2010 in Review

A letter to my kids,

Although I'm not a fan of year-end "brag" letters stuck in with Christmas cards, I can't pass up the opportunity to recap the year as it has been packed full of great memories and wonderful events.  The years are flying by and I find it hard to believe that it is already the end of 2010.  You are growing up quickly before my eyes, and you couldn't have prouder parents.

Although we hate the fact that we have to be away from you, the fact is that most family's can no longer make it on a single income.  So, Daddy has been working nights for Canteen Services and services the vending machines for the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman.  And, I am working for Crowe Horwath which is an accounting firm as a Project manager for a software service we provide.  Although our hours are long and aren't the most ideal, we make it work as a team.  And, we couldn't ask for better sitters to take care of you while we are at work.

Megan, you absolutely love going back to LouAnn Wesner's.  Although we had to change briefly, you were so excited about returning to Lou's.  She brings out the best in you, and we've seen you come out of your shell while being back.  You especially enjoy the art projects, and when Lou paints your nails and fixes your hair.  You continued to shine in Young 5s at Moccasin and the teacher told us on numerous occasions that you were her favorite student.  You are well behaved, kind, patient, friendly and very smart.  All things which we already knew, but it is wonderful to hear from someone else with an unbaised opinion.

Jake and Jenna, you absolutley love going to Marie Tumbleson's everyday.  You love the farm animals and enjoy spending lots of time outdoors.  I'm pretty sure that is where Jenna developed her love for animals.  You are well behaved toddlers, with great manners, fun-loving attitudes and great appetites and will eat whatever is put on your plate.

The Springtime brought T-ball and lots of trips to the local parks.  I'm sure that this was just the beginning of our springtime spent at the ballparks and it brought back wonderful memories from our childhoods as both of us played on those very fields growing up.  We had as much fun watching as you had playing.  And, the look in your eyes when you got your first hit was priceless.  And, your coaches awarded you the only award at the end of the season "Most Improved".  This made us so proud as at the beginning of the season you didn't know much about ball, but it didn't take you long to catch on.  Again, what a proud moment for us!!

The Summertime brought lots of firsts.  Our first "camping" trip which was full of memories, sleeping in bunk beds, playing in the rain, water balloon fights, glow sticks, s'mores, Indiana Beach rides (Megan's first rollar coaster ride), Jake's run after Yogi Bear and just spending quality time outdoors and with great friends.  We can't wait to go again.

We finally got alot of use out of our pool.  Although it took a couple of times for Jake and Jenna to like the idea, Megan took right off once deciding it was OK to get water on her face, it wasn't long before you were swimming on your own.  Before long, Jake was being tossed in the air and landing with a splash and Jenna loved playing tug boat and walking on her own around the shallow end.  We had quite a few get togethers at our pool and you enjoyed playing on the swingset and sharing your toys as much as you enjoyed spending time in the pool. 

I can't go much further without bringing up the Backus Family.  We couldn't ask for better family and neighbors.  Katie, John and Dan are wonderful cousins for you, and you enjoy them as much as they enjoy you.  You all light up everytime you see any of them, and they come over for frequent visits.  They fill in when last minute sitters are needed and like to come and steal you to make cookies, smash ants (it's a Katie thing), toss around a ball or go on a walk.  Hopefully, you will always cherish the fact that your neighbors are also your family members and we couldn't ask for better of either.

In July, we took a special vacations which we will never forget.  A trip to N Carolina for GGs 103rd birthday.  First of all, how cool is that to witness a birthday for someone turning 103.  You were all wonderful during the 10+ hour car ride and of course, Mini and Grumpy cherished the time they got to spend with you.  During the trip, Nana and Bumpa came along and one day everyone decided to go boating on a local lake.  This was such a special day for numerous reasons.  It is not often that both sets of grandparents get along and can spend a family vacation together.  The day was so relaxing and beautiful.  You loved playing in the water, boating and building sand sculptures.  The smiles on your faces and the laughes that came out of your voices will be something that we will never forget!

Jenna continued to have her speech therapist come to our house over the summer.  We are so glad that Carol came into our lives.  She was wonderful in working with Jenna to catch her up.  Jenna was delayed in her speaking due to the fact that she had such a wonderful sister and brother, that were used to doing everything for her.  Jenna knew that if she wanted something, all she had to do was point, and Jake and Megan would be more than happy to get it for her.  Again, we have such caring and loving kids.  It was Carol's suggestion to have Jenna's ears tested.  After numerous months of evaluations, it was decided to get tubes in Jenna's ears.  What a difference that made.  The ENT Dr said that the build up in her ears was the consistancy of a Gummy Bear.  No wonder she couldn't talk well, the poor thing couldn't hear well.  Once the tubes were in, Jenna quickly played catchup with Jake.  Once she started talking, we couldn't get her to stop...

In the fall, Megan started Kindergarten and Jenna was enrolled in a Pre-K program to continue to assist with her speech.  Megan was sent to Ottawa and had Mrs. Poole as her teacher.  Jenna was at Moccasin and had Mrs. Tapia.  Both of you girls LOVED the teachers and once again, the teachers commented over your politeness, friendliness and pleasure of having you in their class.  Once again, no surprise to us, yet wonderful for a parent to hear.  Although it was hard to believe that we had a Kindergartner and that Jenna at the age of 3 was going to school, which included riding a school us on the way home (which the driver said she would frequently fall asleep before getting to Marie's).  So that Jenna didn't have to ride the bus both ways, since it was a 20 minute ride, Nana frequently came up early in the morning to stay with Jenna and take her to school.  I then took Megan to Lou's and Jake to Marie's.  The girls adjusted well.  It was a little tough for Jake to understand why he couldn't go, but Nana would take him to a local school program once a month so that he got his "school" time too.

Although Mini and Grumpy still live in North Carolina, they make it up for visits numerous times during the year.  The get-togethers with them and the Tobolski's are always event filled.  Friday evenings during the Franklin visits are spent with a Pizza Party at the Tobolski's.  The adults are outnumbered by the kiddos.  Take our 3, Trasie's 4 and Todd's 2 and there is a basement full of kids.  Gracie and Megan, Jake and Max and Jenna and Sophie are becoming quite the buddies.  It has been great to watch you guys grow up together and create a bond.

Overall, this year has been wonderful.  You are each developing your own unique personalities, and it has been amazing to watch you along your journey.  The only bad thing is that it is happening too quickly.  We always knew that we wanted to be parents, what we don't know was what awesome kids we were going to have.

Love You with all of my Heart - Mom