Rayne brought in the year turning one. We had a small family gathering at the house, where Rayne had his first taste of cake. It was not love at first taste, but he has grown extremely fond of it as the year progressed. He seems to have done everything incredibly early. He walks, talks, sings, climbs, jumps, flips, marches, runs, and is into everything. It feels like we skipped a lot of stages; however separation anxiety is not one of those. He does not like to be away from me, and honestly I am not that crazy about it either. He has remained big and healthy at all of his check ups, staying in the top 90 percent. He is smart, handsome, healthy, happy and oh so busy.
Lexy is in VPK this year and goes three half days a week. She is going to a very small school in the church we got married in. They are patient and structured with her. She still seems to be struggling to keep up with the other kids in her class in several areas. Lexy continues to work with the amazing therapy group that we have had her in since we got her. She gets speech twice a week and OT, when there is an occupational therapist available. Since her birthday is in August we are talking with her teachers and therapists about waiting an extra year to start her in kindergarten. She is big for her age, but it may be more important that she have the extra year to mature and catch up developmentally. She has also started tumbling and loves it. She is not always graceful, but according to her coaches the strongest one in her class, not a big surprise to us. Her 4th birthday party was a big hit. She had a princess themed party at our local indoor play place. Grandma lavished her with a real Cinderella dress, and tiara and decorated her princess birthday cake to look just like her. She is beautiful, funny, thoughtful, affectionate, and stubborn. We are so proud of her.
Gary Consulting has stayed steady. Monty has brought a few more contractors on board. His business is good and continues growing. He has a really great group of clients, many of whom have become friends. They show so much love and support for our family, and we are grateful.
Mike Jr. and I have started making some green arts and crafts. We are trying everything from belts, to fishing lures, and all from recycled products. I have been gathering people’s trash everywhere I go, even Lexy’s school is helping collect stuff for some of our projects. Our kids enjoy recycling, reusing and buying used. They don’t understand the full impact of their simple actions yet, but are like doing it. I was hoping to have enough stuff made to set up at a few craft shows over the holidays, but we have just been too busy. I love spending time and sharing these projects with my brother. We are not planning on getting rich, but we are having fun with it.
We are still a licensed foster home though we have only done respite a few times to help out other foster parents. Our schedule stays pretty full, but we have decided to stay licensed and connected. We don’t want to take on too much, but we are not ready to give it up. We desperately want to help more foster children. We are still finding our family balance and are taking everyday as it comes. We are proud parents and love our family time!
Wishing you peace, love and joy in 2010!
Merry Christmas! HUGS!!
Monty, Amanda, Lexy and Rayne Gary
