Yes, I'm still here...

Where ever would I go? I haven't blogged because I have been living life or at least dealing with it. Christmas was lovely and simple. Christmas evening brought a dead refrigerator and below freezing temps to the area, which was a blessing because the back porch became the refrigerator/freezer. Dan and I went out on the 26th and purchased a new fridge and a new dishwasher. Oh did I mention that we have been doing dishes by hand for many, many, many months. We picked up and hauled this massive fridge into the house during a snowstorm. Yeah that was fun. But, we have a working refrigerator that is totally cool, or as Kiah would say "it's totes cool". During all of this the car needed some major work and a new drive shaft. Is that one word? So that took time and money of which we have none now. Why does it always seem that when one thing breaks everything breaks?

So here we are at the start of another new year (of course by the time I actually post this it will be valentine's day), and the beginning of new resolutions. I have no plans of listing any of my new goals or family goals or any such silliness. We will be continuing our prep plans but that is all I'm givin' you. I will instead just wrap last year up and maybe give you a little insight of what is on the list for this year.

Dan- Spent most of last year traveling and working crazy long hours. He has been home for a few months which is totes weird. Has installed a dishwasher and refrigerator, worked on many little needs to be done projects at home. For which I am very grateful.

Stefanie- has been called to work in the nursery at church (again). Will miss working with the activity day girls. Has continued to homeschool four girls, lead projects to completion and failed at blogging. Has expanded her tutoring business (if you know of anyone who needs reading help let me know). Is expanding into teaching moms and kids (girls ages 10-12, will work with other ages) basic sewing skills. Thinking about doing a more widely based homemaking course and not just sewing.

Micah- going to school and working at the bank. Beyond that you will have to ask him.

Anique- working, serving in the library at church (my other favorite calling), helping at home and with homeschooling, coming up with way cool hair styles for her sisters. Cooking way yummy treats that we swear we won't eat and then eat them all. Preparing to put papers in to serve a mission for the Lord. We will let you know when we know.

Kiah- serving as the first counselor in the beehive class presidency, finding a whole new confidence, working on perfecting her cooking skills, becoming a decorator and master childcare provider.

Tessa- makes doll clothes (all of the time), loves to craft, is very excited to turn 12 and enter the young women's program at church. Has finish her Faith in God requirements and is trying to do it over again for fun. Reads everything and loves the library.

Kali- growing her hair out for locks of love. Loves piano, activity days, friends, pink, sparkly and treats. Has read every book on her reading list and is working on next years reading list.

Toran- learning to read, making lapbooks, has spent a lot of time playing and discovering the world outside.

Things we are looking forward to:
Summer science with the O's
Homeschool conference in April
birthdays
girls camp (both Kiah and Tessa will go this year)
global warming (also known as summer)