Where has 2010 gone?

I cannot believe 2010 is already almost over! We have had a very eventful year and it has flown by us so fast. I stop and look around and wish I could just slow everything down a little bit. Our family has had a very good year, and we are so grateful for each other and for all that we have been blessed with.

Quinn celebrated 5 years with PEC, and he absolutely loves his job more and more each day. He loves being a lineman and all the experiences and training that comes with it. He and Eric also continued working various fencing jobs on the weekends. Quinn was able to take a trip with some of his buddies from work in early spring to Lake Tawakoni, TX where they caught lots and lots of catfish, yum! Between work, family, and church responsibilities there isn't much spare time, but he is always able to fit in a little roping here and there.

I am still a stay-at-home mom for the most part. I love being able to be home with my children and watch them grow. I wish I could push the pause button sometimes and just soak up this time I have with my kiddos. I also work at Blair's Western Wear part, part time. They call me in when they have exceptionally busy weekends or when they know they will be short handed. I love the people there and the opportunity to work in such a cute store. I also get to help out on the ranch quite a bit, which I love doing. I started my young mare 'Peaches' this year, then came to find out she had EPM(Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis), which she obtained while still with her previous owner. So after 45 days of treatment and not riding her, I was able to continue the training. She is actually a pretty nice little horse. I also purchased another yearling blue roan gelding this past summer, and I look forward to starting him this coming spring.

Gavin turned 8 this year and started the 2nd grade. We think he is exceptionally smart and talented:) He has really started getting into sports, and it amazes me how he knows and memorizes all the rosters and stats for various teams. Gavin practices football in one way or another almost everyday. He says he will play on a college team, and I hope he does. I told him I would come and watch every game if he did. Gavin loves helping out on the ranch too. I love that we are able to live out on the ranch and show and teach our children about hard work and responsibilities. He hauls hay, gathers cattle and goats, and helps Baw-poo with lots of chores on the ranch. These experiences also give him the opportunity to earn extra spending money.

Emily turned 5 this year and was able to ride Strawberry in the Rodeo for the first time. She did so good and we were so proud of her. She loves to go riding every opportunity she can. Emily can't wait to start school next year, she practices writing her letters and her numbers. I purchased a couple preschool workbooks so that she can do her "homework" everyday. She also loves to draw, and is constantly drawing very colorful pictures. I have a feeling she might be very artistic.

My baby, Cade, turned 3 this year. I can't believe how fast he is growing!! He is such a fun kiddo, and he keeps us all laughing. He is so fun loving and happy going most of the time. One of Cade's biggest accomplishments(in my eyes) is he is potty trained, yay!! This is the first time in over 8 years that I have not had to change diapers. Cade, like his brother and sister, loves riding horses, helping out on the ranch, playing with the puppies, roping the dummy, and feeding the cows and the goats. He does not like to be left behind just because he is the youngest, and in all honesty he does a pretty good job keeping up.

We feel like we have been given so much, and we are grateful for all we have! I love this time of year when we can focus on The Savior and celebrate His birth. I hope that everyone has a wonderful and Merry Christmas and an even better 2011.