Thursday, April 16, 2009

March trip to Utah

It's official. I stink at blogging these days. I'm not sure if it's just that my life is pretty uneventful these days and the only things I think that are noteworthy are related to the lives of my children. Or maybe they're just much more photogenic than I am, and since I don't see them often, AND blog posts without pictures aren't nearly as fun, I figure why post anything that doesn't include the latest and greatest pictures of them. Regardless, if you still check my blog once in a while for a new posting....I apologize.

So, the latest...

I was able to get out to see Aryn and Quinn back in late March. It is always so great to see them and they are just as adorable as ever. Winter has been holding on in Utah with both hands and just not letting go, so the coldness has been a bit restrictive when I'm there. However, we have been able to spend time at their favorite library (in Draper), swim in Lehi's indoor pool, and we played at my good Aunt Kathee and Uncle Dave's house for a while too. (Thanks so much to both for being so hospitable and letting me crash there!) Aryn is always just dreamy for me and we have so much fun being able to express our love for each other and just how much we've missed playing house together, me being her handsome prince, reading stories, or her favorite...me telling her stories. She is without a doubt my "precious angel", and she's a great big sister to Quinn.


When I saw Quinn this time, he looked longer and older. He is definitely growing up and is so fun to chase around and make laugh (which isn't hard to do). He loves to follow his sister around and explore things. He is a "gadget guy" and likes to play with phones and tools and light sockets. At the library he prefers the computers to books. He has an infectious smile and brightens the day of whoever is around him. His health is much improved as well and he seems to be growing out of his laryngomalacia as the doctor's predicted.


Another bonus last visit was being able to celebrate my Grandma Roberts's 83rd birthday. She is such an amazing woman! Despite some recent setbacks with her health (a broken arm, arthritis, etc.) she still manages to live completely independently, and not only that, but she continues to not only shovel her own sidewalks and mow her own lawns, but those of her neighbors also. She has more children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren than I count, but she remembers to call every one on their birthday (usually in the morning) and sing them her distinctive version of "Happy Birthday". Grandma, we love you.


Back in Keokuk, things are all right. I have recently changed my position at Midwest Academy from Shift Leader to Family Representative. I view it more as a lateral movement than moving up or down. However, it does allow me to be more involved and responsible for the progress of specific students on my caseload, as well as work with their parents and families to "keep them on board". I am excited to have a deeper level of connection with the boys and their families, and think it will actually fit my personality and my motivations for being at the school more closely. I am excited about it and already have eight boys on my caseload to try and turn into solid young men.

3 comments:

A. said...

I'm a faithful reader, and it's always nice to see a new post. It's a little like watching the sky for a shooting star -- you never know when one might show up. :)

Quinn really does look older. Also, he looks like a little man with his short hair. And Aryn is such a beauty.

Glad things are good at work -- sounds like a lot of responsibility. I'm getting nervous/excited about going back to teaching. xo

brooklyn said...

oh my laws--they are looking so much older and, as always, are darling. so glad you got to go to grandma's birthday bash.

and dom't be so apologetic about not posting so much--it's your blog. do whatever you want! (although i DO love the updates).

Emily said...

Thanks so much for the posts and pictures. It is great to see you and the kids. I love the updates on how they're growing and what they're doing. Glad you had such a good time in NM. We love you, Jord!