Friday, June 09, 2006

TEST POST

Hi There!

Bishop Family Update - 06/06/2006

June 6, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Since Mitch wrote the last update, I am not sure what stories have been shared. I apologize if I repeat Bishop shenanigans.

Two weeks ago the sisters in law threw Terressa a shower in honor of the newest baby Bishop. We still do not know if the stork will bring the Bishop clan yet another boy, but I am hoping for a girl. I want to buy cute girly clothing for someone. Terressa and Hudgeon do not have a preference, as it is their first baby. They are just hoping for healthy. The shower was fun and she received some wonderful gifts.

I also had an appreciation dinner from the stake presidency to thank me for sharing my husband. It was a wonderful dinner and it was nice to visit with friends that I do not see very often. Mitch held the fort down well at home as well.

I also have tried to get researching family history again. It is getting more difficult as I do not know how to find marriage records on line to get maiden female names. If anyone has a clue as to where to have me begin, I would love a tip or two.

Mitch and I also had some surprising sad news last week as well. A friend of ours, who we knew from when we were in the singles ward where we met, died. He had been battling lung cancer for two years, and the lung cancer finally won. Gratefully, his wife was by his side, and he went quite peacefully. This man was in the Bishopric, and he and his wife were a wonderful example to us all about what a marriage should be. We will miss Bro. Scott MacPhearson, but we know he is in good hands. We feel the most remorse for his son that he has left behind. Seth is only 15. Jan will also be a widow for quite some time if she does not remarry. She is 40 something and I imagine she did not think cancer would strike her. It has given me some time to reflect on how incredibly precious our life is and that we truly have no control over when we will leave this sojourn on earth. He is a terrific man, and I know he will be fighting a good fight on the other side for all of us. For those of you who I email from the singles ward, I apologize if this is the first you are hearing this. I wanted to email the other day when we found out, but I did not find the time to do it.

Last week we tried to go to my former assistant’s retirement party, but the room was too full for a family of 6. It was a little weird too because it seemed as if no one was even happy to see me. In a strange way it actually makes my decision to stay home a little easier. I miss the interactions I had with my teacher friends, but in a strange way, it reaffirmed to me that the relationships with my family and specifically my children are so much more important. Not that I look down on anyone who decides to teach—it is a very noble and sacrificing profession. I am just glad that I stay home and I am able to stay home. Thank you LVVWD!

Last weekend for Memorial Day we had a birthday party on Saturday and then our good friends, the Landers, came over for some Indian cuisine- Delicious! We just love getting together with the Landers. It is always an evening filled with hysterical stories and pleasant children since our kids play so well together.

We also had well checks for Gage and Jace. They both were due for shots. And Gage did not cry- HELLO! Gage the boy who is terrified of the doctor’s office did not scream when they put a needle into his arm. As soon as we got to the examining room, he kept getting his clothing from me and attempted to dress himself. At one point, his shoes were on the wrong feet, his short were twisted and inside out and his T-shirt was inside out. Dr. Perez just laughed at him. She just laughed and said that she can certainly check the box that says, "child displays independent living skills in some areas." Gage was determined to do it all and do it now to get out of the office. Then when we get to the point to which he is terrified, he does not even cry. Now he walks around and boldly declares, "I got a shot and I not cry."
Jace weighs nearly 20 pounds and is sitting up, but cannot get himself to that position quite yet. We will be doing abs of steel this week to improve his ab muscles. He wants to crawl still, but cannot get that tummy off the floor to do so, so he just rolls everywhere. The other day, he rolled into my closet and I literally could not find him. I finally heard him laughing. He is such a good baby. He also loves dogs. On Sunday he literally was cracking up at my neice and C’mere (Yes, Shari and Michael actually named their dog C’mere.) who were playing chase etc. It does not matter how many children we have that beg us for a dog; we are not getting one! I am so glad to get that in writing!

We went to the new Library last week and got Summer reading packets. Aiden has now really shown a desire to read. He is on his 7th book now. He is sounding out words and is even remembering the sight words. If I had more time, I know he would be doing it without help, but for now it will have to do. I love that he is excited about it and does not fight me to read. This is how it should be! I just wish all those kids I taught years ago had it this easy.
We also had preschool graduation last Thursday. It turned out so fantastic! Mitch did an awesome slideshow and the performance was adorable. They all got awards and were pleased as punch with themselves. We did it as a potluck and had a fabulous time.

Well soccer will soon be over. Aiden had his seventh game last week and has his last game this Saturday. I am sad to say goodbye to the thought of soccer, but I am delighted to not roast in this horrific hot weather. I do not recall a June like this—I am aching for September already! Aiden is starting to catch on, but I am hoping that Uncle Bryan will begin tutoring soccer sessions. Two games ago he played his best game and tried to make a goal three times. This is huge for us since he is just starting to catch on to the game. Since he is not the most aggressive child, he just stays back in the wings and watches. It is like he is a spectator while he is in the game- too funny.

I went to a Sign Design concert last Weekend too at the Library with the boys. It sure was fun! I am writing this to tell all the girls from high school that were in Sign Design with me that it is still going strong. I even gave them a donation. And speaking of sign language, I had the chance to interpret in sign at church the last two Sundays. Amazingly enough, I have not signed for three years, but it did come back. I really need to practice more. This woman has a daughter in our ward and she will be visiting periodically. I am happy to help, but she wanted me to voice for her while she bore her testimony. I told her I just couldn’t. Mitch told me I should have, but I was so sure I would be all thumbs—excuse the pun.

Well we have had another busy two weeks. We are looking forward to swimming lessons, learning how to tie our shoes, and staying cool. We are planning a field trip each week also—trying to keep busy so they do not drive me nutty. The chores begin this week also. I got the idea from a friend and I am looking forward to the structure!

No funny stories to recall. I know we have had many, but this old woman can not recall any right now. I can report that Gage the Rage is raging less.

Adios, amigos
The Bishops