April 17, 2011

I received a text message from my sister Michele this afternoon that read: "Pam Hackworth said to tell you she's mad at you because you never update your blog! Ha ha ha! She wants to know what's happening in your life :) " So this is for Pam (I love you Pam!) and anyone else who may happen to read my almost non-existent blog. I have not had time to do hardly anything at all, much less blog. I had full intentions on posting every letter and picture that Elder Driessen sends us, but he has been out three months and I have yet to post one. (Big deep sigh...) I may just need to start from now and someday go back and post the first three months. Elder Driessen is doing extremely well! I LOVE being a missionary mom! It's THE best thing ever! I wish every mommy and daddy could experience this. It truly is so rewarding and the blessings are beautiful. As some of you may know, I started working full-time just over a year ago. Bobby's health was not allowing him to work full-time and he needed to be home. With that, it became necessary for me to obtain full-time employment to provide medical benefits for our family and help us financially. I wish I could say I'm raking in the dough, but that is not even close to being the case. In fact, we aren't always able to completely take care of our own needs without some extra help. I am and will be eternally grateful for the help we have been receiving. This has been extremely difficult at times yet we recognize the countless blessings we continue to receive. As I mentioned, Christopher is currently serving a full-time mission. He is in the Peru, Lima West mission. He reported January 5th 2011. He LOVES being a missionary. He has THE BEST attitude EVER! He spent 3 weeks in the Provo, UT Missionary Training Center and then spent 6 weeks in the Lima, Peru MTC. He has lost approximately 30 lbs and continues to have some digestive issues, has been attacked by a stray dog, tried cow heart and hated it then had it again and loved it, and had someone attempt to rob him and some other crazy experiences, but loves his life anyway! Chandler attended his Jr prom last night. He looked amazing and had a great time. He is a blast to be around and has truly taken on the role of the oldest brother at home. Haley is playing soccer again and loves to bake and clean the kitchen! We love that! She's becoming more beautiful inside and out everyday. Karley is just beginning a soccer season and is currently practicing for May Day which is a little less than 3 weeks away. She has such a pure heart and loves serving others as does her older sis. Danielle is loving preschool. She is anxiously awaiting kindergarten this fall, except for the fact that she needs a few more immunizations :o( She struggles at times with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (at FIVE years old), but has made huge improvements since we sought professional help. She has a super fun personality as do all of her siblings. They each have such a great sense of humor! (They get that from their dad!) One of the blessings of Bobby being home for this past year is that he and our kids have grown closer. All 5 of them adore their daddy... almost as much as I adore him! He was also able to give full-time care to my sweet mother as she moved in with us to complete her breast cancer treatment. (She's doing wonderfully now and is finished with surgery, chemo and radiation! Woo hoo!!!) Bobby continues to serve in our ward's bishopric and I am teaching Gospel Doctrine. We both love our callings. I will post pictures in another post. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow. We'll see if my techno skills will co-operate with me. So far, I'm striking out! I hope to blog more often. Wish me luck :o) Ta-ta for now! Stephanie