Is anyone even out there???

Not sure why you would be.  I know I don't keep up with blogs that don't update.  It makes me sad that I've neglected it for so long.  In fact, I decided to just let it go.

But I don't want to.  I want to keep it up.  I want to catch it up.  But I live in reality and know there is no way I'm going to catch it up.  I can start again, and I hope I will.

I'm becoming less and less enchanted with Facebook and would love to cut ties and run.  It's just so easy though.  I love sharing my life with people and making them laugh.  It's so easy to snap a picture and post it on Facebook and see instant likes and comments.  It's so gratifying.  It's not hard to blog, but it's not nearly as easy.  Nor is it as rewarding.  How many readers never comment?  I know I read a ton of blogs and almost NEVER comment.  Blogger needs a like button.  At least that gives you SOME reward.

A quick update for any followers that MAY still be hanging around and DON'T follow us on Facebook:

We are still in Missouri.  Brandon got out of the Corps and we are now permanent residents of this sovereign state.  We don't love our town, but we love Missouri.  We look forward to moving to the Liberty/Independence area one day.  Who knows if it will ever happen, but that's our plan.

Stephen is 15.  He's doing great in school and is enjoying his first year of early morning seminary.  He's happiest when he's with his friends and tries to hang out often.  He hopes to be able to play baseball for school this year.  He's taught himself to play the guitar and is doing really, really well.

Sebastian is 11.  He started playing soccer in the Spring and is an amazing player.  He loves it and plans on becoming a professional one day.  How exciting would that be???  He's still very easy on the eyes and is loved by all the girls.  Including his little sisters.

Spencer is nine.  He's our guy who is happiest when he's being left alone to do his thing.  He loves to play with toys and has a wonderful imagination.  He also started playing soccer, and is AMAZING.  I still can't wrap my head around it.  He's really, really good!!  Why does this shock me?  Well, Spencer has NEVER been one to be very active or even like to be outside for that matter.  He hates the heat and is allergic to grass and itches like crazy.  But he's AMAZING on that field.  Crazy good.  He also played baseball last Spring and was very good at that.  That's his first pick, but we are trying to encourage him to pick soccer.  Baseball is hard work.  For us.  SOO many games and practices and it's sooo hot outside.  The little kids are hard to reign in and keep in the stands.  Soccer is just way easier.  That having been said, he adores baseball.  So I don't know what we're going to do.

Sterling is seven.  He's a wonderful student.  Loves school.  He is an angel there.  WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT????  LOL!!  He's a lot of work at home.  Well, to be honest, he's toning it down.  He's still very demanding and wants instant attention and gratifaction.  Instant.  He's also my go to guy.  He can and will do most anything you ask him.  He's my only child who is naturally helpful.  He sees things that need to be done and just does them.  He ALSO is an AMAZING soccer player.  So good, that he plays on Spencer's team when they're short a player and smokes a lot of the kids on the field.  I've never seen a kid run as fast as that boy does.  I worry about him though.  He's got it in his head that the team can't win without him and he carries a lot of weight because of it.  He's very upset when they lose.  Not because they lost, but because HE lost the game for them.  It's very sad.  I'm not sure how to convince him it's really not that way.  My poor Sterly Burly.  Lifes tough for him sometimes.

Seth is five.  Oh Seth.  Seth, Seth, Seth.  He sure does a great job being sandwiched between older brothers and younger sisters.  It's a tough spot to be in.  For the most part he handles it.  Some days are tougher than others though.  He's enjoying preschool this year but cannot wait to be in Kindergarten.  I assure you he's not the only one who can't wait.....did I just type that out loud???  He does a great job helping me keep the girls entertained each day and is often saying something funny.  He's still a tiny guy with a big attitude.

Sadie is two.  Where do I begin????  She surely did rock my world when she was born.  I have enjoyed every single new thing she has brought to the table.  I love her attitude, her sassiness, her moodiness and everything inbetween!  She is so much fun.  And smart.  Oh. My. Gosh.  It amazes me the differences between her and the boys.  And I always thought they were smart!!  She keeps me laughing and smiling every day.  We sure have been blessed to have her in our family.

Skylar is one.  Thirteen months actually.  She has been almost as challenging as her pregnancy was.  Holy cow.  She's made me stretch in parental ways I never thought possible.  Heaven help me.  That's the only way I'm surviving her.  She's highly intelligent and isn't easily distracted from what she wants.  She's also the happiest, most joyful baby we've ever had.  When she's happy.  I guess she could be considered a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  I look forward to her being able to fully communicate with us.  I think it will make all the difference in the world.

Brandon is doing well and loves his civilian job.  Loves it.  He works with a bunch of former Marines and loves the environment that brings.  He also loves the work aspect.  He's an Information Assurance Analyst.  He's in his first semester of college and is finding it hard to balance it all.  He's not so sure it's the right time in life to pursue higher education.  I support this thought.  It's been tough having him gone so much.

I'm doing the same old same old.  Cooking, cleaning, laundry, and parenting.   It's a mundane, thankless job. But it's the one I chose and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Fingers crossed I keep up the blog this time.  Just don't hold your breath.  I don't want to be responsible for anyone's death.