Saturday, April 3, 2010

Update. . . . .FINALLY!

Well, it's been a while. We've been really busy with callings and kids and callings and school! But I feel that I have much updating to do=) I should be outside enjoying the beautiful weather here in between conference sessions, but it's as hot as sin outside. We had feet of snow on the ground 4 weeks ago and it is in the 90's today!!! I should have knocked on wood when I wished for warm weather.

Derrel is almost done with his 3rd year of medical school. We apply to residencies by September, which is just C-R-A-Z-Y and exciting! We have no idea where we will end up. We feel differently every other day. But we are crazy excited for the next phase, not that residency is exciting but it just the next step closer to being done with school forever!! Lydia asked Derrel one day what grade he was in. After figuring it out, he is (brace yourselves) in 21st grade! Holy cow, that's a smart guy if you ask me! He is doing well and LOVES being able to work with patients. He is SO good at it, too! He was just called to be the Ward Mission Leader and is so excited to work on missionary work here. There is so much to be done!

I am in my 3rd year of medical school, too. Maybe not going to school, but supporting it nonetheless! I am still Young Women President in our little growing ward. It's challenging but so incredibly rewarding. I LOVE my YW! I am getting geared up (physically and emotionally) for a 2 month hiatus to Utah/Idaho. I am a home body and I like my bed and my house and my kitchen. I don't deal with long trips very well so I'll apologize to anyone beforehand that I am a little basket case when traveling. At least I don't have to worry about pregnancy hormones on a trip like this=) All in all, I am doing well, running as much as I can. I have finished 3 half marathons in the last 6 months and have plans for two more in the next 4 months. I just can't kick this 8 lb holiday weight gain. Urgh. At least I can run a half marathon right?

Lydia has some big news! She won first place in a writers contest in the 1st and 2nd grade level for our county. They have submitted her story on the state level and she has been invited to go to the West Virginia Young Writer's Day in May for her accomplishments. She is extremely excited and is so bright and loves to read and write. I'll have to post her adorable story she wrote. She's really been into drawing, too. She is taking piano lessons and catches on SO quickly! She amazes us everyday! When she gets her mind set on something, she will do it until it is accomplished. I wish I had a little bit of that in me. She must have taken it FROM me and that's why I don't have the drive she does=). She'll be 7 in June and has had her birthday party planned out since January.


Kate is the heart of our family. She'll be 5 in September and much to her chagrin will have to forgo kindergarten for one more year. She will do preschool at Lydia's elementary school and is SO excited. She follows Lydia and wants to do everything exactly like her. She is the kindest little girl and has become so spunky. Everyone in her preschool class loves her-little miss popular. It cracks me up! Kate is so imaginative and can play by herself contently for hours! It's really helpful when I have a lot to get done. She is so excited for our trip out west and to see all of her cousins and friends.


Grant is our little man, or should I say BIG man. He'll be two in June (where has the time gone?!?) and he is a mover. You have to keep your eye on this one. He's not a big talker, just too busy looking for cars and trucks and sisters to tackle. He's almost 32 lbs and growing. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having a boy. Boys are so different than girls. Grant is such a goofball. He loves to make the girls giggle and they are so patient with his crazy boyishness. He gets a little upset everyday about the same time and sometimes the only thing that calms him down is putting on the movie Cars. He stops whatever he is doing and watches, mesmerized. It's amazing!

(watching Cars)

Well, we are still alive and well. Life is busy but we are so happy and all healthy and loving every minute of being here in West Virginia (just not the snow). But we do look forward to the day that we might be back closer to family! But for now, we'll just enjoy where we are.

HAPPY EASTER!

13 comments:

Kirsten and Steve said...

I love getting the update!! It is so fun to see how much the kids have grown. I think the movie CARS is a standard. Ben LOVES it as well. Congrats on the half-marathons. What an accomplishment! We love you guys and miss you tons! Can't wait to hear what will happen in your next phase!

Jami Jackson said...

The 90's!! Send some of that heat this way please! What a great update. It's fun to see pictures of your growing kids. They are getting so big! I wish we could get Grant and Wesley together to play. Can you believe they're almost 2!! Well, I need to call you don't I? Talk later . . .

The Pingels said...

Fun update, Kim! They are getting so big, and I haven't even met your little, I mean BIG, guy. Say hello to the ward for us.

Kim and Heather said...

So good to hear from you again. Did you know that I am the Young Women's president in our ward? Will we have a chance to see you when you come out west!?!

CaGeSJaMToo (aka Sam) said...

Hey I was thinking about you yesterday and then I found your post. Congrats on the half marathons. Miss ya!

Natalie N said...

Great update, girl! How exciting to see the end of medical school. Can't wait to hear where Derrel matches next year. Is he doing a general residency, or will he be specializing? Tyler is almost done with his 3rd year (of 4 years of residency) and we'll be moving in 2011 as well.

Keep the updates coming! Miss you guys!
xoxo

Sister Tara Bowen said...

Wow. Lots going on for your family and I love the updates. I'd love it if you posted your workout plan. I'd like to run a half marathon, but I'm intimidated to do it. So when it's 90 degrees again, please report on what you do to be such an amazing runner!

Anonymous said...

So glad to see your entry. Glad to hear you are still running. I still have my treadmill...and keep priomising myself I will start running this summer while school is out. I love all the pictures. I will put these on my fridge. :) I haven't been keeping those updated in a while.

Harris Family said...

Hey Kim! Your kiddos are getting so big!! Can't wait to see you guys - I sent you an e-mail to your yahoo account. Hopefully you still use that. Let me know if not. :) Talk soon!

Abby said...

Um...32 pounds? That is a MAN, there! Holy cow. Mine is a moose, but apparently a skinny moose, at 26 lbs.
Your fam is beautiful, and you must be so happy and proud of your hubby! I am excited for your adventures to come. You all have worked so hard! There is a definite light at the end of that tunnel.

literaqueen said...

Yay, Lydia! I'll be at the Young Writer's Celebration in May to cheer Lydia on!

Megan K. said...

Love the update. Thanks Kimmy!

Melanie said...

Thanks for the update. I know we see you guys often but it's kind of fun to read what you are up to. Your kids are so cute! Sure glad you guys are staying out here in WV for now.