Highlights

*Blows dust off of blog*

*Chases away moths*

*Removes cobwebs*

Yes, I'm still here, although I wonder if there is anyone left to read this. :) Better infrequent updates than none at all, right? So I am going to post a few highlights of what's been going on over the past few months, in no particular order. Things that I can actually still remember that I want to be able to remember at some point in the future.


* Esther is making great strides in her spiritual development. It is a joy for me to watch my children growing up in light and truth. She has shared her testimony at church twice in the past six months (unfortunately I missed both times, being home sick). She has a good understanding of gospel principles, seems curious about learning additional truth, and asks insightful questions. She also gave a good example of Christ-like behavior earlier this week. Our family was at the school's book fair, and the kids brought their money. Jayson had picked out a book that he wanted, but didn't have enough money for. He started to cry when he realized he didn't have enough, and Susie started to comfort him. Esther came over and asked why he was crying. When we told her, Esther volunteered to *give* Jayson some of her own money so that he could buy the book he wanted! Amazing. Truly amazing.

Anyway, she will be old enough to be baptized in a few months, and I'm looking forward to providing this saving ordinance for her.

* We took a family trip to Ohio to see family in September. Our children really are amazing travel buddies. We look forward to going out there again later this year, as my brother-in-law is getting married.

* Lizzie had a first experience of the not-so-fun kind. One Sunday afternoon in early December, I heard her crying loudly in the basement. I went down, and discovered blood on her ear. I found out later that she was climbing somewhere she shouldn't, and fell onto our wood-burning stove in the basement (not in use, fortunately). The two of us made a quick trip to Instacare, where she got 10 stitches in her left ear. She is doing fine, and the ear healed up extremely well. But four is a bit young to be getting stitches.

* Jayson is finally potty trained! Hallelujah! He took his time getting there, but he has finally "got it". We had a celebration party for him last Saturday at a local place called "Jump On It" (lots of big trampolines), and invited a few of his friends from school. It was also nice for the parents, as we brought a board game for us to play while our children jumped.

* I have been trying my hand at furniture assembly lately. Got some cheap furniture from Shop-Ko at half-price during a sale. It always takes longer than I think it is going to, but the girls have their own room with bunk beds, and Jayson has his room back with a mate's bed. Although they enjoyed all sleeping in one big bed together, they are getting old enough that that is no longer practical.

* I'm still the Cubmaster. I've been doing it for just over six years, and I enjoy it. Two meetings a month (both of them short) and a trip to the Scout Office to pick up awards. We always have a good group of boys and a good set of leaders. I feel very blessed. I'm also starting to feel a bit old. Later this year, a boy named Ethan will be coming in to the pack. I remember visiting his parents in the hospital when he was *born*. Doesn't seem possible that he's almost old enough to be in Cub Scouts.

* As far as feeling old goes, Susie and I are rapidly approaching our ninth anniversary. I'm grateful that she has stuck in there with me, as we have definitely had our share of bumps in the road. The good news is that our relationship continues to get better and better. I am blessed to have her in my life, and I love her very much.


Not much else comes to mind, so I will close for the present. Hope is well with all of you out there in blogland. :)