Happy New Year

What a year it has been. 2011 was full of many new and exciting things and so many changes. We added another little one to our family, Ty is back in school & we moved to Boise, Idaho.

Ronan Miles was born on March 28th. He came 3 weeks early, just like his big sister. If you are thinking that we just recently had Zoe, you are right. Ronan & Zoe are 12 months and 11 days apart. Ronan is such a mellow and easy-going little guy. He is so happy and loves that he is finally able to get around on his own. He is now 9 months old; it wont be long before he is walking. He is so fascinated with Zoe. He seems to be progressing a bit quicker than she did, I think because he has someone to watch and learn from. He is definitely a mama’s boy. A few of his favorite things are baths, his pacifier, feeding himself & wrestling.

Zoe will be turning 2 in March. She is definitely showing signs of being a toddler. She is becoming more and more independent and a bit more stubborn. She can also be the sweetest thing. She loves being a big sister; she will hold Ronan’s hand in the car and share her toys (sometimes). She loves anything that has to do with technology (I-phone & I-PAD). She enjoys being around other children and can’t wait for nursery each Sunday. If She could stay up late every night, she would. She never wants to miss out on anything. She is so much like her father!

I am busy, busy, busy. Having Ty in Grad School has been a huge change for me. Thank goodness his program is only 2 years. I am a stay at home mom. If I’m not taking care of the kids I have my hands into some sort of craft project. I have recently been getting into decorating and home decor, I also just bought a sewing machine and am starting to experiment. I love finding inexpensive treasures and creating something with it. I think those tend to be my favorite pieces. I have come to realize that these projects help me stay sane while Ty is gone at school or study-sessions. I am so blessed that I am able to stay at home and experience all I get to with my 2 sweet babies. Moving to Boise has been a big change as well. I have made some good friends with people in the ward and also with some wives who also have husbands in PA school. Our ward is amazing and we are so lucky to have moved in where we did.

Earlier this year, Ty received an acceptance letter from Idaho State University for Physician Assistant School. He just completed his first semester with a 3.5 GPA. I don’t think either of us were expecting how much time he was going to be away from home. It has taken about 4 months, but I think we have finally come up with a system that will work for our family. Ty is still employed with Executive Security and sells and installs ADT home security systems. Although he has had to work a bit over his Christmas break, he enjoys working with his hands and says it’s a relief to have a break from sitting in a classroom for 8 hours a day. We are so proud of his dedication and hard work, and although it is trying at times, it will pay off.

We are so lucky to have so much love & support, from our ward family to great friends and family back home. Being close to our Heavenly Father has been a vital part of our happiness this past year. We look forward to what 2012 will bring and although we may not be able to visit you all as often as we wish, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.

All our love,

The Winders

Ty, Janessa, Zoe & Ronan