Every year seems to bring a lot of changes, and so it was in 2011. In the earliest news of the year, our forth child, Titus Benjamin Ashby, was born in January. He's a very curious little boy and loves to unload everything he can get his hands on: baskets, drawers, cupboards, diaper bags; you name it. If you saw him from behind it would remind you a of a tree-chipper with shavings flying in all directions as he tosses diapers (unused), clothes, toys, etc. He loves playing with his siblings and is a very happy baby.
Lincoln turned three this year and is such a character. He loves playing with trains and making everyone laugh. One day he tried as hard as he could to say the word “disgusting.” It came out “kerstunkle.” Kerstunkle has since been added to the official Ashby Suburban Dictionary. Lincoln has also become Joseph’s football friend, watching and playing it as much as they can. Lincoln’s favorite thing to do is run football plays where his older siblings block for him as he tries to pass Joseph to get a touchdown.
Ansel is now five and his favorite things are motorcycles, transformers and trains. He got to ride a real motorcycle all by himself this year, which was a big thrill. Ansel enjoys being active by running around, riding bikes, and swimming. We practiced swimming a lot at the beginning of the fall school semester and I think he has his dad's swimming genes. This has been a big reading year for Ansel because he finished his reading lessons and has been able to start reading books. Ansel has been our most patient learner and it’s fulfilling to see him reap the benefits of all his hard work and dedication.
Isabel is my little grown-up, even though she is only seven. I’m so grateful for all her help, especially with Titus and Lincoln. It’s neat to see her confidence grow and her personality develop as she becomes more responsible and independent. Isabel loves horses. This summer she was able to do a one-day horseback riding class and had a birthday party that featured miniature horseback riding (so spoiled, I know, but we have a rural-dwelling friend who did us a favor). Her favorite things to do are read, and play with her brothers (where often times she is the horse that takes them for rides). She and Ansel started piano lessons this year. She practices so much. I can't believe how fast she has caught on and improved.
Joseph has kept very busy this year. He still teaches seminary (a five-day-a-week, early-morning scripture study class for high school students). He really loves those kids and is glad to continue working with them. Joseph studies history and politics and writes political articles almost every week. His work is published on AmericanThinker.com. Several months ago he was asked to be a weekly guest on a Nebraska radio show to talk politics. (The archive of those segments can be found at khubradio.com/about/podcasts/.) I think the most important thing he does is support me with my household and family responsibilities.
The most recent big change for me has been home schooling my two oldest children, something I never thought I would do. We just felt very strongly it was right for our family. Isabel is in second grade this year and Ansel started kindergarten. Since this is our first year, there is a lot to learn.
We focus on work, service and academics. The kids have plenty of time to read, play make believe, cook, play math games, do laundry, practice the piano, help our friend move, write letters and so many other things that Joseph and I feel are important to teach our kids. We love our little school and have learned a lot so far.
The most intense school assignment this year was when we asked the kids to run a real-fruit smoothie stand. They secured start-up capital from Joseph (they dressed up and delivered a multi-slide presentation that explained their capital requirements and pathway to profitability), and sold the smoothies at several different garage sales. There were significant challenges, but, in the end, it was a big success.
Looking back as another year ends, I feel most grateful for the blessing of my family. The most important things in my life are these relationships. I feel so lucky to be able to spend time with my family almost every day. I know the happiness we feel as a family is directly related to how much we center our lives on our Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel. At this time of year when we celebrate His birth let us all rededicate ourselves to live what He taught. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!