Valencic Family Newsletter

July 8th, 2008 edition

Hi! 

It's been 3 months since our last update... not too bad, I guess, but we could do better.  Especially since no one really sees our family.  I've even heard that some of you can't tell our kids apart :)

We have a new member of the family... our silver 2006 Ford Econoline 350... 12 passenger.  It's fun to be above the crowd... I now know what the top of a Suburban looks like!  If you see us coming, get out of the way!  We affectionately call it "the Tank" for more reasons than one.  It still uses less gas than driving two vehicle everywhere. 

 Christopher is growing rather quickly.  He giggles and talks to all of us, all the time, and has a very cute grin. Here is his personal page with updated pictures!  Everyone still loves him very much.  Everyone also likes to help with him.  He loves smiling at everyone, though Michael seems to be a favorite, and Benjamin was the first one he grinned at.  (is this a trend?)  We were realizing that when Christopher is baptized, Michael will probably be on his mission.  Benjamin will be 17, Emilie will be 16, Nathanael will be 13, Samuel will be 11, and Timothy will be 9.  Crazy family!

Timothy is growing too quickly and is way too tall and too smart.  He is 20 months old and loves Nursery unless Mom comes in to check on him or Samuel.  He still has his "plug" but only for naptime and bedtime.  He loves his blanket with stars on it, but his Tigger blanket and the one with his name on it are also favorites.  See pics... He doesn't talk much yet but knows most of his body parts and likes to pretend.  He loves to roar like a lion.  Or a bear.  Or a tiger.  Or a dinosaur.  It's all good.   Here's his page, updated with more recent pictures.  Oh, and he does say mom, dad, signs "more" and a few other things, and has been known to say "Hi Mama" when I come in the door.

Samuel is thrilled to be 3, not ready to be 4, and just enjoying every day.  He loves Blue's Clues, Star Wars, Legos, and Cars.  He pretends to be all the characters in Star Wars, but his favorite is still Darth Maul.  He wants to have a light saber.  He likes to play outside and loves to build.  He still likes Nursery, hates being sick, has learned how to throw tantrums, and loves his baby brother. He is learning how to draw and more letters and numbers all the time.  He is good at puzzles and building with anything.  He likes anything he can spell his name on.  He likes playing memory games.  He has started playing Blue's Clues on the computer.  He talks constantly, anywhere and everyone EXCEPT nursery.  His page is here.

Nathanael is 5 years old.  He is glad he finally got pictures with the number 5 at Sears. He is good at tormenting Samuel and Timothy, and loves holding Christopher.  He likes doing things all by himself.  He tries to be a good helper.  He loves to draw, loves Star Wars, computer games, Play Station Star Wars Lego game, Legos, playing games, and more drawing.  He is glad Christopher was born close to his birthday, but really wanted him to come ON his birthday.  He has started really getting interested in the Magic School Bus computer games, movies, and books.  His page is here, finally updated.  He is starting to read more fluently and likes making up words.

Emilie is 8 years old and was baptized on May 3rd, 2008.  She was so thrilled to have Grandma and Papa Mendenhall here for this special time.  She also loved having Christopher blessed the same day she was confirmed.  She is a big helper but forgets what she is supposed to be doing often.  She loves Christopher and helping with him.  She also tries to help with Timothy.  Her help with Samuel and Nathanael usually makes whichever brother she is helping scream...  She loves everyone, loves to read, loves to dance, sing, talk, play, run, jump, etc.  She is constantly in motion and constantly making sounds or music.  We like her... sometimes we remind her that quiet is good too... Her page, finally updated, is here.  She loves reading and reads almost anything, but her personal favorite right now is trying to read all the Junie B. Jones books.

Benjamin is 9 years old and a huge help almost every day.  He has a ton of energy and can't seem to sit still, but loves to be with the family and be involved with everything going on.  He loves Cub Scouts and Star Wars and being outside when the weather is good.  He enjoys playing adventure games on Playstation like Lego Star Wars and Harry Potter.  He loves playing games and reading books.  His favorites lately are Magic Tree House, Harry Potter, and well, tons of others.  He loves helping with Samuel, Timothy and Christopher and will be a great babysitter when he gets a bit older.  His page is here.  He is glad to be done with 3rd grade and eager to start on 4th.  He is almost done with his Bear and wants to get a lot of Arrow Points before his birthday, as well as his Whittling Chip card.  He also loves riding his bike.

Michael is 11 years old and looking forward to turning 12 this November.  He is also a big help, and can usually be counted on to do what's asked immediately.  (the other one you can count on for that is Samuel!)  He loves to read, draw, anything Star Wars, Legos, Magnetix, Boy Scouts... he has earned his Scout badge, Tenderfoot,  and several merit badges.  He is nervous about any swimming requirements for his Eagle, but has already set his goals high and wants to get things done.  He loves his Math program and loves to see how his writing has improved over his years of homeschooling.  He is very happy for Summer Vacation, though, as even Michael needs a break.  A huge interest right now is Medieval times and knights and castles.  Ask him to tell you about it!  His page is here.  He's finished all 7 Harry Potter books, most of the Chronicles of Narnia and is now reading the Lord of the Rings, having finished the Hobbit.  He also has really gotten into designing projects for Legos on the computer.

Tabitha is happy not to be pregnant anymore and now just busy feeding baby and doing everything else as there is time.  Summer is here and we're busy with library trips, play dates, and planning more fun for the fall.

Tom is working hard, finally has only 2 callings in church, and had a great time being a Cub Scout with Benjamin at Day Camp this year in June.  He is looking forward to a full year ahead with the Cub Scouts and work and everything else going on around here!

Please call, write, email, and/or visit anytime...

Let us know when you are coming to visit! 

Love, Tabitha, Tom, Michael, Benjamin, Emilie, (Joseph), Nathanael, Samuel, Timothy, and Christopher