Here we go again.....

So, I am going to give this blogging thing another try. I read my girls' blogs and a few others all the time and think that I should really take some time to join the craze. The true gift for writing was not really bestowed on me, but here it goes.
Since I last blogged many new things have happened. Malori and Jon have been married very close to 4 years and Jon is now an attorney with his degree (with honors), and his certificate that says he can practice law in the state of Arizona. Mal is now going to school.
Laney went to Florida and worked at Disney World and is now home. She loved it there, who wouldn't right? But I think she is happy to be home and ready to begin the next chapter in her life which may include her first love which is cooking and baking.
Tanner is now in the 10th grade and is getting very good grades in all his honors courses. Such a great young man and a wonderful help to his momma!
Sunday there was a missionary farewell. These used to be very fun and inspirational to for me. Now, I can barely contain my emotions as I sit and listen to these young men talk about being away for two years. My mind immediately turns to his mother and what she must be feeling at this moment. Of course there must be that huge sense of pride of this worthy boy who is willing to sacrifice two years of his life to serve. Then there must be this feeling in her chest like someone has just crushed her heart as she thinks about her baby boy being away for two very long years.
The very thought of Tanner being away and untouchable for two years sends waves of panic through me. Even as I sit here typing this my eyes have tears.
So, Tony leans over to me during the farewell and reminds me that in just a couple of years, that will be our boy standing up there giving his farewell talk...Yep, my wonderful husband, who knows this is a taboo topic, says that to me in a public setting. I just love him. ;)
I am a very lucky mother and wife.
If anyone actually reads this blog, I ask that you please keep those in Japan in your thoughts and prayers.
Until next time...

So many changes...

Many changes going on in the Rhineheart family...Tanner is now in High School and playing football. His first game is tonight and I am so excited to go and watch. He will also be turning 15 very soon. Malori and Jon have been married for two years as of the 11th, live in a GREAT new apt, and in the last year of Law School. Laney is now living in Florida, working for Disney World, and doing an internship taking business courses through Disney. Wow! Our kids are growing up.
So different from having them all home...I am so excited for these new adventures for them and the great things they are all accomplishing. I am not a perfect parent but I am truley the proud parent.

Just some cute pics...

Not many things in life as good as Mother's Day...

I was a little spoiled for Mother's day. Tony started the week before, by getting me a few clothes (that actually fit) he also cooked me breakfast, and did laundry, and cleaned the house.
Laney planned a mommy/daughter night. We had the best time. We laughed and talked and gossiped a little. We shopped and ate dinner and ice cream.
Tanner helped clean the house and did laundry, we read our book, and talked.

Mal got me a coursage and called me in the morning.

After church, we went and had family dinner at Grams' house, The boys cooked and cleaned. We sat outside and talked while the little kids played in the grass.

I love time with family...it is the best gift!

Not many things in life as good as Mother's day.

Let Me Clarify...

Ok...so I didn't mean "end of life" like end as in final. I meant "end of life" like the other end or side. A different place...maybe that is what I should have written??? I am not really that old, and don't think that my time is short. It is just a different feeling when your nest is getting emptier. That is all I meant...

I guess I am to old...

Ok so I messed up in my last blog...it is not a PS2 that Tanner wants, he already has that one. It is a PS3 that he wants. They are apparently way better ya know...(I didn't either) but they are. I guess I better start saving now because with only a few weeks left, he is doing it. He has at least 100% in each course, including his high level gifted classes. Holy monkeys...where did he get this? Oh, I know, from his dad who is one of the most brilliant people I have ever known! All of my kids were blessed to get their dad's smarts.

He is such a great kid! I could not have asked for a better son who loves his mommy still. He will be an "only" child for awhile with Laney moving and Malori married. I am sure he will be so busy next year that all will be fine.

It is very weird, Malori's sister-in-law is having her first baby. They are so excited and cute. Some day Mal and Jon will have their first. It is such an exciting time and seems like you will have them forever. I am now entering that time in my life where my kids are leaving. It is altogether a different feeling to be at this end of life.

Hello Again...

Ok, so it's not like many people (if anyone) read my little blog, but I am back. I have not posted for a very long time (according to Laney) but in my defense there has been much goings on. Let us go back a ways to one of my earlier posts...Laney got the job!!!!! She is so happy! How could they not want her? She is cute, tiny, talented, smart, I could go on and on! Plus, this is a validation to her of what I already knew and a reward for all of her hard work.
On to a not fun subject, work. The state has cut funding for schools, and even more from Distance Learning programs. This makes it very hard for educators to do their jobs and give our children the best education. It also puts more pressure on us and way more responsibility. So this is where much of my time gets eaten up and I am tired because I can't sleep at night because I am worrying about our children and our future and my job.
The weather has been making me a bit crazy...I am ready for warmth, I need the sun, and I need to thaw. The wind has been amazing (for lack of a better word) and I don't mean that in a good way. We have been trying to finish a landscaping project, our first in the new house, and the weather has really made it hard to focus and finish. I am afraid if we don't finish soon, our HOA may have words with us.
Another plug for my wonderful kids...
Jon is finishing up his second year of Law school!! Is is really doing a great job of juggling school, his externship, and being a good husband to Mal and a great example for Tanner. Mal is still working hard at her job. They are really impressed with her and have recently given her more responsibilities. This says a lot about her if they are willing to trust her with more. Laney is finishing up her second year at NPC taking business courses. She will probably leave in June, after her dance recital, for her College internship and new job in Florida at Disney World. Tanner is now finishing up his 8th grade year. He is student body president, and will be the valedictorian of his 8th grade graduating class. Last quarter his goal was to earn at least 95% in every class (including his high school level gifted classes) He did that with only one class having 95% all others were well above. This quarter he has made the goal of achieving at least 100% in each course. He is requesting that if he does this, Tony and I buy him a PS2. I think that if anyone can make that goal and achieve it, they deserve a PS2!!!!
Well, I better end for today...I hope it will not take this long again to post.