January 2009 is here and almost gone

January is here... and almost gone. Where does the time go??? It seems like yesterday it was Christmas. If I could stop time I would do it. If only to keep my family here at home and within reach.


I measured Austin the other day. He grew an inch and a half in 6 months. Five more inches and he would be my height. I'm not a short woman measuring in at 5'6". Of course he was very excited. I smiled, trying to share his excitement, but inside, my heart was gasping for air. My baby was growing and I couldn't stop it. The jeans he had on were only three months old and they came up past his ankles. I wish our wallet grew as much as our kids. Austin has grown not just physically, but has also (dare I say it?)... matured. He's in the seventh grade and in middle school. He has seven classes with science being his favorite. This is his second year in band. He plays the alto saxophone and is actually pretty good. I love to hear him practice. He's taking piano lessons also. This is his fourth year. He said he would like to one day give lessons. I hope that one day comes. That won't be his only job though. His career changes every week. I believe this week is an artist. My favorite is ... "a worker at Burger King". With his grades I don't picture him working there, but owning one. He has made all A's this year. This is a great achievement. He has worked so hard for this. I am so, so proud of him.


Austin isn't the only one with a growing spurt. I measured Jordan also and he has grown another inch. He passed Kerry a long time ago. He likes to stand next to me and look down at me. He is on the soccer team, so I guess it is causing another spurt. When we're at the dinner table he is almost, always the last one eating. I'm sure you can image our food bill. Well, triple that. Jordan started high school this year and adjusting quite well. I knew he would. He is so easy going. He is also in the band. He plays the trumpet and is very good. He got his driving learners permit in October. I believe it was on his birthday. We haven't hit the major roads yet. We're still working on the country roads. Haven't hit a mailbox yet. Maybe a few cows, but nothing that can't run. He does have his big brother, Trent helping him and giving him pointers.


Trent's graduating this year from high school. Ask me how many times I have cried. It seems like yesterday I was holding him in my arms and rocking him to sleep. In May, he is going to turn 18 and be a high school graduate. He's planning to go to college in the fall. We think he is going to go to Alabama if all goes well. He received a full tuition scholarship and an engineering scholarship from there. And can you believe that still doesn't cover all the costs. We went to the university in September to tour and walk around. Trent was in "heaven". The Honors Dorms are really nice. He gets his own bedroom but shares a living room and kitchen with either one other person or three. And did I say it was already furnished. I though sure we would have to bye him a bedroom suite. Here I am talking like he is going to go there, but like I said, we're not sure yet.


Missy is planning on transferring to another college this fall also. She hasn't decided where yet. She has it narrowed down to three colleges. She still has time to decide. She has done so good in school. I'm so proud of her. She wants to be a teacher. I don't know what grade. She would like to do some missionary work some day. Whatever she decides to do, she'll be great at it. She gets along with people so well. She has such a kind and caring nature. I wish we all could be like her. We would not have so much war going on.


Well, that's my bragging post. I'm sure you'll be seeing more of them, since I have started this blogging thing. I can't help but brag. I'm a mom.