Update 2013

Sam:

Is old. Is almost fired, laid off, whatever lame word you want to use to try and make it okay for Obama to fund his programs with military shavings, however creatively it is disguised and presented. Do ya think I am over it yet? Anyhoo ...  Last pay check comes December 1st! Last day of active duty sometime in October most likely, depending upon yada, yada, and yada. Has started school already to get his degree and begin a new career in the Actuarial Sciences field. As he put it, "I might as well use my math brain." Blessedly for us, its a superb math brain and Actuarial Sciences has a 100% job placement rate. Is incredibly helpful and supportive on the home front even though his job takes him away often and the traveling wears on him.

He is hard working, trustworthy, loyal, and his enjoyment of the outdoors is essential for all of us!

Amy: 

Is 10 years younger than old. Hey, it's my only claim to fame! Enjoys very much the challenges of motherhood and homeschooling, except on the days she doesn't. Is supremely over debt and financial woes, but wouldn't trade the little man that helped it all grow. Enjoys very much reaping the benefits of organizing, hosting, and running a homeschool co-op in our home. Does not understand how shoes are optional in 30 degree weather, or how little feet don't seem to care what she says. Thoroughly enjoys writing and is working towards making that a lucrative endeavor.

She is dedicated to learning about, and becoming better in, all the ways of a wife, mother, and her best self. She is trying to kick her flaws out the window but they aren't leaving as readily as she would like. Her physical presence is a gift and is most times a blessing.

Zackary:

Is 12. Is lost somewhere in a book, most likely something related to history, if we find him we'll have him play some piano for you. It's a treat. He has a knack for improv and enjoys jazz and anything with a strong bass line. He enjoys playing sports with his friends and is tackling Boy Scouts with duty and loyalty. Thinks his iPod is "the best Christmas present ever!" (Fine Print Disclaimer - No, we did not rob a bank. He won an iPod from his orthodontists annual party and grandma's Christmas money paid the "replacement" charge when it got smashed to oblivion a few months back - now back to your regularly scheduled programming.) Is reluctant to have anything to do with schoolwork unless the promise of Lego Star Wars video game app thingy is a sure thing afterwords. (Another fine print disclaimer - No, we do not allow him to consider computer games as education. We do occasionally get sucked in to the external rewards nightmare and we quickly remind ourselves that we are the adults. Everyone is so much happier when we do that!) And is growing like a bean stalk in a fantastical story.

He is passionate, determined, helpful, precise, and dedicated, and has shown such an amazing ability to look inward and make good choices.

Jacob: 

Is 9 closing in on 10. Is incredibly responsible and attentive to details, when they are applicable in his life of course. Has been captured by Pokemon and will quite possibly never return. Wait, he might also be buried under the billions of stuffed animals that occupy his bed. When we are privileged to have him around he enjoys conversation about any number of things but his favorites would be birds and wildlife in general. Unless of course you are willing to hear every fact ever known about every Pokemon ever created, and even some that are "coming soon". Is often lost in a book, and usually found in a "reading cave". When his long fingers tickle the ivories with ease and grace, it is a joy to the auditory senses and quite something to behold. Really, really wants to be able to start violin lessons again and would be forever grateful to anyone willing to offer him a "scholarship".

He is generous, loving, loyal, kind, and always willing to lend a hand, and his even tempered demeanor is helpful in so many ways.

Ellie:

Is 27 almost 28, whoops remove the 2s from the tens place there. Need I say more :) Is dancing wherever she is. Is very social and is often heard proclaiming, "Mommy I made another friend today!" Can give it to the boys and then play princess with the girls in a heartbeat. Wants to be queen someday. Anybody got any tips there? And although she doesn't take formal lessons, enjoys sitting down and playing the piano where she often comes up with beautifully composed pieces she can play from memory with nary a thought. Has finally caught the reading bug, much to mommy's relief, and is blossoming quickly as she realizes her education is in her hands and just how much amazing stuff there is to learn about.

She is helpful, considerate, determined, spunky, pensive, and her smile paired with her bright and bubbly voice can turn darkness into sunshine instantly.

Addie:

Is 6. Is competing with someone somewhere, it doesn't really matter what, she'll beat you. Her trips to the bathroom are quite enjoyable as she can be heard for miles belting out tune after tune. Sometimes you even have to fight her for the bathroom, but you can guess who wins. Is a loyal friend and is always looking out for her little brother. Is especially curious about numbers and math and how they relate to her world. Is a good reader although she won't quite let herself believe it. Loves to dance and takes marvelous care of her babies and horses, and ponies, and anything else left in her charge.

She is generous, loving, thoughtful, cheerful, and imaginative, and her dependability is a linch pin in this mothers life!

Malachi:

Is 2. Is delightful ...  ly mischievous. Would live outside if his colon and mommy would let him. Is so absolutely pleasant and tolerant of all he has to deal with regarding his disease that you'd never know there's a thing wrong to look at him. Enjoys sharing and playing with other children. Has conviction and determination in his speech, just ask him. Somehow started counting and properly matching objects with numbers, though no one "taught" him how. Knows all his letters, and can identify capitol and lowercase according to sound. Again, no one "taught" him. It's amazing what one can learn when the environment is conducive to such a thing.

He is strong, patient, caring, cuddly, and tolerant, and his life has taught us more than we could ever have imagined.

That's us in a nutshell. Now we just need to get through the next 18 months to 2 years without losing our house, declaring bankruptcy, robbing a bank, or going insane. Should prove eventful ....