Mary just finished her junior year in high school which means SHE will be a senior in the fall. I realized that I have her home for one more year and then she will be leaving for college. I can't even fathom having her away and not living under my roof but I know the hard reality is approaching where she will be off and running. I would have it no other way but it is still bittersweet. She is working two jobs this summer, socializing and involved in our church's youth groups. We have a few college tours scheduled this summer. She has still maintained her straight A average and manages to do everything like playing her guitar, playing sports, early morning seminary which is a 4 year early morning scripture class for teens in our church and countless other activities. She sprained her ankle at the end of Lacrosse season and has been recovering from that.
Elizabeth is 10 and is getting taller every day. She LOVES sports and has a ball in her hand most of the time she is awake. She prides herself in her "tomboy" status. I can get her to wear a dress on Sundays when we go to church. She is a sweetheart and has a love for animals. She played soccer on the A team in the spring and hope to play again in the fall. She is still playing the piano and has made a lot of progress this year. We are taking the summer off from all activities. We are having a girl from Spain who is also 10 stay with us for one month. Liz is so excited to be able to teach her english. Liz loves to play legos and chess. We got rid of cable which has been a great thing for our family. She has been spending more time reading and playing board games. I get tired of electronics because I think it takes time away from the family.
Mark has just finished the school year and he suddenly has a smile on his face. Students aren't the only ones who are happy to see the school year end. He has been playing his pipes in the Irish Pipe band Brian Boru where he is the Pipe Major. It has become his favorite past time. He has been running on the trails and loves reading whatever he can get his hands on. I bought him a kindle for Christmas and he loves it. Now that he is home, he has been doing his honey do list.
As for myself, I have been trying to balance work and home life which proves to be a challenge. I have been running more consistently to help reduce my anxiety and find it relaxing. My job is great. I love my new role. I learn something new everyday. I love working with the patients and enjoy getting to know them. I feel like I am a student all over again as each day brings something I just don't know. I have learned how to look things up efficiently which has been a great strength. I love my schedule which provides me with every weekend and Mondays off. I have every holiday off as well. Life is good. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Ricky and Linsey. They are forever in my heart. I love being a mother and wife above all else. Spending time with my family is my favorite activity. I love meal times. This is where we gather together each day and talk about our day, our dreams and aspirations. I love my family and am so grateful for each and every one of them.
Elizabeth with friends Chloe and Catherine
4th grade Breakfast
Mary and Matt Nielsen
Junior Prom 2013
