Well not quite a year, but almost half! we are busy this January season with the rain just starting today this winter! It has been sunny up until this morning when it decided that it was winter and rain was necessary!

The last few months has definitely been hard for us. we have dealt with the death of my grandma who raised me, so it was like loosing my mom. It was difficult but with my kids it was easier to let her go. Emmelia was quite attached to her and in her last few weeks when we visited her in the hospital my grandmother would light up at the sight of her. They had such a great relationship and it was awesome to witness the pure joy that one person could bring another in a time of pain and sadness. We explained to Emmelia when great grandma died that her body went into the ground and her spirit is in heaven waiting to be with us again, and that she is watching over her as an angel. With this she still says she misses her a lot but I noticed she hugs the picture of her and her great grandma that is in her room whenever she gets sad. She actually sleeps with a nightlight in her room that we got with from my grandma's house and she says its grandma watching over her as she sleeps. :) The love and faith of a child really can help you see the brighter side of life and the perspective that we should have.

Well David did fracture his finger but did not break the growth plate and after SIX WEEKS (in the middle of soccer season) of his fingers taped together, he has had no problems. He is currently reading the Harry Potter series and is currently on book 4. He is really enjoying them and I need to figure out what the next series is to get him interested in since he has already read the Percy Jackson series. Any suggestions?

Marcus is also reading the Harry Potter series and just started last week. He read the first book in less than a week! He started the second one this afternoon and when I wrangled the book away at bed time (I have learned that they read until well into the night, so I have taken books away when lights are out) that he was already 62 pages in! He is also getting straight A's in school and his teacher calls him his brightest student.

Emmelia as I have talked a bit about already is growing and enjoying life as usual. She is thoughtful and completely spoiled! (of course in the good way ;)) She brings such joy into our lives and we are happy to have her.

Josh has now lost over 100 pounds and is still going! I am so jealous! He is enjoying his new job and the challenges that they bring! He works hard and we are truly blessed by his presence, diligence, and love for us that he has.