And Update on our FIVE

2015 has proven to be a year of change in our family.  Good change.  Needed change. 

A breath of fresh air.

Colin

He began school as a sophomore in a "real" school setting.  Having been homeschooled since 4th grade, he was a bit hesitant yet excited to see what school had to offer.  One semester in, he would likely tell you that school is school.  Not horrible yet not that exciting either.  Academically, he is thriving.  Socially, he went from our home to one of the largest schools in the state with thousands of kiddos of all sizes and personalities - hard stuff.  We are so proud of him for rising to the occasion.  He was honored for making all A's for the year, he was invited to swim on the swim team - he fought this a bit but has thoroughly enjoyed being on a winning team, he has joined a club or two, and he has only slept through his alarm once!  (And he has only gotten to school without his shoes once!:))  Colin was also chosen to be a part of our Cotillion Dance Club.  He loves his time on the dance floor.  Ryan and I both have two left feet so we are quite thankful he did not acquire our genes in this department!

Pryce

Seventh grade is treating him well.  He is officially the only homeschooled child in our home this year and he is loving it!  He even loves having the freedom to make whatever he wants for lunch each day and have some quiet time in our home.  I worried that he would be a bit bored without having Colin around but he has risen to the occasion and taken on more responsibilities like a champ! He embraces his time with the two littles after their school day ends and even puts Maryn down for her nap!  (He has it down to a tee so we let him run with it.)  He is our baseball player through and through.  He is a bike riding, video making, friend loving fool.  He recently traveled to China with me for a mission trip and loved every moment of his time spent in the country that is so dear to our hearts.  He is also participating in his first year of Social Dance Club and though he had hesitations before it began, now he is LOVING his time dancing the night away with his friends! 

Mason-Kate

This girl.  Where to begin....she is amazing!  After homeschooling her for two years, we chose to give school a try....and she is LOVING it!  Socially, it is a great fit for this beautiful girl!  She loves the responsibilities and the opportunities for the busy work that school has to offer.  Her teachers are fabulous and each cater to a different part of her personality, which we love!  We were thrilled to learn that she will participate in the gifted program beginning in January - the challenges she will love!  She does ballet two evenings each week and she is the epitome of grace.  She recently endured her third surgery to repair her cleft....we are so thankful this is behind us and we are even more thankful that she is recovering beautifully!

Maddox Ren

Our kindergarten, school-loving, reading like a wiz girl.  She is my girl - the girl that always fits best just snuggled up next to me!  She has announced several times recently that she will not be going to college unless she can live with me!  Bless.  I hope she always wants to be so close to me!  Maddox is all about learning....whether she is at school or at the doctor with a sibling, she is asking questions and ready to learn!  While visiting the ENT, she took it upon herself to take a look at Maryn's ears through the otoscope and diagnose her ear infection - incredible!  She even described what the inside of Maryn's ear looked like to the doctor!  She grasps on to life with excitement and often doesn't look back.  She is full speed ahead in what she encounters and she always has something kind to say to others.  

Maryn Gentry

This sweet face is a bundle of personality.  When she is happy, she is soooo happy.  When she is sad, there is little that can be done to make her not sad aside from giving her whatever it is that she is wanting.  She is diplomatic - most always saying that she loves her mommy AND her daddy.  She loves candy, gum, applesauce and yogurt - in that order!  And she dislikes anything that remotely looks scary from bugs to Santa Clause.  She is taking ballet and is the most precious ballerina in her class.  She always comes out of her class shouting, "MOMMMY!!!" and it makes my heart smile to know she has me to run to!  She is going to preschool three days a week.....she has a love/hate relationship with this.  She goes in screaming most days but comes out smiling always!  She is a treasure to all of us!

My Fabulous FIVE

My life, my joy and my heart!