Saturday, January 3, 2009

The Distracted Blogger

Yes, I know....I have fallen into the same group of those who I once mocked for not blogging. How sad. I was good. Doing so good until I succomed to the Facebook. Oh, what a bad fun addiction. Thus my own personal following of my friends became more important than journaling of our wonderful family. Great resolution for 2009. I want my followers to come back and follow me. So here is our family Christmas/New years 2008 wrap up for your entertainment.


When we look back at the year 2008, we can’t believe all that has happened, and all that we have survived! To kick off the year right we moved once again to a home we hope to buy in Woods Cross. Nothing better than moving 2 times in 5 months. It has been such a blessing to be here. The kids walk to school, Allen walks to the station (express train that takes him right to downtown), and church is 2 blocks away. What more could we ask for! We live in an older established neighborhood with fabulous neighbors. It seems no one here knows how to move..maybe some of that can rub off on us!

Wesley is now 10, and Andrew is 8 years old. They were so amazing last year attending 3 different elementary schools! They handled the transition very well and made friends no matter where they were. They attend a year round school now, and have enjoyed the frequent breaks throughout the year. Wesley is doing well in math and science, and Andrew loves reading and math. Both of them were able to play basketball and baseball and seem to have their father’s love for sports. In August Andrew was baptized. He missed it in July by 1 day. He was so ready and had a hard time waiting 1 more month. Wes and Andrew are always there when we need them to help. They are amazing boys.

Amy is now 4, and Katherine is 2 years old. Wow, what a dynamic duo! They were born with cleaning instincts and would really rather clean and help in the house then play with toys. Believe you me, I am trying to keep it while I got it! They also were born with a great shopping ability. Where did they get that from???? ;) Amy really does think and act a lot older than her young years of 4. We get a quick flash of her teenage years a little too often. She is so smart and dying to get to Kindergarten. September cannot come quick enough for her. Katherine is an amazing addition to the girls in the house. Her vocabulary is increasing everyday, whether its good words or bad words. She loves to help out just like Amy does. Katherine is the snuggler of the family. Everyone loves holding her, and she loves the love’n

Jen’s year has been one of growth. A LOT OF GROWTH! After the family was settled in the beginning of the year, she registered for 2 classes at Weber State during the summer. At the same time she was serving as a Counselor in the Young Womens. Also at the same time we came across an incredible opportunity to create a plan B for our family. So she started working ACN from home, a telecommunications company. This last year was also the first time she was able to get away by herself, not once, but 3 times! The Young Women went river rafting in Flaming Gorge this summer. Then she had an international convention for ACN in New Jersey, and Anaheim. Once summer was over, she shifted her focus to ACN. The company will be featured on Celebrity Apprentice on NBC on March 22nd. 2009 is going to be a big year. She has been so blessed to have Allen’s support in everything and also be able to stay home with the children.

Allen has been working for fidelity, and really has done well. It’s nice that he doesn’t have to drive in traffic anymore. He come’s home much happier. He likes his job and they treat him well. He will start a new position in the company on January 5th, as a Self Directed Broker. Fidelity had a softball team in the spring, so Allen jumped on that opportunity and played ball for them. He is serving as a Ward Missionary right now at church, a calling he has never had before. It has been neat for him to meet and associate with our neighbors who are less active, as well as the full-time missionaries.

May you have a great and prosperous 2009. We send our love to you and your family.

The Norton Family
December 2008