Season of Change

Joscelin has graduated from highschool. She is now at BYU-Idaho. The house has been so different without her here. While we miss her, we are so proud of the person she is and we are ever grateful that she radiates the spirit and it is seen by those around her.

 

 

James started Running Start. He has mastered the city bus system and gets around with minimal help from us. He has kept up with highschool band and choir while still attending seminary every morning. He is getting closer to his Eagle project. He is taller and his voice is deeper. I'm seeing the makings of a great missionary in him.

Tatiana started middle school this fall. The bus picks her up so early! She is now in Joscelin's room and does a fabulous job of keeping it clean. She is looking forward to turning 14 and getting a Facebook account. She is also planning (in the future) to get married and have children.

 

 

Shayla is all horses. She dreams, breaths and talks horses all the time. I have a much greater appreciation for my parents and the hours they listened to me as a girl! Shayla is getting set up for joining 4H and plans to show one of the horses at the fair next year. She plays flute at school. she is in 6th grade and looking forward to growing up.

 

 

Kamella started violin this year. She and Shayla are both out of braces and wearing retainers. Kamella likes to sleep in, but is a happy riser in the morning. She continues to grow and is no longer my little girl.

 

 

Colton and Abby are getting smarter. They are great helpers, explorers, players, and huggers. We love their laughs, their hugs, and their smiles.

 

 

I was recently called as Relief Society president, helping me to re-evaluate where I am in my life. I have felt the love and guidance of Heavenly Father as I have worked to have the spirit more readily available on a daily basis. Josh and I are working hard on correct priorities in family and home. We are looking forward with happiness while working on what matters most right now.

 

 

While change can add stress, it can also help us to look at life through different eyes, help us to see where improvements can be made, and help us to remember where to look for REAL GUIDANCE, Our Heavenly Father. With Him, We can do anything!!!

Snow Days - Hummm....

We are now in our 3rd snow day. I hadn't even known the storm was coming. And the school district was caught by surprise also. Tuesday morning I ran Joscelin and James up to seminary at the church. It had snowed a little, but roads were definately fine. But the snow increased and roads got worse. School was cancelled at 7:55am, 20 minutes after classes started at the high school... and after my girls had gone out to wait for the bus. Joscelin and James were bused home, thank goodness. I wouldn't have made it up the hill in the van.

So we are now into a 3rd day Snow Day. The kids have filled their days with books, bionicles, legos, snow, sledding, crocheting, movies, and the occasional chores to maintain some order. My days have been filled with laundry (snow clothes), baking, jam making, and peacemaking.

Interestingly, even though there is no school, the kids can't seem to sleep in. They wake up early on their own, while on school days it is a struggle to wake them. They also feel they are on vacation and exempt from chores. HA! And the saddest thing .... these snow days have to be made up... at the end of the school year. Meaning, Joscelin who graduates June 10th, will have to go to an additional 3 days of school after her graduation to fill attendance requirements.

But all that aside... the sun is rising over the mountains. The earth looks so clean and peaceful. The long icicles and snow are reflecting the "warm" sunlight (actually 13 degrees outside right now). As I sit in my warm home, I have a most beautiful view out my front window... and regardless of school, I am grateful for the wonderful creations of my Heavenly Father. I am blessed!

Out With The Old

Last week, we said GoodBye to our Gold Van. It had served us well for many years. We've been over numerous mountain passes visiting family, said many prayers, had sick kids, trips to the hospital, innumerable trips to schools and even more to the church in that trusty old van. It was not that pretty in the end, and even getting a little unreliable, but what memories.

I remember when we first saw The Gold Van. Tatiana had not been feeling well for a couple weeks. I had taken her in to the doctor twice and been told she had a virus and would get better in a little more time. I called one more time. We looked at cars while we waited for the appointment time and really liked the gold windstar. We went to Tati's appointment and discovered that now she had pneumonia. We were allowed to go home and get some things, but needed to check her into the hospital. That started her 7 day stay at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise. She was 4 years old. Josh bought the van for us the next day. It was the first time he ever got drive time on a new-to-us vehicle before me.

And I remember my accident in The Gold Van early this year. An accident was coming that I couldn't avoid, yet I had time to choose being hit in the front or the side. My thought was that I needed the van to get me to SeaTac that weekend because I had arranged a surprise trip for Josh to Disneyland. I took the hit in the side and was able to drive away. No, it was not pretty, but functional. And then this summer, a company truck accidentally backed into our van, making us quite a site to see.. duct tape and plastic, scratches and dents.

Yes, it was time for a change. But we are so grateful for the many many miles so graciously given by The Gold Van.

So now we start another era. We found a 12 passenger van with cruise control and felt it would be a good vehicle to take our family around the country to visit family and see the sites. I feel we have more changes in the future... kids to college, missions, trips, moves (How'd that get in there? Just seems to be life for us. No, we're not planning to move.). You never know...

Decided to join the blog world

So, inspired by my sister and sister-in-laws, I've decided to start a family blog. Am I creative, whitty, clever? That remains to be seen. But, if I can manage to contribute fairly regularly, at least you will know better what we have been up to as a family.

And with this being Thanksgiving season... I am so very grateful for Family! My children, My husband, My parents, My siblings, My grandparents, My in-laws.... All have contributed to help us become the people we are.

Hugs to all!