Christmas Letter 2009

Dear Family & Friends,

Well it’s that time of year again. I almost decided to forgo the writing of this letter this year, as it seems I am busier then ever. But because I know how much I love hearing from all of you and for many of you this is the only update you get on the Graham family I decided I would just find the time. So here is a quick review of the past year.

Ryan is 13, soon to be 14 years old. He is taller then his mom and is very proud of that fact. I on the other hand am not so crazy about this. He is in the 8th grade and is doing amazingly well in school. He loves school, well I should say he loves his friends at school and can’t wait to get there usually. He is still playing baseball in the spring, basketball in the winter, he is in scouts, and is just a normal teenage boy. He loves to eat, sleep, play on the computer, texting, and did I say he loves to eat. He eats non- stop. Like I said he is just a normal teenager.

Emalee is 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. She is still dancing and loving every moment of it. She moved up on her competition team this year so now she takes about 4 hours of dance a week. So between school, dance, Activity Days, and homework she is one busy girl. She was also asked to dance in the Polar Express at one of the local High Schools. So she has been having practices for that as well. She has her performances this week and she is so excited. I personally don’t know how she keeps all the dances straight. She is growing into such a young lady and is no longer our little girl. But as she still reminds me daily she is a princess and don’t you forget it.

Zachary is 6 and started all day Kindergarten this year. He loves school and is doing so well. I was so nervous for him to go to school and he has done great so far. He played baseball last spring, is taking Hip Hop lessons and loves it, and is playing basketball. As for his health he has been relatively healthy. He has adjusted to his treatments that he has to do and they have helped so much. He has only missed 1 day of school so far this year so we are on a good streak. He continues to be my funny little boy and you never know what is going to come out of his mouth. There are days I wish I could be in his head for a few minutes because his mind sure doesn’t work anything like mine does. Everyday with Zach is an adventure in one way or another so he keeps us on our toes.

Rich is still with Superior Water and Air doing plumbing. We are grateful for his job especially with the way the economy is. His company chose to do pay cuts instead of lay offs. So even though that is not ideal at least he still has a steady job and more importantly health insurance. So we are VERY thankful for his job.

As for me as I said before I am busier then ever. With my kids in school all day I thought I would have all this extra time. HAHA. In August I became the Office Manager at Emalee’s dance studio. I really have enjoyed it for the most part. I’m also still doing transcription at home on the computer during the day. Plus I am still a crossing guard but instead of only 1 school I am doing 2 this year. The money is nice but on cold days it is really cold to be outside for 3 ½ hours a day. Then you throw in doctor visits for Zach, all the schoolwork, and running everyone around and that is why I am busier then ever. I am incredibly blessed though to be able to make an income and not have to worry about my kids because they can be with me if they need to be.

Well that about sums up what the Graham’s have been up to in 2009. We miss all of you and wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Love,
Rich, Kim, Ryan, Emalee, & Zach

Braces and Grades

So it's been awhile again. I just don't seem to have enough time in my days for everything. Emalee got her top braces put on yesterday. She was so excited-- I'm not sure why but she was. She has done really well so far with them and could not wait to wear her new shirt to school today. She looks really cute of course but also is looking more grown up. I don't like that part. She certainly isn't a little girl anymore. The kids got their report cards a couple weeks ago and they are doing so well. Ryan got all A's and only 2 B's. He has a grade point average of 3.5 and has all honors citizenship. I am so PROUD of him. He is such a good kid and I am so lucky to be his mom. I don't always let him know how proud of him I am and I need to be better at that. Emalee is also doing well in school although 3rd grade has definitely been her biggest challenge in school so far. She has all honors citizenship too and her teacher says she works so hard and is so sweet. Yup that's my girl-- she has everyone fooled. HAHAHA. No really I know she is all of those things. She is such a good girl. Zach is doing really well too. We need to work on his fine motor skills a little bit but he is a really good boy at school and has all honors citizenship too. He has adjusted to school so well and loves going. I am so lucky to have such great kids and I am so PROUD to be their Mom !!!

Witches

Carrie and I took the kids to Gardner Village to see the witches today. It was pretty crowded because it was mini witch weekend but we still had fun. They had witches doing everything from playing baseball to riding a bike over the stream. There was a lot to do there but most of it cost money so we just walked around and enjoyed the Fall weather and the atmosphere. We did venture into a few stores with all 5 kids under the age of 8 and they were really good. Afterwards we went to McDonald's for lunch (YUM) and the kids got to play some more. I think it was a fun day for all of us.

A Day In The Life of Zachary

So this is all the medicine that Zachary takes on a daily basis. He takes some in the morning, some in the evening and some of them at both times. I really need to get this all written down so that if anything ever happened someone else would know when and what to give him.

Here is Zach getting his nebulizer treatment. When he doesn't feel good or when he wants to be difficult he makes me sit and hold him and the nebulizer. Most of the time he does it all on is own. Ryan and Emalee have even learned how to hook up his nebulizer and hook him up in his vest. I am so lucky to have such good kids that are willing to help their brother.

Zachary's Lexus

So this is Zach and his $14,899 machine. The machine vibrates him and helps loosen the mucus in his lungs. He does this machine for 30 minutes every morning and 30 minutes every night. We refer to the machine as his Lexus because for the amount of money it cost it should have leather seats and a GPS System with it. Believe it or not when he is really tired he will sleep through the whole 30 minutes. This Lexus is far from quiet and my house usually sounds like it is getting ready for take off when the machine is on and yet Zach can sleep.

Zachary and Kindergarten

Zachary has been in Kindergarten for an entire month already I can't believe it. So far he has done very well. Only 1 trip to the school nurse so far and no missed days of school. He is LOVING being in all day school although he comes home pretty tired most days. Our biggest issue is that he won't eat his lunch and it doesn't matter what we give him he just won't eat. So far he has lost about 1.5 pounds which is not a lot but on Zach every ounce counts. So we are fighting that battle with him. He says he's not hungry but I can't imagine him going all day and not getting hungry. So we will have to see what they say when he goes into the CF Clinic in a couple weeks. Maybe they will have an idea that we haven't tried yet.

First Day Of School

Okay I have no idea why Blogger won't let me upload more then 2 pictures but this picture was to CUTE not to post. Here are Emalee and Ryan on the first day of school. Take a look at the 2 other posts to see more cute pictures of my Big kids.

3rd Grade Princess

Emalee started 3rd grade and so far so good. No tears and we haven't had any major melt downs. She seems to really like her teacher so that is a really good thing with Emalee. Half the battle is having a teacher she likes. She is growing up and I really don't like it. Rich told me this morning to stop making her look so cute for school. Oh what fun the next few years will bring with Emalee and her Dad. I think the screaming has only begun.

The Cool 8th Grader

So Ryan started 8th grade Monday. I can't believe it. He is getting so big !! Didn't he look cute on his first day?? I know that is totally an uncool Mom thing to say but it's true. So far school is going well. Of course we're only 3 days in. We'll see tonight he is supposed to get Algebra homework-- watch out I will probably be calling for help !!!

The Latest Fashion Craze

Emalee, Madison. Hannah, and Chloe all had matching dresses for church last Sunday. The looked so cute!! They are dresses made out of pillow cases that Carrie's mom made. She is one talented lady-- you should see the things she makes. It was so nice of her to include Emalee. As you can see the girls love each other and thought they were so special wearing matching dresses. Thanks Carrie's Mom !!

Sand, Water, and Fun

A couple Saturdays ago we went up to Echo Reservoir and went boating with Mike and Carrie and Carries Family. Rich water skied and knee boarded.He did really well seeing as it's been 20 years. Ryan knee boarded and he did great for a first time.I got dragged behind the boat and embarrassed myself. Oh well Knee boarding is not for me--what can I say I never claimed to be an athlete. It was a lot of fun and I hope we get invited to go again. This time I think I will stick to riding in the boat though.

Zach digging in the sand.

Ryan relaxing on the beach.

Emalee on the beach.

Zach swimming.

Emalee swimming.

Ryan on the rope swing on the beach.

All In One Days Fun

We went swimming and went and had a picnic with our friends Mike and Carrie and their Kids. We had a fun time swimming in Rich's parents pool and then afterwards we went up one of the Canyons and had a picnic. It was a nice relaxing day. Our kids love playing together so it made it fun for everyone. Notice no pictures of me in my bathing suit--that is the good part about being the one taking the pictures.

Summer Fun!!

Summer has finally come to Utah and we are all so happy!!! Yesterday we had a little neighborhood pool party. It was really fun. The kids played in the water, ate Popsicles, and just had fun. It was a nice relaxing day and I am loving having nice weather and spending time with my kids. Angie thanks for letting us hang out on your driveway and for letting Carrie and I share your shade !!!

Star Students

So I am a little late in my posting of things--But anyway here is a picture of Emalee at her awards ceremony on the last day of school. She received an award for outstanding citizenship for the whole second grade !!! She was very excited and had no idea she would be getting anything. I knew though, because her teacher had called me to make sure I would be there. We are so proud of our kids. They all had an excellent year in school-- Ryan received two certificates for outstanding scholarship from his principle. I think you have to have over a certain GPA and he had a 3.6 and a 3.7 for the last two quarters. Way to Go Ryan and EM!!!!

Let's Play Ball

So Ryan played for the Angels this year. His team didn't exactly have the best season. Actually they only won 1 game but it's not about winning right?? Try and tell that to your 13 year old. Oh Well I can't really say Ryan had a great time but I do think he learned a lot and that's important too. Try telling your 13 yr old that too-- doesn't work really well. They still have their round robin tournament so we are hoping for at least one win. We will see. Anyway look at how cute my big boy looks!!!

Zach played for the Cardinals and overall has done really well. He is the littlest one on his team both with age and size. If we could just get his little legs to go a little faster the first baseman would be in trouble. Rich is the coach of Zach's team and they have had a pretty decent season. They still have one more regular season game and the round robin tournament to go so we'll see where they end up. Zach has had fun and he still has 2 more years of machine pitch to go. Now if we could just get the rain to stop long enough so we could play ball.

Zach's Preschool Graduation

Zach graduated from Preschool last Friday. I can't believe I won't have a reason to go and see Mrs. Becky. I have had a kid in there for the last 5 years. I might have to go and drive over there just to visit!!!

We Have To Dance!!!!!

Above are the pictures of Emalee in her costumes for her dances. They did so well in competition this year. For their production number they did Pinocchio and Emalee's class was Jimmy Cricket. They were so cute. Her other team dance they danced to a song called "Would You Like To Swing On a Star". Emalee did such a great job!! I really enjoyed the competitions this year and in a way I am almost sad they are over for the year. Next is the recital-- should be fun!!

St. George Dance Competition

So last weekend we went to St. George for Emalee's first competition of the year. I had volunteered to drive the back drop and the stage for the girls production number down in the back of the truck. Well as things normally go in my life this didn't go exactly smooth. We got everything loaded up and everyone was happy and then disaster hit. The backdrop went flying off the truck and into the middle of I15. The straps we had strapped it down with completely disappeared and we have no idea how or why this happened. So after stopping, turning around, and heading back to collect the remains off the road. ( Which meant Rich was running in and out of traffic while the cars were going 80 MPH ) We were able to get to a Big K buy some new straps, some power tools ( Happy Fathers Day Rich ) and continue on our way. We finally got to St. George ( Zach counted the straps through the window the whole way down after this-- Mom there's still 5 straps- kind of cute) So Rich spent Friday night building new frames for the backdrop and I sat in the hotel room and sewed the rip canvas. Overall it turned out much better then I thought it would. So the good news is the team took 1st place in their production number. They did such a great job and personally I think the backdrop looked pretty good too. Emalee's individual team took 2nd place in their team dance. So a 1st and a 2nd place and everyone was happy. I didn't get any pictures of Emalee in her costumes ( I guess I was distracted by the backdrop disaster- didn't even think of pictures until everything was over) But I will get some next week at her competition. Way to Go Emalee!! We are so proud of you!!

Happy Easter

Okay so I am a little late in getting my Easter pictures up on my blog as my Mom reminded me. So here are the pictures Mom. Thanks for the cute dress you made Emalee and the shirts for the boys.

Lost and Found Again !!!

So here are our fugitives!!! Yes, Dudley and Roxey made another run for it yesterday in the middle of that blinding snow storm. I have no idea why they feel the need to run but apparently they do. They literally were not even outside for more then 10 minutes when we realized they were gone. The kids of course were upset and I was just MAD. I am so sick of chasing after them. So off Rich and I went in zero visibility to look for the 2 dumb dogs. After about 6 hours of looking and waiting in the Walmart parking lot ( That's where they usually go--Every other time that's where they have been found) We gave up. I had put out a couple ads on line and had checked the pounds website through out the day with no luck. Later in the afternoon I checked the pounds website again and sure enough it sounded like our 2 fugitives. So first thing this morning we are at the pound picking up our run-a-ways. They were found by the airport #2 and somebody dropped them off at the pound. $94 later they are home and the kids are happy. I'm still mad!!I decided to snap some pictures since I never have any to put out on my lost dog ads before they run again. So here are the guilty two. They look like they are in trouble don't they. I think they must be part cat because they certainly seem to have more then 9 lives.

My Crazy Life

Okay so I haven't been very good at updating my Blog lately. Not from lack of not wanting to, it just never seems to fit into my days. So as I have already spent 4 hours at the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic today I have decided to treat myself to a day off from transcribing which in turn gives me a chance to update my blog. The last month has been so BUSY I'm not even sure where to start.
I'll start with Zach. Since his b-day he has only been to 3 doctors appointments. That is a near record for him. As I said before we went and saw his CF Doctor today. Overall he seems to be doing pretty well. We are still working on his bowel issues, food issues, trying to get him to gain some weight ( wish I could give him some- I would gladly share). His lungs are actually doing pretty well and overall the Doctor was happy with his progress. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is forever and nothing is going to be fixed overnight or permanently. Zach started machine pitch in baseball and is loving it. He thinks he is just like his big brother and it is really way to cute.
Emalee is keeping me so busy!! Her dance team is getting ready for competition season. So they have been having extra practices on Saturday's along with her regular 3 hours of dance during the week. Then add Activity Days in ( which she just loves), School, and she really doesn't have much time to do anything else. She is insisting on taking tennis lessons this summer so we will see how that goes. She keeps telling Rich she needs a tennis skirt. So I'm not sure if she really wants to learn or just get a new skirt.
Ryan has started baseball season too. At his level they practice a lot and for long periods of time. This week the only days he doesn't practice are today and tomorrow. It's crazy. So between school, baseball, and Scouts he is way busy too. Then you throw his friends in the mix and it's no wonder I am going crazy.
So if anyone wonders what I have been up to there it is. Spring is always the craziest part of the year for me but I love watching my kids do things they love. If anyone is feeling bored let me know- I'm sure I can get you a kid to drive somewhere!!

Happy Birthday Zachary

My little guy turned 6 years old today. I can't believe my baby is 6 years old already. He is such a sweet boy and I am so lucky to be his Mom. He has had more then his fair share in his 6 years so far and he just keeps on going. He certainly knows how to keep Mom and Dad on their toes that's for sure. Every time we think we've got things figured out he just keeps on surprising us. Happy 6th Birthday Zach, We Love You!!!