A little about Joylin

Hi all, I have decided that I am going to turn this blog into a journal of sorts. My plan is to devote one day per month or so blogging about one of my children. These might get pretty long because I am writing them for my kids to read someday and for me to express my feelings about them. I have decided to use the date they were born as a guide for when I post about them. Since tomorrow is the 7th and Joylin was born on June 7th she will be the first.

She turned 6 and a half on Dec 7th and is such a joyful little girl. She has such a sweet disposition most of the time. She has her sassy moments but those usually happen when she is tired or embarrassed about something. She tries very hard to be a good big sister but it is challenging. Faith is still showing quite a temper when things don't go her way and scratches and hits for no apparent reason at times. Joylin handles those times like most 6 year olds would but they usually patch things up shortly after the incident. I often remind her that she was a biter and a hitter as well. She even told me that she remembers hitting and biting. I know she still has the urge sometimes but controls herself very well. I love watching them play together. They are so sweet when they play.

Joylin is one smart cookie. She is reading well and seems to have most of the appropriate math concepts down as well. As I expected she is a very easy child to home school. She does get distracted easily so we do have to work on her staying on track some of the time.

She is involved in gymnastics and does very well. She kicks high and can almost do a back hand spring. The most important thing that she loves it and works hard and she does both. I am thinking of starting her in dance this summer for some short sessions to see if she likes it and she will probably go into the higher swimming class as well.

The highlight of 2009 was our trip to Disney World. She and I got to eat lunch in the castle and meet 5 of the 6 princesses. She was so excited. She got her autograph book signed and a picture taken with each one. At one point I saw a little shiver. I asked her if she was cold and she said "NO, that happens to me sometimes when I get excited". I had no idea she was that excited. I am so happy she was enjoying herself so much. There are so many other experiences from our time at Disney World. I might share as we go.

We are now looking forward to starting 1st grade. She finished K just before we left for vacation. She is getting a little excited. I am waiting for the rest of her curriculum to come in the mail.

The weather has been very cold and we have taken walks the last tow days. We had so much fun playing on the ice and visiting with the horses that belong to the Close family. We are letting them use the pasture for a few months.

This little girl has been such a blessing to me. What an honor to be her mom. I have to say mothering is the most challenging thing I have ever done. I wouldn't change a thing, except for the very serious mistakes I've made. I can't so I don't dwell on them.

Here are a few recent pictures: