The Year Summed Up

As the year comes to a close, I realize what a blessed year we have enjoyed. Steve finished up (and is still finishing) our addition, which has been so wonderful for our family. I was able to attend BYU Women's Conference with my old roomies from Ricks (we're all still quite young!). What a fun time that was! The summer was full of gardening, swimming lessons, yard work, motorcycle rides, the Burley fair, and good intentions of keeping up on reading and math during the vacation. It was also spent anticipating the fourth novel in the Twilight series. The highlight of the summer was the open house of the Twin Falls Temple and being able to be a part of that. It is such a blessing to only have to drive 40 minutes to attend the temple now! We are grateful for this opportunity and hope to prove our worthiness of this blessing.
This school year found me home alone with my two little boys, which has been so fun! They are such cute little friends and love to play with one another. November found me with a new calling as the Activity Day leader for the Primary girls aged 8 to 11. I was released from my calling in the Stake Relief Society after over four years. It was a bittersweet time. I so enjoyed serving with the sisters in that presidency!
Steve and I were able to spend a week on the Big Island of Hawaii. That was enjoyable, except the signs of morning sickness were already manifesting themselves as I basked in paradise.
Overall, this has been such a good year and I know Heavenly Father is mindful of us and knows what we need. Obviously, He feels I need another child, and I'm trying to put my faith in him! I'm excited for the new year ahead and the joys and challenges it will bring!
Merry Christmas everyone! I love you all!! Thanks for your love and support!

Expecting Another

Just want everyone to know Steve and I are expecting another baby. This has come as a great surprise to us, as we were pretty sure our family was complete as is. I guess there's another one. Anyway, I am due July 22 and am feeling the effects of pregnancy already. You know, the nausea, extreme tiredness, moodiness, etc. I'm feeling post-partum depression and I haven't even delivered. I want to have a good attitude, but sitting alone with five kids at church and the thought of adding another baby is overwhelming right now. I pray I will have the faith to make it through!

Hawaii Vacation

While in Hawaii, Steve and I were able to go the Kona Hawaii Temple. It was so beautiful! We had a great time during our week on the Big Island. Snorkeling was a highlight, along with getting sunburned backs. It was nice and warm, but we were both excited to come home to Idaho.

Ready to score some candy

Here's the brood ready to go out and trick-or-treat. Garrett wasn't sure what it all was about, but it only took one house for him to realize that this was something he liked!

Spectacular Halloween Sunrise

We went outside this Halloween morning to one of the most amazing sunrises I have ever seen!

Great Movie

Steve and I went and saw "Fireproof" last night staring Kirk Cameron. It wasn't what we expected but I recommend it to everyone. We talked about it all night! It will strengthen your marriage, even if you think things are already going pretty well. Or, if you are having some struggles, it will give you some ideas. It's definitely one I will buy. I have to warn you that it is a little cheesy as far as the acting goes, but the message is so good!

The Grocery Game

Ok, so I'm watching Foodnetwork last night and see a segment on some lady who has created "The Grocery Game" which is basically a coupon/sale finding website which is supposed to save you money. Does anyone know anything about it?

Winter in October

This is the scene in our backyard Sunday morning, October 12. We have received over 12" of snow in the past 24 hours. It is crazy! The leaves haven't even fallen off the trees yet, and they are covered in snow. My poor garden is buried! I hope I can get the potatoes out before Winter is here to stay!

Can you say "Goose egg?"

Erik took a spill head first out of the back of the van today (no, Leanda, I wasn't driving down the road). The resulting lump was pretty impressive--I've never seen a goose egg so large!

My first blogging attempt!

OK, I've joined the bandwagon of bloggers! I've decided that maybe this is a better way to keep in touch with everyone.
We are well into the new school year, and I keep being asked how it is having three in school. Like my life is supposed to be easier or something. I'm left at home with my two hardest children and no helpers. Garrett just turned two in August and Erik is three. They are certainly busy, but also a lot of fun! Ethan is in first grade and is slowly warming up to the all-day school idea. He is really quite a home-body and would rather stay here with me, but that's just not an option. Janna is loving third grade. She continues in piano and just started art lessons along with Leah. Leah is in fifth grade and is amazed at the amount of homework this new grade brings. She is a wonderful babysitter!
Steve is loving his job of being a business owner. He continues to serve in our ward bishopric. He bought his way out of a mid-life crisis last week by getting a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic motorcycle. We've taken some fun rides.
I am STILL in the stake Relief Society (we're now in our fifth year). I do enjoy it, but I have never had a calling for so long! It's starting to get easy, so that must mean a release is in the near future. Who knows? I'm full into the canning season right now. I just canned the best salsa of my life (come by and I'll let you sample some). I try to read when I can, and that's about the extent of my life right now.
Anyway, that's an update of our crazy life in a nutshell.