Beginnings

Our first-ever family blog. I'm admittedly nervous; its a little like the first day of kindergarten. What if I'm judged? What if I offend? What if I can't find the bathroom in time? Okay, maybe not that much like kindergarten.

I thought I'd start by introducing the cast members. (I'll skip the ones that are 35 and over. Sean and I haven't changed much in 15 years, and if you knew us before that, then we're sorry for you.)

This here is our Katelyn Emily. She's 11 as of last Friday and is officially a tween. She's so much fun, yet has maintained her sassiness and her continual push for independence. Much like when she was a newborn. She's wrapping up her last year in elementary school and will be off to middle school next year if her mom doesn't have an aneurysm before then. She's a great student, budding flutist, gymnast and babysitter, and she's becoming quite a good prank puller. Watch out ...

This is Tanner Jack. He'll be 10 next week (double digits!). He's a great kid and a true sports hound. We can't seem to beat it out of him. Even with a large stick. He's currently playing baseball, which consumes most of his time and all of his attention. This is the first year the boys are required to wear a sport's cup. I have seen, more times than I care to recall, players out on the field knocking at their crotches. Apparently this provides some form of entertainment that I am unaware of but which I suspect preceeds the Major League's crotch adjustment practices. Hmmm...Tanner's still a fantastic student and avid giggler. I love that he gets my jokes, or at least pretends to.

Tucker Oliver is pushing 8, which means his baptism is looming (in the good sense of the word. Does "loom" have a good sense?). He's working hard to memorize as many of the Articles of Faith as he can and Sean and I are teaching him the missionary discussions in preparation for his big day. Tucker has blossomed into a social force to be reckoned with at school. Good thing I made friends with his teacher before his blossoming, or I think he'd have had a trip or two to the principal's office by now. Good thing I made friends with the principal too. :) Tucker revels in anything sports-related and is also playing baseball. I'm gaining a small appreciation for the sport, at least when my boys are at bat!Tuck's smile can still melt me into submission. It's dangerous... (No, that is not our dog.)

Kalli Jane is five-years-old in earth years. She's enjoying kindergarten, except the parts where she has to "sit still and listen and not do anything fun." I love that she and I still have half the day together. We make pasta and sauteed vegetables almost every day for lunch. I love planting her on the counter and listening to her ramble on about the latest game of recess "piglet," Joshua's annoying breathing habits or how Kelsey licks the carpet when the teacher's not looking. Kalli is a strong little gymnast and a great reader and a proficient brother tormentor. We're still working on weaning her off the thumb; we've done it three times now, but it mysteriously and eventually finds its way back to the hole in her face.

We're out for now. Have a good week!