the krismers crazy life!

and another 8 months go by...

2011-05-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

So what's new you ask? Haha well, we successfull made the move 7 doors down the street on August 28th, 2010 and 2 days later Beckie went to the hospital to be induced. Robert Emery Graham was born August 31, 2010. Most of you know and have seen pictures of baby Robbie, but I will post a few for your enjoyment!

Beckie, Kyle and Robbie moved from Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California to Ramona, California last month. Kyle was transferred to Miramar in San Diego. Robbie has 5 teeth now and is well on his way to eating all kinds of food. He is crawling and trying to stand up against the furniture.

Robyn and Zach are doing well in the DC area. They are expecting their first child mid December and are incredibly excited! Robyn's youth pastor is starting a church in Silver Spring, MD in the next several months, they are excited and can't wait for the oportunity to help wherever they can! The church will be about 30 minutes from their home. Robyn and Zach have both started college classes and were going to sign up for a co-ed softball league until they found out Robyn is expecting, there's always next year! Brendan, Bob and I took a trip out to DC to spend Christmas with Robyn and Zach. It was a great surprise when Zach opened the door and Beckie, Robbie and Kyle were standing there! They drove down from Alabama, where they were visiting Kyles family, and spent a few days with us.

Brendan tried out for baseball at his high school and made the JV team. He had alot of fun playing and had an awesome coach. Bob and I didnt miss a game, it was so much fun watching him play again!

Bob and I are doing good. Bob's work load has picked up and is working about 10 hours each day and sometimes on Saturday. I am still doing daycare and it is going great. Bob and his sister are planning a 50th Wedding Anniversary for his parents this Memorial Day weekend. Our puppy Aspen is doing good, he and Harley get along great.

change is good...right?

2010-08-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

July 17 was the day Harley delivered 8 beautiful black puppies, and so the fiasco began!
They were the cutest little puppies I had ever seen, and boy were they a handful! I can for sure say I don't know how Octomom does it! I am SO very glad that 5 of them are in good homes! I loved having them here, sometimes...but truly I am glad that 5 are gone. In a couple of weeks 2 more will be gone and only one, our little Aspen, will remain.
In the chaos of having puppies under foot, Beckie faced her own challenges of pregnancy. A few weeks ago the doctor thought she was having preeclampsia. After a visit to L&D and several test results later, the diagnosis was stress, not preeclampsia. God is good! She is not about 37 1/2 weeks along and hoping that the day for baby robbie to show his face is sooner rather than later. Beckie is holding up well for the wear tho, even handling bouts of morning sickness, (yes, MORNING SICKNESS at this stage) like a trooper!
Robyn and Zach have had thier fill of car troubles in their first couple of months in DC, but I think things are starting to settle down!
Brendan decided to enroll at the new High School in the District, so he will finish out Jr & Sr years at Shadow Ridge and be part of the first graduating class of the school! How fun!
Bob and I have foound a home to rent, 7 doors to the south :) We have been packing and preparing for weeks and the bg day in 9 days away, yea, a week before Beckies due date!
Well, gotta do what we gotta do!

7 months!

2010-06-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Robyn and Zachs family wedding celebration

So last time I actually had time to post anything was 7 months ago, wow...

So I will update on each of our children after I say that Bob and I are doing wonderfully and enjoying as much time together as we can. He planned a weekend getaway for us to a cabin in a Nature Preserve to celebrate 22 years since we said "I DO" We are in the midst of selling our home for a number of reasons, but are confident to say that the Lord is our King and we are resting in his hands. bobs job has been quite rocky in the sense that he was not working much the last month of 2009 and the first several months of this year. Our chocolate Lab Harley is expecting a litter of puppies in the next several weeks, this was unplanned as we had been hoping to have her mate at some point with a black or chocolate lab. Beckie got a puppy for Christmas and they were not allowed to have it in thier apartment so she asked us to watch it for her and did not get it fixed..thus when Harley went into season...here we are with a prego doggy..oh well.

Beckie:

So Beckie is back home for the time being, Kyle has been in Afghanisan since mid-late May and is expected to come home mid November...speaking of expecting, yes, if you have not heard by now Beckie is expecting a baby September 1. She was going to start some classes when she got here but her morning sickness was so bad that she could hardly keep food down let alone try to concentrate on schoolwork. She has decided to wait until after the baby is born to enroll. As of right now, Kyle will be home for 6 months and then be re-deployed back to Afghanistan for 7 months. Her pregnancy is going great now that shes 27 weeks, but there are still days she feels quite queazy. They are excited about the baby and she will probably be posting pictures on facebook next week after her 4-D ultrasound this weekend.

Robyn:

So Zach got back to the states from South Korea mid May and they had their family celebration wedding in Prescott May 30. The weather and scenery were gorgeous and the mood was peaceful and happy. I think it turned out perfect and the bride and groom were very pleased. They have been super busy spending time with family and friends and are now preparing for thier travels across the country to their new home at Bolling Air Base in Washington, DC. Their stops on the way there include Iowa, Crivitz and Chicago to visit family and friends then off the DC to find a home! We are all excited that they are going to be living there and are already making plans to visit them and soak up some of the amazing history.

Brendan:

He made it through his Sophomore year at Willow Canyon HS and is enjoying the car his sister Robyn gave him. (She and Zach bought a new/used Jetta and gave Brendan the 2000 Elantra) He was in a small neghborhood band and decided the type of music was not what he wanted to be playing so he quit and formed his own band. He also got his first job! He is a happy employee at KFC and has proven to be quite the responsible teenager. He pays for his own gas and car insurance and is even tithing! He has also invested in some pretty cool speakers and a new guitar and has played on stage for a few different events locally. His new band is already scheduled to play at the Grand Opening weekend celebration at our church as they open the Phase2 building on our 40-acre facility early August.

So...this is the latest news in our family, I'm sure I left some stuff out so check back often for updates!

from august till now...

2009-11-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

I'm not too sure where to start so I'll just give it a whirl! So in July Beckie took a break from Branden,her boyfriend of 2 1/2 years. She was trying to figure out what direction her life was going and took a trip to California to spend the weekend with her good friend Jessica. Jess is a US Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside and they decided to spend the weekend in San Diego on the beach for some good ole girl talk. Well,When Jess picked Beckie up at the airport, she got a call from her friend Kyle,(friends since Boot Camp) He needed a ride to pick up his new motorcycle, so Jess asked Beck if she minded, and so the story begins...Beckie and Kyle met and there were sparks...major sparks...

Beckie and Kyle saw each other every weekend and talked and texted every day all day and night until August 26th. That was Bob's mom and dads 48th wedding anniversary and that is the day Beckie and Kyle decided to begin their lives together, and they became Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Graham. Bob, Brendan, Robyn, Grandma, Grandpa and I were there to witness and enjoy the small ceremony and celebrate with cake and pictures on the beach and dinner at Olive Garden. The following weekend we went back out there and had some quality family time wth the newlyweds and the weekend after that Beckie officially moved out and became a Marine Wife. Our daughters are both married and as of Saturday they have both moved out.

Zach, Robyn's husband, is here visiting for 3 1/2 weeks and he helped Robyn find and move into their own place. It's bittersweet for Bob and I and I think Brendan feels a little lonely sometimeswith both his sisters gone,but since Robyn moved,she has been here everyday, haha..so there's something nice about that.

Not sure what else to say, that was quite alot, so if you have any questions, you can reply to this or email me at cindykrismer@yahoo.com

love...

2009-08-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

Yep, it IS a crazy thing! and it is all over these days!! I see it in my husbands eyes when he looks at his children and me, I see it in my kids eyes when were talking about visiting friends and family in Chicago, and I have recently seen new love blossoming...and the look in the eyes of those who have been touched by new love is simply adorable...so, love a little each day, enjoy this time we have here on earth, and enjoy the blessings God has bestowed upon us and enjoy love <3

Oh the craziness!

2009-07-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

OK, so I missed all of June...but I'm not too late for July!

So in a nutshell, since Beckie's birthday these are the major events:

Beckie and Robyn have successfully taught one session of swim lessons and are on session number 2. Brendan hs jumped in to help while Robyn is off in Korea!
Robyn has gone to, and at the time of this post currently is in, Gunsan, South Korea. She went there to visit Zach and get married, yes, you read correctly, married. Family celebration to take place here in the Valley May 2010 so get ready to come see us! Invitations will go out when the date is final and a little note explaining "their story"
Brendan has successfully passed the driver's permit test and is, yes, behind the wheel (with supervision of course).
I have decided to change the format and basis of my home daycare job to and Christian Preschool Daycare starting sometime in August.
Beckie has put her 2 1/2 year relationship with Branden on the back burner while she sorts through her own life, independently, and gets moving on her goals of attending Nursing School in the next year or so.
We gave our dog of 9 1/2 years away because she was getting too old and grumpy to tolerate the pitter patter of childrens little feet though the house on a daily basis. She went to a GREAT home where she is fitting in perfectly!
Robyn has been given some information that after Zach gets out of Korea, May 2010, he will most likely be stationed in Germany for 3 years.
We thought we were going to lose our house, but found out recently that we may not!
We have also found out that even though you may get a car for free from someone, it may still end up costing you a lot of money in the long run! It's the thought that counts...

OK, so is that enough to rock your world? LOL welcome to...the Krismer's CRAZY life!

Beckie turns 20 today! (and a family update)

2009-05-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

Can you guys believe it? Our little itty bitty Becca Boo is 20 already! How is that possible? I sure don't feel old enough to have a 20 year old! She brought in the day by celebrating the love of her lifes birthday last night into this morning. Branden turned 21 last week and they planned a surprise party for him. It was great fun, a little drinking and a lot of poker playing. Beckie ruled the table until she let her little brother play a hand, he lost most of her chips! She took it like a big girl though :) Beckie, Branden and a couple of friends are getting ready to go to Cali for a few days later this week. Should be a fun time for them!
A little update on the last post, Bob has done a great job of watching his diet and incorporating more and more excercise into his week! Brendan finished out the school year with 2 B's and 2 C's, and is going to be looking into taking a few classes online to get done with school faster. He's not too sure what he s going to do with his future, but is considering the Air Force. Robyn has decided not to go to NAU this semester, there are a lot of reasons for this. I'll post another blog later. She is nannying for a family in the neighborhood this summer and her and Beckie are teaching swim lessons to little kids. She goes to South Korea sometime mid July and will be gone through the end of August. She is signing up for two classes at Estrella Mountain Community College to start in the fall, still working on her teaching degree. Me, I am just blessed. I am so very blessed that daycare is starting to pick up. I am now watching my friends 2 kids one day a week and my other friends kids several days a week. Still waiting for a full timer or two, but that will come in God's time.. I am focusing on doing everything with a thankful heart, Col 3:17.

where has the time gone?

2009-04-06T06:06:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update because time has definitely gotten away from me lately! On March 28th we helped Robyn celebrate her 18th birthday with a quiet celebration at home. She received a lot of school supplies and was very happy.
Bob has recently been to the doctor for a check-up. After several blood tests, it is confirmed that he has high cholesterol and has been told to watch his diet and get more exercise. He is doing an amazing job and has even lost almost 10 pounds without really trying.
Brendan was on strict grounding for poor grades but has managed to improve them dramatically so I think that lesson has been taught...hopefully :)
Beckie is still working at Del Webb Hospital and her and Branden are doing well. They have been planning out a few trips for the summer.
Me. I've been working at the gym and watching Jenna, praying for one or two more full time kids, and helping out Bob's cousin watching her son for a few days, he's adorable!
Life is good...I am blessed!

Robyn Nicole

2009-03-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

So our middle child, the one that has been difficult from the moment of conception, (no joke) has always been the social butterfly of the family, always had tons of friends and always made more plans than she can keep in a day, or a week, or a month for that matter :) She is an over achiever, that is her nature, she doesn't like to take "no" for an answer...ever. She doesn't take the easy road...ever. She is determined and focused on serving God, and following the direction He is leading her in at this time in her life. She has been through quite a rough patch on the "boyfriend front" the past few years, but God has given her CLEAR direction at this point, and she has learned to depend on mere friendships, rather than deep emotional ties to boys and people for that matter. She is extreme and passionate and when she decides to care about something, it is VERY important to her, and nobody can change her mind (not that we would dare try). So since last summer, when she had her heart completely and utterly crushed by a boy, she has changed the way she thinks about things. She is starting to see that not all boys are bad, and that God really does care about the little things. She began hanging out with 2 different friends, both boys. the boys did not know each other, so she introduced them, and they became friends, and their friends became friends. It was all good for Robyn, because there is no drama in boy friendships, there is no manipulating or jealousy, and she is free to say what she thinks, always...and never be judged. They also have way more fun, like go-karting and biking and playing pool and darts and she doesn't have to pretend, ever. Now, she does have some girl friends, don't get me wrong, but they live in Chicago so it's hard to hang out on a daily basis :)
So, Summer ended and Fall began and so did school. We went to Chicago for a visit, and came back to her same old routine, hanging out with the boys, usually in our backyard, every night. Most of the boys joined one branch or another of the armed forces. Christmastime came, and it was bittersweet because Zach was the first to go, and it was going to change Robyn's life. She was anxious about being bored, because she would talk to Zach everyday, from the time he woke up until he came over to sit around the fire pit at night (the power of text messaging lol). Well, she made it through the boredom, and they exchanged letters and she was able to fulfil her desire and go to his graduation. She spent a wonderful 4 days there with his mom, step dad, uncle, grandma and two little sisters they went to ceremonies, and took in some sightseeing but mostly just spent time together catching up on his new life, and what was new in hers. It was a nice visit and they took lots of pictures. I forgot to mention, before Zach left, he told Robyn that he thinks he is falling in love with her, her response was "thank you?". So when she got home, she went on and on about Zach, he was allowed to have his phone back after she left and he was on his way to Tech School in Missouri. They are back to texting as often as he can. He has his phone back, but there are some restrictions about when/where he can use it.
Last weekend we had Zach's mom and sisters over (the step dad was working and grandma was sick) for a nice dinner and visit. We have never met them, so it was a good time for all of us to get to talk a little. The sisters are 8 and 9 and absolutely adore Robyn so the next day, Sunday, they called Robyn and asked if they could come over, so we picked them up and along with the kids we babysit on the weekends, took them to the park and had a fun time. Of course Robyn's day is not complete until she talks to Zach 29 times, LOL. She was kind enough to share the phone with the sisters ha ha, and they were all happy. During one of the sisters conversations, she told the one sister, Kelly, to tell her brother that she said she loves him. Of course he thought that Kelly was goofing around but later found out that Robyn really did say that. So, guess what his response was? no, it wasn't, "I love you too", it was, "thank you" HA HA! (God does have a sense of humor) Well, one thing I was concerned with was Robyn's decision to go to NAU this Fall, but her plans are firm, she is staying with her plans. So the next thing I am concerned with is where is Zach going after Tech School. We prayed for him to get stationed on the West Coast, so they can at least have a better chance to see each other once in awhile. Well, guess what, that wasn't in God's plan. I think it might have been too much of a distraction for both of them for him to be so close, so he is being sent to South Korea! Yea, we are kind of shocked, but really, it's OK. After several discussions with all of us, I think Robyn is going to make it through this tough time. He is going to get more details about the time he is spending there and will share them with her. We are all praying that they stay focused on what God has in store for them, and that they depend on HIM through the tough times to come.
I sure didn't mean to write so much, but I didn't want to leave anything important out.

What's your "why"?

2009-02-23T07:20:00.000-08:00

Our pastor ended his sermon this week with this question...I had to think about how to respond because I have many feelings about why I get up each day. There is not a one word answer to this question, although I could be creative and run all my words together (lol Kimberly) but won't.
My why is this: I want to get up each day and show the people I come in contact with the love of Christ.
I have learned through a very long and mostly trying process that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. I didn't really understand that until recently, when I was faced with leaving my job and needing to find a new one. I fully depended on God's lead to get me another job, because I trusted he would. Why would he you ask? Because he held me up in my last job for as long as he needed me there, and I trusted that He would put me in the next place he wanted/needed me to go. After realizing home daycare was the answer, I did what I could to get the word out. I told everyone I knew that I was going to start watching kids again, I asked everyone to tell anyone they heard needed daycare about me. I even told friends at the job I left about my need. Ha ha, wouldn't you know, the first daycare child am blessed to be caring for is due to a lead from my old job :) God IS Great! So now I am fortunate to have a steady income and building a wonderful relationship with the little girl I care for and her mom. I have been able to be Gods hands and feet in several instance's in their lives, and the feeling is amazing! I feel that God has me right where he wants me, and I'm not going anywhere, unless he wants me too of course :). He also, through a strange series of events, has put another family in my path in need of childcare. This is a single mom also, and she has recently moved here to sunny AZ with no friends or job. He has given me what I need to be able to give her what she needs. These are 2 examples in my life that makes me fall to my face in gratitude, honor and love for the Lord and His ALMIGHTY power. This is just a glimpse of what I am blessed with...the rest is for another blog. Here is a preview though: husband, children, teens and friends.

ok, so about the coupon thing...

2009-02-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

I didn't have a car to get back over to the store yesterday, so I called. After explaining my dilemma to the person that answered the phone, I was put on hold for the manager. I again explained the situation, and the fact that I had worked for a different grocery store in the past that doubled as many coupons as the customer could scrounge up, and he apologized for the mistake. He said that the limit "used to be" policy, and they have since revised it to be "all" coupons, no limit, and inadvertently said they had not gotten around to telling every cashier the "new" policy. He gave me his name and stated that if I ever had trouble again, to mention the conversation with him, or ask for him to come to the register. He also told me that if I could find my receipt (ha ha he doesn't know who hes talking to! I have receipts for everything!) I could bring it in for a refund. Ha ha, it may be only $2, but this week, that will buy me a gallon and a half of milk!
So, in the end, we win...

The Economy...

2009-02-04T04:21:00.000-08:00

Ha, I'm not much of a news follower, but I have definitely been feeling the pinch lately, for the past few months anyway. Our country is in a strange place right now, and I don't have any speculation as to if or when things will "go back to normal." I do know however, that prices have been fluctuating like mad. One week gasoline is $3.89 pg and a few weeks later I'm paying $1.39 pg. Milk is similar, one week there's a sale $1 per half gallon, and the next week it's $4.89 pg. This brings me to the subject of coupon-ing. I have never been so astonished in my life as I was when I saw how this little, for lack of better words, "game" works. I see that there is a method to purchasing your favorite items at a steep discount, for even less than generic brands. Mind you it is a little bit time consuming, but in my life, it is well worth the sacrifice. I have found out that there are little clubs you can join to help you search for your favorite items each week. They have it all organized nice and neat, taking the time consuming aspect out of the picture. The clubs vary in cost, but from what I understand they are very much worth the fee. Yesterday I ran across a situation while shopping that I think is unfair. Yesterday, I was at a grocery store which is one of the major grocery chains across the country. They have this "double coupon" deal so I brought several of the same coupon, loaded my cart, and went to the checkout. The cashier then informed me that I could use all of my coupons, but that they would only double 3 of the same coupon. This was very frustrating to me, because she stated it was store policy, but it is not on writing anywhere. I think I have a little job ahead of me today...going to talk to someone at that store and find out why they can double some but not all...stay tuned if this interests you, and I will post more after my trip back to the store...

The Day Has Come...

2009-01-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it's here, and now gone, but not for long. Robyn and I took the 2 1/2 hour trip up to Flagstaff Saturday to check out Northern Arizona University. We have been up there several times, but this time was different. This time, Robyn dropped the bomb that she will be leaving home in the fall to attend NAU. I am filled with emotions ranging from excited to sad. Part of me is content that she is mature enough to make it on her own, but part of me is struggling with losing her. I know she will be back on weekends, and that we will drive up to visit occasionally, but there will be a part of her that we will lose. I'm happy that this year home after High School has proven to be a very maturing year for her. I have to admit she has really grown up in the past 8 months or so. She will have completed 24 credits and will be able to transfer to NAU as a Sophomore making it a little more affordable.
On the bright side, we will have an excuse to go up there more often and enjoy the beauty of the forest and cooler weather all year round.

Brendan's 15th Birthday

2008-12-23T05:13:00.000-08:00

So our baby turned 15 yesterday, wow how time flies! We got him a new guitar, not the exact one he wanted, but as close as we could get to it. At first, we fooled him, or at least attempted to, with a tiny pop gun rifle we saw at Cracker Barrel the other day. The joke was that we got him the rifle he needs to buy for the hunting trip he and Bob are taking to Colorado next October. He had a few friends over and they thought it was funny. Then Bob went upstairs and got his real present, and Brendan almost passed out. He has been wanting this acoustic electric for quite awhile, something I forgot in the Christmas letter was he has been teaching himself how to play guitar. He has a friend Logan that has been helping him play also, and he really loves it.
Robyn had an adventurous day yesterday also, she had surgery on her foot to remove something that was bothering her for the past 7 years or so. It was just under the skin on the ball of her foot. The doctor doesn't know exactly what it is, but she sent it to the lab for an answer. Surgery went well, they gave her a little too much twilight drug and she zonked out for awhile, but ended up feeling better later after getting some food in her tummy. She is going to be on crutches for 3 weeks and not allowed to drive her car for that time either. She prepared for this little hiatus by purchasing a book called "Keyboarding for Dummies" Hopefully she will have learned something about playing music on the keyboard by the time she gets the use of her foot back. We are hoping she doesn't die of boredom first!
Beckie and her boyfriend Branden are frantically getting ready to leave for the arctic (Chicago) on the 26th and hope that the weather warms up to at least the double digits for their trip. After watching the Bears squeak a win in last night, the thought of going back home at this time of year isn't too inviting. At least the Bears beat GB...and it was at home! Well, off to make some more goodies for Christmas!

snowmen, zoo lights & hot chocolate outside...

2008-12-19T04:34:00.000-08:00

These are the things I miss the most. Christmas time in the desert is not really Christmas time in my book. I miss the days of building snowmen with the kids, going to Brookfield Zoo at night for the Zoo Lights extravaganza and being so cold that hot chocolate didn't even warm you up while walking around enjoying all the decorated trees.
We are going to the Zoo Lights event here in Phoenix this year, but it won't be the same. I am going to drive up to Flagstaff, 2.5 hours away, to play in the snow with the little girl I babysit and whichever child of mine can make the trip with me. We may be fortunate enough to encounter "snowman making snow" but it won't be the same..
This year, I am going to make a conscience effort to embrace every day as if it is the last. To take something from each day, and make a memory of it. To absorb more joy than negativity from the people around me. To make each moment count. To bring a little bit of heaven earth, even if I might not "feel" like it. I am going to make a point of remembering that God puts people, incidents and random wackiness into my life for a reason...I need to react to them according to His will, not mine.
The older I get, the more I realize that change is good, inevitable, and necessary. I may not always like it, but without it, life would be boring. The time we have here on this earth is so temporary. Like Trent says in his sermons, "we are just backpacking here, our real life will begin after we leave this place." I will enjoy the time here, influence as many lives as I can, and maybe, when it's all said and done, I might hear the words, "well done good and faithful servant".
It's just hard to remember the big picture sometimes...zoo lights, snowmen and yes, even mugs of hot chocolate don't really matter...

December already?

2008-12-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, Halloween and Thanksgiving came and went and I haven't even thought of getting on this blog...jeeze, so much has happened :) Well, I am going to get the Krismer Christmas letter ready today and tomorrow, then start mailing.
So I am no longer working at the School District, long story, but basically God has it in control as usual. I am now, believe this or not, back to doing home daycare. Yes, I know my cousins are probably cracking up right about now, seeing as they are home with yougin's all day and are probably thinking I'm completely off my rocker :) Well, it's in my blood, that's all I can say, I love kids, I love doing daycare, and I am blessed more than anything to have a job that I enjoy so much.
The girls are finishing up the semester with good grades, Brendan is averaging a C+, could be worse so I'll be as happy as I can with it.
Weather has been cool in the mornings, but gets hot when the sun comes out. I'm super excited about Friday! Besides being my dear husband's birthday, my friend Jeannette is in town with her bf and is coming over for dinner and an evening of reminiscing! I'm thrilled and can't wait to see her and catch up on what's happened in our lives!

today

2008-10-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

I heard today that the weather is finally going to be out of the triple digits Saturday!

We had a family photo shoot, it was so cool! We have had our pictures taken lots of times, but this was outdoors with a professional photographer, and the best part is that it was only $30.00 normally $100.00! If you are interested in veiwing them, email me I'll send you the link to our photos.

So the latest and greatest....
Beckie and Robyn went looking at apartments. I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad. My gut is saying be happy, they're good kids, and it will be fun for them to get a taste of the real world close to home. Part of me says they are young, and shouldn't waste money because it's so much less expensive to stay at home than it is to get an apartment. I am letting it up to God, nothing more can do. They are really smart kids.
Brendan is getting involved in the Theatre at school, he likes the technical side, so I think it's going to be fun and keep him really busy.

first update...

2008-09-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, so a synopsis of where were all at...
Bob is working at a great company, small family owned business, very happy. He is also still working on our outdoor kitchen, it is framed and the BBQ is in. The fake stone siding is almost complete, so all that's left is to run the electric and plumb the incoming water, install the mini fridge and sink and put the top on. We are also going to look at some stone pads for the bar stool chairs that will go around the outside of the counter. He has also been wearing the landscaper hat as of late. We have all joined in on the fun, pulling weeds, moving rock and general clean-up in the front and back yards. It has been quite a job, but it's looking great and it brings us together as a family to get out there and work as a team.
Cindy is still at the school district routing the special needs busses. Loves the job, finds it tough to play the games of the office and is leaning heavily on God's power and wisdom to get through the days. She is prayerfully considering opeing a home daycare again, just getting everything in order for that to happen in the next few months. She is going to attempt a small internet/home-based scrapbook business. It is a preplanned book, with pages for the newborn and then each holiday for the first year, ending with the one year birthday. The cool thing is all the recipient has to do is glue a photo or two onto the page and they're done. People seemed interested, and it will be a fun adventure, we'll post the link to the website as soon as it's up and running.

Beckie is now in her sophomore year of community college and loving it. She is attending 2 different schools at this time, because of scheduling conflicts she couldn't get all the classes at one school. She is also working full-time as a member of the Surgical Sterilization Department at Del Webb Hospital. where she works 3-12 hour days and one 4 hour day each week. She bought herself a used little red mustang with a convertible top, so cute. She has decided that she's going to become and Physician Assistant, and is super stoked about that. She is for sure doing what she is good at, and is interested in. The hospital she works for will be sending her to Nursing School in the next year or so, and she can't wait. She will be done with asll her prerequisites nd moving onto the nitty-gritty of being a nurse. She has been dating this great guy named Branden for about 20 months or so, but has decided to take a break for the time being. She wants to be sure she is making choices that she wants to make because of her, not because of anyone else. They are still friends and hang out often, but the pressure is off and that seems to be working out great for them.

Robyn is in her Freshman year of community college, she took some summer classes and did great. She is now taking a full load this semester and working part-time at a neighborhood health club in the daycare. She has decided to go into Early Childhood Education and has started a 30 hour apprenticeship at a local school. She is definitely using the gifts and talents God has bestowed upon her. She is super excited about the trip we took to Flagstaff a few weekends ago, and we are going back up there in October for a full tour of NAU, where she wants to go to school as early as January. We're still praying on that decision, but it feels like it's just a matter of when, not if she's going to go there. Graduating as a Junior last year turned out to be a good thing for her. She is also nvolved int the junior high youth group at our church. Robyn and Cindy have gone on this venture together, offereing to lead small groups, volunteer for community projects that the youth are involved in and managing a small Bible Study at a local school. As far as boys go, she was dating this great kid off and on for about 2 years, and after the most amazing summer of her life, and thinking she was set for the future, he told her he needs time to think, and is now dating an old girlfiend crushing Robyn's heart. She's doing ok now, trying to stay busy with school, homework, work and friends, and of course us. She also bought herself a car, it's a Hyundai Elantra, used, but it gets her around town. Her and Beckie are getting closer each day, it's a beautiful thing. Beckie is trying to see how NAU can fit into her plans as well, and Brendan is standing firm with his decision to go there (in 3 years) also.

Now onto Brendan...he is a Freshman in high school this year, and seems to be handling the change well. Our little athlete has now turned his attention to BMX biking and playing the guitar. He says he's going to play basketball for the HS next sememster, but the other sports are not interesting him at this point. He is doing well, so far her has 3 A's and a B. He is somewhat involved in Youth Group, and is excited that they are going to start doing community projects that he can invite his friends from school to get involved in. He has basically taught himsef how to play his guitars, and has one acoustic and one electric at this time. He is really into making his own music and has started writing his first song, which really sounds good. He and a few friends are trying to create a band, and he's having alot of fun doing that. He is planning on doing the 3 year plan like Robyn did, looking forward to starting his college education in Teaching. He's a really good boy, helps alot around the house and is always trying to help people.
Well, that's that for now...we'll update as often as we can :)

this new thing called blogging...

2008-09-04T17:36:00.000-07:00

So I am going to start blogging? Well, bear with me as I try to fumble my way through this new thing...I suppose it will turn out to be a great way for people to say connected to us. Not too easy to stay in touch when we moved halfway across the country. Well, I hope you guys find this stuff interesting!