Reflecting

Obviously I am not good about keeping our blog up to date, but I do want to remember the craziness of our lives at this stage! Our kids are growing up. Darrin graduates from high school in 6 days! I am happy and excited for him and feeling ever so proud of myself for what I accomplished too. It wasn't easy being a young single mom, I had my mom and dad who I am forever grateful for their love and support. I could not have done it without them. And of course my wonderful husband who became a part of our lives when Darrin was just 20 months old. We faced a lot of challenges those first few years and now we are watching our oldest graduate and begin the next chapter of his life, it is amazing. When you are younger it is hard to imagine 20 years later and now here we almost are. It is pretty hard to wrap your brain around. When the kids were all little it was hard. Everything was hard, grocery shopping, cleaning, walking the endless halls at church, you wonder if it ever gets better. It most definitely does but we are just busy in different ways. I spend more time in the car than I do at home. There is baseball practice, football practice, band practice, birthday parties, trips to the ER, and it goes on and on! The best part is watching my kids grow up and the people they are becoming. In 18 months we will have 4 teenagers, that is scary! Well technically Darrin will be 20 by then which is even scarier. I love that we still have our little ones at home too. As we prepare for our older ones to begin lives of their own we still have the joy and excitement that comes with starting school, losing your first tooth, learning to ride a bike and all the other joys of childhood. It is great.  We have had 2 foster placements in the last 2 months, it has been a crazy emotional journey but one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of my life. My kids have been wonderful, they are accepting and loving and helpful in all ways when it comes to the babies. It has been heart warming to watch them develop a tenderness for these sweet kids. I am asking alot of them too when it comes to loving them and then having to let go. I will never say that it is easy because it's absolutely gut wrenching but to see my kids develop and show compassion and unconditional love is worth it. Summer is fast approaching and we have no plans. The plans we started to make got thwarted by a trip to the ER and a cast so the beach will have to wait! Kyle will be in summer school until mid July so it looks like we will be close to home this year. Hopefully we will be able to make a quick trip to CA before the crazy football season starts. I have a plan to keep my kids busy, I just have to implement it and stick to it but I am looking forward to it. I want to be more involved with them and I think I have found a fun way to do that I just have to work on it. Hopefully it leads to a lot more being done around the house and a lot more fun together. We shall see.

Looking back on 2011

With so much happening at the end of last year there just wasn't enough time to put together a family newsletter. So what better place than to look back on 2011 than our family blog! Where to even begin? It seems like this year has been another whirlwind year for us, we are constantly busy will all of the kids activities but somehow manage to squeeze in some fun time too. I think 2011 was the year for surgery in our house, in January I had a hysterectomy, very happy about that decision now but recovery was so not fun. I am so very thankful for wonderful family members and the awesomest visiting teachers ever that took such good care of me! On the first day of school this year Kyle came home with a stomach ache. Me being the ever concerned mother told him to take some Tums and go lie down. Well 30 minutes later he was at the ER being diagnosed with appendicitis and headed to surgery that night! He had to give up football this year but was happy to be able to take a video editing class instead that he really enjoys. And finally Darrin had surgery once again, big surprise! This time his left thumb was repaired after he tore a ligament in it playing football. His cast will come off next week and he will be able to enjoy being cast free for a few weeks until his next surgery on his right wrist! Thankfully his football career is over and hopefully that means no more surgeries!
Amidst the surgeries this year we also had time for a little fun! We celebrated Randy's parents 50th wedding anniversary in February with a huge party with all of their close friends and family. We made a couple of trips to Show Low this year to visit with Randy's sister and her family. We had tons of fun riding quads all over the hills even though Randy almost killed us both when we ran into a ditch! We also got to go up for Kari & Jake's wedding in June. Kaela and Lyndi were flower girls and looked so pretty all dressed up! In July we made an impromptu trip over to CA to spend the 4th of July at the beach. We surprised the kids with a fun day at Knotts Berry Farm and spent the rest of our time at the beach and watching fireworks off the pier at Capistrano Beach. Our big, unexpected trip of the year happened at the beginning of December when we travelled with Ryan's football team to Orlando, FL to participate in the AYF National tournament where they took 3rd place. While there we were able to go to all of the Disney parks, the Kennedy Space Center and the beach where the kids got to get wet in the Atlantic Ocean. 10 days was a long time for all of us to be together but I hope this is a trip that the kids will remember forever. It really was an amazing experience for all of us.We of course kept busy with all the day to day demands of kids, work, church callings, and all the unexpected things life throws at us. We have also started on our journey to become foster parents. From the time I was about 12 years old I knew that I wanted to foster. Thankfully Randy is supportive and we are currently taking the required classes and hope to be licensed in early May. Crazy I know but we have the room and the love to open up our hearts and our home for another child so we will see where the world of foster care takes us. There is never a dull moment in this house. Here is a little snippet of what each of the kids has been up to:

When did our baby boy grow up? Darrin turned 18 this year and it is just too hard to believe that he will be graduating high school in May and headed off to bigger and better things. He is planning on serving a 2 year church mission when he turns 19 and then returning and heading off to start his next 12 years of school to become a surgeon. He has had the opportunity recently to be able to observe some surgeries in the OR and has discovered that he really does enjoy it. He enjoyed his last year playing football for Skyline and was also able to complete his Eagle Scout requirements this year too. We are so proud of him, and even though it a bitter sweet year for us we are excited to see him fulfilling his goals and pursuing even bigger dreams.

Kyle aka "Gibby" turned 14 this year and started his Freshman year of high school. He is the social bug of the family and keeps us busy with all of his plans. He is already looking forward to driving so he doesn't have to rely on us for rides everywhere. He spent all spring and summer conditioning for football, waking up at 5am all summer for practice then had to quit when he had his surgery before ever playing in a single game! We felt so bad for him but he has had a great attitude and was able to take the video class which he really likes. He spends a lot of time making movies, and hanging out with his friends. Kyle did his Eagle project this summer, building 4 moveable tether ball courts for a homeless shelter. As soon as he finishes his write-up and has his board of review we will be able to have a double court of honor for him and Darrin.

We owe Ryan all the credit for taking us to Florida this year! He likes to remind us that it was because of him that we got to go! This is the 3rd year Ryan has played football with the Mesa Soldiers, it was such an exciting season winning the State Championship then competing in Florida and taking 3rd in the nation. Ryan has worked really hard and improved a lot this year. He loves being able to rub it in to his older brothers about how good his team is! Ryan turned 12 this year and is enjoying his last year in elementary school. He was able to go to scout camp this year and came home with a bunch of merit badges. He is hoping to be a Life Scout by the end of this year. He is a great student, and a big help at home. When hes not playing football he spends most of his free time on the computer.

Kaela is looking forward to turning 11 in February, she is in the 5th grade and just got her first pair of glasses. Kaela was a cheerleader for Ryan's football team this year and worked really hard all season cheering on the boys. The girls participated in a cheer exhibition at the State Championships and did really good! She loves cheering, doing crafts, singing, and playing with her little sister.

This has been an exciting year for Logan too. In June he turned 8 and was baptized. After watching all his older brothers and sister have their big day he was so excited to finally have his! He enjoys going to cub scouts and is looking forward to his first pinewood derby later this month. Logan played flag football this year until falling off the monkey bars one night after practice and breaking his wrist! It was a short season for him but he didn't seem to mind! He loves being home playing on the computer, reading, or watching TV. Logan definitely keeps us on our toes but we love his silly sense of humor and his never ending energy!

Someone has figured out how fun it is to be a pest! Trev loves to bug his little sister! I guess when you are the youngest boy you have to find someone to pick on! Trevor keeps us laughing at all the funny things he says. He started Kindergarten this year and is already reading and doing math. He is super smart and gets in a little too much trouble at school making silly noises when he is supposed to be paying attention. Trevor turned 6 in November and is working really hard on trying to learn how to ride his new bike without training wheels.

Our baby girl turned 3 this year and started preschool. She loves, loves, loves going to school and is so sad on the days she is home with Mom! Her teachers love having her in the classroom as she has become a role model for her friends after "graduating" from the speech program. She loves to sing and dance and is definitely not shy anymore. In Florida she had the whole crowd cheering along with her when she did her cheer "let's get fired up!" It is so fun watching her grow up and become a little girl, she truly is such a joy to our family.

So there you have it, our year in review! I am sure what seems routine to us by now would seem crazy and overwhelming to most. We are so grateful for all of our blessings. Besides the often injuries, our kids are healthy, Randy loves his job, and although there is more screaming than hugging, our house is filled with love. We hope that this new year brings much peace, happiness and joy to your families!

Happy New Year!

Love,

The Skabelund Family

First Day of School

Darrin, the SENIOR!!

The Franklin NE Firebirds!

Ryan, 6th Grade

Logan 3rd Grade

Trevor, Kindergarten

Kaela, 5th Grade

This year the first day of school brought a lot of mixed emotions. I really enjoyed having the kids home during the summer and just being lazy! We had fun days at the pool, a few trips to Show Low, fun at the beach over 4th of July, and really no place to be and nothing to do. As my kids get older I realize I have less and less time with them so I really tried to enjoy being with them. I do love me a clean house though so the first day back I scrubbed away, and it actually stayed clean all week! With school, brings football practice so now we are back to our crazy, hectic life! Oh well it was fun while it lasted. This year my oldest is a Senior (how the heck did that happen!) Trevor started all day Kindergarten and my baby girl is in preschool 3 days a week. That leaves me HOME ALONE!! Most moms look forward to this event, I have been dreading it. I have never in 17 1/2 years had my days to myself. I really don't know what to do with myself. As much as the kids make me crazy at times, I love having them around and I'm just not ready to have them all gone!



Logan's Baptism Day


Logan turned 8 and was baptized on July 16th by his Dad. We had a lot of family and friends come to celebrate this special day with him. We are so proud of Logan and his choice to be baptized!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Just before school started we celebrated Ryan's 12th birthday. He is so excited to be 12 and to join the Young Men at church. It is hard to believe that he is 12 already, I am having a hard time with my kids growing up! Ryan is so fun to have around! He is kind and compassionate, patient, quiet and very inquisitive. He loves football and is learning to be more agressive, that doesn't come naturally to him. He is very respectful and tries his best at all he does. We love him and are so happy he is a part of our forever family! Happy Birthday Ryan!!

Life's a Beach!

We made a spontaneous trip to southern CA this last weekend for some fun in the sun and to celebrate July 4th. After checking into our hotel we surprised the kids with a day at Knotts Berry Farm, we didn't tell them until they figured it out when we got there! We had a fun day enjoying the roller coasters and the other rides. We thought we lost Logan for a little bit which was really scary but it ended up that he was waiting by the exit for the older kids to get off the ride but they didn't know that and thought he had gone looking for us. After our moment of panic was over we ended up having a really good time and enjoying the cooler weather! The next day we headed up to our favorite beach, Salt Creek Beach and spent the entire day playing in the ocean and sand! Our experience has helped us learn not to take so much with us so the big hike up the hill at the end of the day isn't so bad! The kids had a great time boogie boarding and digging in the sand, even Lyndi & Trevor loved the waves this time. We had to keep our eye on Trevor constantly because he would run down the beach chasing the waves and forget where we were! After a full day at the beach we headed back to the hotel to clean up so we could brave the crowds and walk down to the pier to watch the fireworks. We were able to find great seats on the grass and enjoyed an awesome show. It was so nice to spend time together as a family, and escape the AZ heat! I think we are going to have to make this an annual tradition!

Back to back birthdays

When it comes to family planning I'd say I did pretty good at spacing my kids birthdays throughout the year. I was lucky enough to be able to plan those kind of things. We celebrate a birthday every other month beginning with Kaela at the end of February and end with Trevor at the end of November. Our only hang up is April where we celebrate Lyndi on the 7th and Kyle on the 14th (Happy Birthday Kyle!). I wish they weren't so close together, I liked my orderly plan! I actually did plan that one well too. Lyndi wasn't supposed to be born for 4 more weeks in early May but thankfully fate intervened and she made it here alive and well. October is tricky too since we celebrate Darrin, Randy and then mine! This year seems to be another one where we celebrate a bunch of milestones. Darrin will turn 18, don't even get me started on that! Ryan turns 12 and becomes a deacon and Logan will turn 8 and be baptized this year, so exciting for us. It is scary to think that in just 3 years we will have a house full of teenagers! Fun times are definitely ahead!

Happy Birthday Kyle!

Our Bubba is 14 today! That is just so weird. I don't know why but it just doesn't seem like all that long ago. I can remember everything about the day he was born, he was a planned induction so I remember how nervous I was as we drove to the hospital and then waiting all day for him to arrive. He was absolutely the easiest baby. He was just so easy going, nothing ever upset him. As long as he had his bottle he was good. That is probably what made him earn his nickname because he was such a chub, weighing in at 24 lbs. at his 6 month check up. He was a big boy but oh so happy! It was so much fun being a mom to 2 little boys and Darrin was so excited to have a little brother. Now he is all grown up and loving life. I appreciate and admire all the goals that he has for himself, he doesn't want to wait for anything and is ready to get out there now! I hope that he will just take time to be a kid and enjoy the fun he is having with his friends. Happy birthday Kyle, we love you and are so proud of you!

Happy Birthday Lyndi!

For the past couple of months Lyndi has known that her birthday was coming. When she saw toys advertised on TV she would say "oh mommy, I want that for my birthday!" and almost everyday she would ask if we were going to Chuck E. Cheese's today because I told her we would go for her birthday. The big day is finally here and she is so excited. She woke up to the kitchen decorated with balloons and streamers and the first thing she said was "oh, I forgot it's my birthday!" Every time she walks in the room it's like she remembers all over again that it's her birthday. I can hardly believe that she is 3 years old today. I remember the day we found out that we were having a girl, most definitely one of the happiest days of my life! Her middle name is Joy because I remember Randy saying how full of joy he was after finding out that she was ours. She fills our home and our lives with that joy and I feel so blessed that she is my little girl! Happy Birthday Lou Lou, we love you!

A Special Day for Special Kids

Today was the annul event, A Special Day for Special Kids held at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad park in Scottsdale. I braved the crowds by myself and took the 4 younger kids out for a day of fun. The event was free and we enjoyed lunch, milkshakes, sodas and ice cream. I think the kids thought they had died and gone to heaven! It was alot of fun watching them enjoy all the carnival style game, pony rides, petting zoo and especially the train. They must have had fun becuase they are already asking if we can go next year!