Reading my favorite book with daddy...

Hello Everyone!

It's almost the start of summer, and I realized that I have not posted anything except pictures for a very long time. I guess that is the result of being busy, and simply not taking the time to sit down and write a message to all my family and friends.

Justin is 15 months, full of spunk, and completely independent. He reminds me of such a little man, and he is far from the baby we once knew. He sits with us at the table, in his 'big boy' (regular chair), runs around the house, and climbs up and down the stairs. He is now throwing minor tantrums, but luckily they are very short lived, as I don't think he can concentrate on something long enough to be upset! He is a daddy's boy, through and through, and I remind him constantly that he loves momma and that he wants to spend time with me. Of course, I know he loves me, but him and dad are the best of buddies. I'm thankful for that, and thankful that Justin is lucky enough to have such a wonderful father.

Aaron is now done with his Masters. Finally! I am proud of him, and he worked very hard to get through it quickly. He is still teaching 3rd grade at Cole Elementary, and he loves his job. He enjoys the kiddos, and he has great co-workers. My job, it continues to 'go'. We have had a lot of changes in management, which has made things difficult and stressful at times. We will be having more changes coming up with a new 'Area Manager', and I am hopeful it will bring us good leadership and consistency. I guess we will see!

We are planning a trip to the coast with my parents this summer. We will meet them in Portland, spend some time with my grandparents and family in Lake Oswego, and then head to the beach for a few days. It should be very fun, and I know Justin will love to run on the beach and play in the sand. I can't wait to spend a week with my family!

Mom started a new chemotherapy, and she seems to be doing pretty well despite all the horrible side effects that can come with this particular regimen. She is a strong and very spiritual woman, who has a wonderful outlook on life-and the 'afterlife'. I know she gets sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, and I can't blame her after dealing with her cancer for the last 9 years. We hope for the best, and count our blessings. Despite all of the ups and downs, she is still here with us.

That's about all the news that I have for now! We are enjoying a relaxing day at the house, listening to the rain on the roof and against the windows. Perfect day for an afternoon nap....

Shaye

Justin, 15 mo.

Happy March!

Where has the time gone? Justin is 13 months old, but acts like he is already 2. Aaron continues to work on his M.S degree, and will be done in May. Thank goodness! He is also working on finishing our bathroom in the basement-and then our home will be completely finished! When are we going to move again you ask? We're not sure. We have thought about building, but things are still up in the air. Call us crazy, but the decisions we have made in the past have always worked in our favor so we must be doing something right.

Aaron continues to like teaching 3rd grade, and he has definitely found his calling. If my job doesn't kill me off first, I should still be there for a while. It's pretty stressful right now, and I have been putting in a lot of long hours. I may be starting my M.S degree this fall...it's pretty likely. I'll try to hang in there for now!

Justin is talking like crazy, although he only says 'hello' and 'dad'. He doesn't say 'mommy' or 'mom', but that will come in time. He talks a lot of jibberish, and sometimes it sounds like he says things that make sense-but who knows?! He is wild, to put it lightly. He is into everything, and runs back and forth from one end of the house to the other, spreading toys (and lot's of joy too). We just laugh at him. He's a little boy and he has a lot of energy. If he is diagnosed with ADHD, as I expect he may be, we will love him just the same and he will keep us on our toes, even more, for several years to come! The only time he will cuddle is when he is sleeping, and on the rare occasion when he will give quick 'loves' to mom, dad, and Wrigley. He is happy, healthy, smart, and handsome. What more could we ask for?

Here are a few pics of the wild man himself. We look forward to coming home in the summertime and at Christmas. I wish we could make it sooner, but there is only so much time I can take off of work. Hugs to everyone and have a wonderful weekend!!!