My missionary son!

Here's the latest of my boy!
In less than a month we'll be able to hug him!  Cannot wait!!

Changes coming...

This is a big year with lots of changes.  For one...my missionary boy, who's no longer a boy, will be coming home a man in just 43 days.  I am so grateful that he humbled himself and decided to give of himself for two years.  I've seen his growth and the blessings have come to not only those he's serving in Dominican Republic, but to all of us here at home.  Can't wait to squeeze him!!

Mallory turned 18...wow!  She registered to vote right away and got to take part in the Republican Presidential Preference Poll.  Very exciting!  After much prayerful consideration she decided to go to BYU-Idaho.  It was hard because BYU Provo accepted her application to begin in the Fall.  Idaho didn't accept her to start until January.  She decided the smaller campus, and being close to two brothers was more important.  She still plans on leaving in the Fall with Ian, and will take evening classes until her track begins in Jan.

Abigail turned 14!  Big changes with this birthday!  She took her written drivers test and passed on the first try.  She's been out driving several times and so far, she's doing pretty good.  I'll feel better, as a teacher, when the roads are clear of snow and ice.  Also, she gets to go to church dances!  Her first one is this Saturday and she's pretty excited!!

92 Days!

I cannot believe we're in the homestretch with Ian serving his mission!  He finally broke the 100 day mark and tomorrow we'll be able to say "three more months and Ian will be home!!"

Ian is doing awesome!  He just registered for school so we'll be waiting to hear about when he'll start.  Mallory has actually heard that she was accepted into the Winter/Spring tract at BYU-Idaho so she is very excited!  Mallory turns 18 next month and will re-certify for Lifeguard 1.  Once she's a level 1 she can be on deck alone, make more money and hopefully get a lot more hours.  Until you're 18 and a lifeguard 1 you're not supposed to be on deck alone...but, Mallory has been as she's proved her capabilities.  At one pool she's always worked alone but the borough pools are a bit more strict.  I believe she's now saved three people!!  Abigail is swimming...Annie is swimming.  As a matter of fact this coming summer Abigail will start training for the high school swim team!  So weird to think of her going into high school!!

Jezzie is about finished with her allergy de-sensitization.  I believe I have to give her two more injections and then hopefully she'll be done and healed!!  We shall see!  But, I think she's doing better!  She doesn't seem to be gnawing on her feet as much!

We've had some really cold days up here in Fairbanks!  -45 for days!  Yep!  That's a negative 45...below zero!  We've skipped school a couple days and seminary has been cancelled several days as they cancel when it gets to -30.  We've had a couple warmer days but it's supposed to get down to the -40's again this week.  This is life in Fairbanks!  It's not that bad.  We stock up on the essentials so I don't have to run to the store for anything and we just hibernate.  I actually enjoy the days off from running!

That's the excitement for now!  We've got to start getting ready for Ian's return and prepare a room for him.  With the renovations we've been doing in the girls bedrooms all their stuff is everywhere!  The piano room is full, the upstairs rec/guest area is full and the guest bathroom is full!  It's time for the de-crapification process to begin!!!

Spring is coming!!  Maybe just two more cold spells and then it will come!!

'tis the season

Well...it must be the holiday season because I have officially begun my Christmas shopping!!  Yep...I've purchased one gift at this point and I'm beginning to think about what I want to do from here.  I think I'll begin that list that helps me to organize my thoughts so I don't end up buying too much for one and not as much for another.  Apple has an app for that and I love that I can make my list and cross things off with each step...purchased, wrapped, mailed and etc...it's awesome!  I'm still waiting for individual lists from kids but I'm excited that the holiday season is here!  It's a happy time!  The next thing we need to do is dig out all the holiday decorations to really get in that holiday spirit.  Mallory has already begun playing Christmas music!

Ian wrote today and there weren't any changes in transfers today.  The next transfer is right before Christmas.  Oh my goodness!  That's when we get to talk with Ian!!!  Can't wait!

Holiday happiness to all!!!

Only 6 months to go!!

Well...today marks an important date!  Elder Dixon comes home in exactly six months from today.  Well...give or take a day or two perhaps.  In six months Ian can come home but sometimes due to transfers he may be a bit early or late.  It doesn't matter, it's just exciting that in about 6 months we get to greet Ian at the airport!  I can hardly wait to smother him with hugs!

Ian is currently in Arroyo Hondo which is an area of Santiago I believe.  His companion is a local boy, Elder Valdez.  And, Ian is Zone Leader.  He is loving where he's at and his companion and now says this area is by far his favorite.  He's had quite a few baptisms...enough that I can't remember how many at this point.  He loves the people there and really loves what he 's doing.

That's the latest with our missionary!

Crazy Bliss

So, one year I thought a good gift to give my grandchildren would be books read aloud my me...their Nani.  I did it for a year and sent several books...some of our favorites over the years.  On one occasion I was finding it difficult to find a quiet zone to make the recordings.  So, I made a sign to hang on my bedroom door that read, "Do Not Enter...Recording in Progress...Quiet Please".  Of course, in the middle of my recording there was a knock on my door with the accompanying, "MOM...What does this sign mean?".  I won't name any names...but, whoever it was...I love them to death!!

It's these crazy memories that add to my Bliss and bring a smile to my face whenever I think of them.  I'm afraid one day I might start forgetting, so it's time I start recording them for posterity to enjoy!

Summer is over...it's hit the books time!!

It's the beginning of a new school year!  Lots of firsts and lasts!  It's Mallory's last year in High School!  Yep...she's a senior and will be leaving the nest next Fall.  It's Abigail's last year as a student in her Charter school (grades K-8th).  Next year she'll begin her four years where Mallory, Ian, Delaney and Scott all attended!  Annie is attending her first year in Middle School!  She'll have two years there until she joins Abby at West Valley.  Annie got braces just in time for school but should have them off by the time she starts High School.  Mallory is swimming her final year for West Valley...she's sad.  But, she's really excited about college!!  Abby will join the WV team next August and keep the Dixon name going!  So far so good.

Abby's class started off the new year with a two  night camping trip to Denali National Park and Preserve.  It's such a beautiful park and they have so many educational programs there for kids, of all ages, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute.  I went along as a chaperone!  We didn't see one bear at all whereas last year as we pulled into the camp a momma bear and her cub roamed through the campground.

Ian got transferred to an area of Santiago and was also called as the Zone Leader.  He's loving things still and even though he's got less than 8 months left, we're the only ones counting.  He's enjoying the work right up until the end!!