What the Bloomquists Are Up To

We have been lucky enough to keep in contact with some of you (usually your dedication), but because we haven't talked with many others in ages, we wanted to let you know what our family is up to.

Fred started a new career in November of last year and is now working at Stevens-Henegar trying to get the Respiratory Therapy college up and running. We are all enjoying the "normal" schedule that comes with non-medical hours. It has been such a welcome, positive change in our family life. We no longer have to go to church every other Sunday without him or attend family or ward activities unescorted. Date night has become regular and we actually eat meals together as an entire family (well, at least more often). Fred, Mikayla and I even exercise regularly every morning at 6AM (I never feel like that is a positive consequence when I roll out of bed, but we're all happy about it after we're done.) I don't know how we made it through almost 19 years without Fred's constant inclusion, but it has been a breath of fresh air.

We are all trying to gear up for Jordan to leave the nest. He graduates in May and two days later will head to Spokane to work for the summer. In the Fall he will attend BYU-I for two semesters and then turn in his paperwork for his mission. His absence is going to leave a large, empty hole here and I don't think any of us are ready for it, except him; he is ready to try his wings! We wanted to go on a big "last fling" vacation before he left, but this summer job has put a wrench in that.

Mikayla turns 16 in July and is trying to prepare to receive her drivers license before Jordan leaves, so that we won't lose that extra driver. Neither of us seems to be very comfortable with driving under stress, so she may not be ready by June, but I am, once again, back in the passenger seat.

Jordan, Eden and Abrahm are all in spring sports right now, so life has gotten busier, but with Fred home in the evenings, if feels like we still experience good quality family time, but we're all looking forward to summer break, warmer weather and longer days to be together. We have all turned a bit book-wormish this winter, but I can feel the yard faintly calling.

The twins are starting Kindergarten in the Fall and then I am looking into going back to school through BYU Independent Study. I guess Jordan and I will be studying simultaneously. Fred's company eventually wants him to get his Masters, so in a few years, we may all be in school. I'm actually excited.

We are loving living in Middleton. We fit so well in this tiny, close knit community. It's big enough to continually meet new people and have new experiences, but small enough to feel like family. We hope we never have to leave.

However this finds you, we would love to hear from you!