photography classes. Between working full time, the kids schedules and just life in general, we are in constant motion! But we are healthy and happy and are loving every minute of it!