Greetings from Sunny South Florida!
We hope that this newsletter finds all in the family happy, well, and healthy. Our family is doing great and loving the beautiful weather we are having right now. It's in the 80's during the day and high 60's at night. It's been breezy and cool. Lovin' it! Mark went out golfing yesterday and said that the weather was just perfect for golfing. So we are really enjoying this weather. We are all very much looking forward to my mom and dad coming for a visit. Our finances and ticket prices have kept us lately from visiting Arizona lately. It's been so hard to not see them for a while. So having them here will be priceless. We are going to take a road trip down to Key West and spend a few nights down there in a townhouse on the water. My dad wants to visit the Southernmost Point (mile marker 1). It's so beautiful down there and they have never been to Key West. They are in for a treat! It will be a great trip for all of us.
Mark quit his new, better paying job. It wasn't worth the headaches and time that Mark was putting into the job. He was a totally different person and was working too much. He tried it out for a few weeks and we both decided that we were all so much happier when he was working for the state. So he decided to keep his old job. We are all so much happier that he did so. Mark continues to impress me each day by how wonderful he is as a father, a husband and a friend. He is so caring and is always wanting to help with anything he can. He is an amazing chef and he cooks just about every night. We are in for such a treat when dinner time comes around. We love him to pieces just for the wonderful person that he is.
I am still working at Pediatric Associates. My two year review will be in June. I love my job and I love who I work with. I love seeing the tiny, newborn babies that come in. I also get to see them grow up as well and get to know the moms and dads and siblings. It's fun for me. My children are cared for as well. I can bring them at any time. I am also very, very close to be next in line for the manager position. I am crossing my fingers that it will come soon. If not, I will continue to wait. I've never been a manger of an office before. I am ready for it, bring it on! Now that I finished cross-stitching my dad's stocking, I have started a new piece. It's the biggest piece that I've ever done. It's for my mom and it's going to be beautiful once it's finished. I don't know how long this will take me, but it sure will be awesome. I am constantly working on it, along with reading my Nora Robert's novels. I love her books! So, in my spare time (which I don't have much) I try to read and needlepoint.
Ayn is in the 1st grade and exceding all levels of expectations from his teacher. He is reading at 3rd grade levels and is constantly getting good grades. He has his bad days, but more good days than none. We have had him tested for the gifted program twice and has fallen just short both times. But he continues to impress me and his father each and every day. He is in Tae Kwon Doe and just recently got his yellow belt. He also just went to his first sparring class. ( you have to complete three sparring classes to get your next color belt ). He is still the tiniest member of his class, but he tries so hard and is learning so fast. He is also in his 4th year in piano and his piano recital is coming up very soon. He is also in tapp and jazz. This is his second year. They are so impressed with him that they asked him to dance in the opening performance for both shows. Last year he was the only boy, but this year he inspired 5 other boys to be in his class. He's made such a difference in his dance class. We are all so proud of him!
Jaden continues to impress us with how happy and how wonderful she is. She just loves life and is always so enjoyable to be around. We are struggling with her potty training, though, but it will come with time. When she's ready, I know she'll do it. She is just so stubborn sometimes. (I wonder where she gets that from) She will be turning three next month. How time flies! Especially knowing that I can't have anymore children, every second is so precious. She is so funny and all the teachers love her at her school. The three year old teacher can't wait for Jaden to join her class. We love her to pieces, and so does everybody that meets her.
So, all in all we are all doing very well. We are so blessed with what we have. Right now I see so many families struggling with these hard times. It's so sad that these times are so difficult for a lot of people and how hard some families were hit with this tough economy. So, we count our blessings every night. One blessing that I am grateful for is the family that we have. We love our family and extended family. We miss you and hope for the best for all of you.
Lovingly,
Mark, Amy, Ayn and Jaden
Mark & Amy Ryan Family