A year's worth of info in one post

Ok... So it's been over a year since my last post... No excuses. Busy, yes, but seriously? No posts in a YEAR?? Several months back, I even made this blog my "home page," thinking that would get me in the habit of posting. But even that didn't work.

Now, I am not one to place blame on anyone or anything for my laziness, but if I had to blame someone for my not posting, I would have to say it is Facebook's fault! I try to update my status there at least once a day/every other day. I just love the concept and have reconnected with so.many.friends!

So, just how does one tell everything that happened in a year, without writing a novel?

I think the easiest (most organized?) way is to do each person individually:

John: Since I last posted, John left Foster Communications, where he had been working for 8 years, to become the general manager at Gold's Gym. It was an amicable parting, and a much-needed change for John. The best part about the change~ it gave John an opportunity to work out, almost daily, and get back in shape. (Since his back surgery 2 years ago, a sedentary lifestyle (before and after) caused him to put on some extra weight.) During this past year, he started his own small business, doing voice work for some previous clients.
As of this week, John is back in the sales/marketing world. He left Gold's to work with an advertising agency here in San Angelo. Looks promising, and he's really enjoying it so far!

Megan: Still playing oboe in the band, and a member of the swim team, Megan is currently trying to determine which classes she will be taking next year, in HIGH SCHOOL! Yes, she will be a freshman next year. Aside from that, this year Megan started wearing make-up, and also is choosing clothes that are more fashionable (and may I say girl-y?). Since her personality has blossomed so much this year, it is only fitting that her wardrobe blossom as well.

Matthew: This year, Matthew started middle school. And, for the most part, the transition has been very smooth. Several of his teachers have even pulled me aside to tell me what a great kid he is (but we already knew this). He started playing the trumpet in band, and has been consistently in the top 8 or 9 out of 44 beginning trumpets. Matthew played basketball earlier this year, and is playing baseball now.

Jacob: Our youngest son is by far the most precocious of the three children. Not really a brat, but outgoing, imaginative, and just really his own person. For those of you who don't know yet, Jacob has announced to us that not only is he "married" to the 4 year old sister of one of Megan's friends, but also that he/they also have 2 sons (Drake and Josh). Don't worry about him being married with children at such a young age, though; after about 8-9 months of changing careers (judge, Gold's Gym assistant manager, Lowe's employee, etc.), he has finally settled on a career as a police officer. Depending on the day, his position may change from Detective, to Chief, to Security, but he has been a proud member of the SAPD for several months now.

Me: Part of the reason that I started not posting last year was that I was pregnant! Although I had my typical tired first trimester, the rest of the pregnancy was easy and non-eventful, though rather stressful after having two miscarriages and a still-birth in my last three pregnancies. In January, our family was blessed with the birth of Allyson Rose, who was born healthy and beautiful. I have been doing freelance writing for our local newspaper for the past 2 1/2 years, but in this past year have been writing considerably more. I love it!

Allyson: Our newest little addition, Allyson was born on January 14. She weighed 8 lbs, 4 ounces, and was two weeks early! She was also born with a head full of brown hair. Her eyes are still a beautiful grayish-blue color. Most importantly, she has an adorable, sweet personality. She is at the age where she has started smiling at people who talk to her... SO Cute!!!

Well, while I know that isn't all the details from this past year, it is at least the highlights for each family member... I am going to work hard to post waaaaay more often. And if you don't see me here for a while, look for me on Facebook!