Jumping on the Blog-Wagon

So, I'm finally jumping on the blog-wagon. Thanks to my fabulous webmaster my sister Kelli, for her help in getting us up and running. I was inspired to start a blog by my BFF, Nichole. I realized that our relationship was very one-sided because I was reading her blog all the time, and having such a good time learning all of their latest news that I knew it was time for me to join the digital age and become a blogster.

As I think back on this last year, a smile comes to my face and I am again reminded of how much God has blessed us. We started off the year with a new addition to our family. Keenan James O'Connor was born on March 17th. He was 8lbs. 7.5 oz and as adorable as they come. Emma is so excited to be a big sister. They have an amazing bond. Sometimes she is the only one who can make Keenan laugh. Keenan is now crawling all over the place. He is very curious and gets into absolutely everything. He is also pulling himself up on chairs, tables, walls, etc. Then he can walk a few steps along the wall. The other day I caught him trying to do chin ups on the tray of his highchair. I'm quickly learning that bumps and bruises are a big part of raising a boy. He is a smiley, happy nine-month-old. We are so blessed.

Emma is nine-years-old and in the fourth grade. She has had a wonderful year. She keeps busy performing in the Missoula Children's Theater plays. This summer she got her first solo role as the wolf in Johnny Appleseed. Emma was also invited to sing in the All City Children's Choir which begins in January. She loves school and her teacher, and has developed a love for math, especially division, this year. (I'm so proud!) She wasn't sure how it would be to have a baby brother, but those worries quickly went by the wayside. When she first saw him, they both fell in love instantly. It's so fun to see them together. She loves to write songs and poems. I frequently catch her performing them for Keenan. We are so blessed.

Brent packed his bags shortly after Keenan was born and headed off to China to shoot a documentary. He spent two and a half weeks capturing the cultural exchange between Chinese and Montana dancers. He then worked feverishly to make it into a wonderful story. The documentary, "Moccasins, Tutus and a Rope", debuted this fall. It was wonderful! In addition, the football and basketball seasons have kept him on his toes; he still runs Griz Vision at the games. When he's not working, Brent likes to R&R with the fam. The other night I peeked into the living room to find Brent and Emma reclined on the couch watching the new Muppets Christmas movie (a shared passion) and Keenan was curled up on Brent's lap. We are so blessed.

I am still running an after school program at Hawthorne Elementary. It is wonderful. I love my students, and am grateful to be a part of their lives. I was lucky enough to be able to join a tap dancing class this fall. It has been such fun to dust off the ol' shoes and get back into it. I was even able to teach the class a couple of times while the teacher was out of town. I'm having a great time! I also like to spend my time with the kids. We have a pet store near our house that has monkeys and birds and they let the puppies run around the store. We love to go visit the animals. The other day I was driving with both kids in the car, and Emma was making silly noises, then Keenan was laughing and that got Emma laughing. It was such fun to drive down the street with a car full of giggling children. We are so blessed.

We almost bought two houses this summer. The offers were accepted, then along the way they fell apart . . . so we are still not homeowners. We are so thankful, because now interest rates and housing prices are dropping. Someone must be watching out for us. Maybe the New Year will bring a new house for us!

We are so thankful for our many blessings. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Love and God Bless,
The O'Connor Family