Happy Holidays

Time has gone by so fast. As 2009 comes to an end, we count our blessings and are truly grateful to have such wonderful friends and loving family. We have had a some great accomplishments this year as we take a look back.

We traveled a little bit. Chad and Janeil went on a cruise in February to the Caribbean and had a great time. It was great to get away and just enjoy our time together and sharing some new experiences. As a family, we went to Bear Lake a few times with the boat. We also took a trip to the coast of Oregon in our motor home for a week. We saw some beautiful country and had a great time playing in and around the ocean.

When we weren't traveling, we were working in our yard putting in a sprinkler system, grass and flower beds. Chad decided to try a new type of sprinkler system that is completely underground (like a whole bunch of soaker hoses under the lawn). It was a lot of work but looks greats. Next year we will tackle another portion, perhaps the water fall in the front circle, along with completing the shop.

Justin is in the 5th grade and liking school again. He participated in the Lego Robotics League after school and loved creating and executing the robots into action. He also played football this year and did very well, loving every minute of it. Justin just turned 11 and is excited to be in the Boy Scouts.

Jessica started Kindergarten this fall. Saying that Jess loves school is an understatement. She is totally enthused to finally be able to go to school. She is learning to read and doing very well. If you see her, most likely she will have a book in her hand. Jess played soccer in the fall and thought she was the queen of the field.

Janeil has experienced lots of changes at work this year. The law firm was downsized a little and she is now working for a different attorney but still working. She took on a new challenge this summer by establishing an exercise routine and ran up and down the hills with her friends. It was a lot of work but she decided that she actually likes to run.

Chad is doing very well at Petersen Inc - Idaho Division. They also had a roller coaster year, but 2010 looks to be one of growth and prosperity. They now have a solid team working for them and are tackling some incredible projects.

We have been blessed in many ways and are grateful for the Lord's hand in all that we are able to accomplish and receive. Overall, it has been a good year and we look forward to another good year in 2010.

Oh my...She is 6!!!

Jess has waited all year for her birthday. On the 14th, she turned six and couldn't be more excited. She took treats to Kindergarten, help make her own cupcakes, and was a pleasant girl all day. She got black boots (Mom bought them a while back but took them away for being naughty) and twin babies that talk to each other. At six, Jess is in Kindergarten and loves it. She is learning to read lots of words. She is either carrying around a book reading or wanting to color. She has lost her two top front teeth and has a very cute smile. She is trying to lose the two bottom eye teeth as well. When she is not crying or whining, Jess is a very sweet happy child always with lots to say. We love her very much. Happy Birthday Jessica!!!

Opportunities and Changes

Until we moved to Inkom, whenever I had a calling, I would move before I was released (about every two years.) We have been in Inkom now for about seven years and I have experienced the feelings of being released not just once but twice now. Last week the entire YW presidencies and advisors were released, including myself as the Beehive leader for the past three and a half years. What a bittersweet moment that was. Today, I got called to the primary and it is sort of frightening. Yes, more frightening than the YW or maybe I was just comfortable after many many years in the YW. I am not sure what I am feeling about being a teacher. As in other experiences and callings, it is probably where I am suppose to be and have some lessons in life to learn about children and their sweet spirits. I am looking forward to the adventure, yes it will be an adventure.