New Year

Happy New Year!  I can't believe we are already into 2013.  It has been a long couple of weeks.  Since my last post, we have moved from Seattle, to a little town 20 minutes northwest of Spokane, called Nine Mile Falls.  It was hard to leave our home and friends in Seattle.  We became different people while we lived there.  We were able to serve and be served by so many wonderful people who have influenced us and taught us what it means to be Christlike.  

Right before Christmas marked the two year mark of Andrew's Angel Day.  It is hard to believe it has been two years.  Right after Andrew died and people (who had experienced a similar loss) would tell me that time helped to heal, I didn't believe it.  It has helped.  I don't have a constant pit in my stomach or lump in my throat.  It is hard for me to think about what we have missed out on, since we haven't been able to watch Andrew become a three and a half year-old.  We have had comfort in knowing we will see him and his sweet, perfect smile again.  

I never thought I could ever look back at this trial and look at it as a blessing.  It still totally sucks, but I am a different person because of it.  Andrew came into and out of our lives so quickly, but he taught us so much.  He taught us how to love more, serve more, talk more, and be more kind.  He strengthened (solidified) our testimonies, helped me be a better, more patient, and loving mom.  He taught us what is important in life.  

Travis is now 5 years old and is so excited to be in school like Aubs and Tanner.  He is still obsessed with Transformers and now spends hours a day building them with Legos.  He loves to exercise and show us his muscles.  Any time Brady is awake, Travis is all over him.  He loves hugging, kissing, and holding Brady.  Trav has the best laugh and is always saying stuff that cracks us up.

Aubree is now 7 (going on 13) and is the best big sister.  Sometimes, I feel like she can take care of her brothers all by herself.  She is loving 1st grade and is learning how to adapt at her new school.  Aubree loves painting her nails and doing her own hair.  Aubree is very girly, but she knows how to stick up for herself, when playing with the rowdy boys.

Jared is our 2 year old.  He is pure boy.  He loves climbing, fighting, wrestling, jumping, but he is also the best snuggler.  Jared loves wearing any shoes he can find.  Jared watches his older brothers and sister, and he doesn't seem to miss anything.  He is a wonderful boy.

Brady is now 9 months old and is getting chubbier everyday.  He weighs just over 24 lbs and wears 12-18 month clothes.  Brady has the best cheesy, eye-squinty grin.  He is a great sleeper/napper.  We can't get enough of this boy.

Tanner is six and is so full of personality.  He loves going to Kindergarten and is always surrounded by friends.  He has excelled at everything he does at school.  He is going to start wrestling next week, and he is SO excited about that; he wants to wrestle with his dad and brothers every day.

Our Andrew is missed everyday.  When they called our records into our new ward here, they called Andrew's name.  I wish.  I think our Bishop is going to feel bad about that when he realizes.  I love when people say his name or talk to me about him.  I love anything that helps Andrew to be remembered.