Valencic Family Newsletter

March 11th, 2008 edition

Hi!  It's only been a *little* over 2 months since our last update.  Not too bad!  We've had a few days of snow in the last few weeks, finally it felt like winter now that it's almost spring!  We're starting to recover from all the illnesses this winter, finally.  The next thing I need to do is update our "new pictures" site.

Not a whole lot that's new.  Baby 8 can come anytime between now and April, though we'd prefer a little later than sooner.  We ARE almost ready, but not quite there yet.  Here's his page, with nearly weekly updates now.

Timothy is way too smart for his own good, he knows how to turn the dishwasher on and off.  He can open almost anything (except the new garbage can), and is trying to talk.  There isn't a whole lot we can understand yet, though.  He sleeps really well at night and for his one afternoon nap.  He still takes a pacifier, but only at naps and bedtime.  He figured out how to open his Glo-Worm and turn it off and on.  He can also open programs on the computer.  Or close them.  Here's his page.

Samuel is trying to potty train, but again, not quite ready and Mom is happy to wait until after the baby gets here, and shorts weather.  He knows all the letters in his and Nathanael's names, loves to color, play with trains, cars, books, and anything Star Wars.  He also loves Cars, the movie, still.  His updated page is here.  He likes to pretend he is Darth Maul.

Nathanael is counting down til his birthday, Easter, and St. Patrick's day.  He wants the baby to come so we can meet him.  (or her, he insists the baby is a girl)  He will be 5 in 15 days.  He loves to read (a little...), play Star Wars, cars, Geotrax trains, or Super-Nathanael.  Or Darth Pickle.  Don't ask.  He loves to help and wants to do chores like the big kids, so of course we accommodate him.  He is definitely old enough!  His page is here, soon to be updated.

Emilie is nearly 8 years old.  She is also counting down, but not as avidly as Nathanael because she knows there's a lot more that has to happen before her birthday (well, not a whole lot... but it seems like longer!  It's next month!)  She is also a big help.  She loves to (try to) help with Timothy, though Timothy is getting big enough that he doesn't want her interfering.  Samuel feels he is too big as well, so she is waiting patiently for a baby sister to help with.  She has recently learned what adoption means, and says that we might as well adopt a baby girl for a sister.  Her page, also soon to be updated, is here.  We are planning her baptism for the same weekend as the baby's blessing, May 3rd and 4th...

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 wasn't happy that the only snow we got this year fell when we were all very sick.  He loves helping Timothy and Samuel, when they let him, and can always be counted on for a good smile.  He loves to draw and read and has lately been reading a lot of bigger books.  His page is here.

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 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.  None of us can believe that he will be missionary age before this new baby is baptized.  His page is here.

Tabitha is just waiting for baby, waiting for good health, and homeschooling as we have time and energy.  The kids are self motivated to get their work done, most days.  I am looking forward to being able to do more, after the baby and recovery...

Tom is working hard, has 3 callings in church, and looking for a small car.  Or a 12-15 passenger van.  We're not picky.  We don't fit the minivan!  I don't think he is looking forward to sleepless nights, but we want the baby here when it's the right time.

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

Let us know when you are coming to visit!  (blessing and baptism will be May 3rd and 4th!)

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