Teethless

Jess lost her first two bottom teeth about a year ago and they came in fairly quickly. She has this obsession with loosing her teeth and is always trying to make them loose. About mid-December, she started loosing more teeth. First the two top ones. (We knew they would come out because the dentist told her in August, she'd get two front teeth for Christmas) However, it didn't stop there. Within a week or two, she was pulling out both her bottom "eye" teeth. Yes, she pulls them out herself. By January, she had pulled out a top "eye" tooth. In total, (she is only 6), she has lost 7 teeth and 5 are currently missing. Oh my!!!! She is determined to pull her last top "eye" tooth soon. It is quite humorous to watch her try to eat. We are back to cutting her food into small pieces. She is pretty proud of herself and the hole in her smile.

Missing My Man

There was a time when I didn't mind if Chad left on a business trip for a couple of day. In fact, I would often look forward to it. (Our relationship is better now.) Since he has been working for Petersens Inc., he doesn't travel except to Utah and very rarely overnight. This week Chad had to got to Salt Lake for some deposition and has been gone for two nights and three days. I am going crazy. I can't sleep at night. I can't get up in the mornings with my own alarm. The kids are eating Mac & Cheese. I am wondering when my daily email will come. The list goes on and on. I'm usually not this needy. Chad, it is just a good thing you are coming home today. I don't think I can handle another day without you because I am missing my man.

3rd Annual New Year's Party

The 3rd annual Belnap New Year's Party was once again a lot of fun. It was another full house at the Orr Home in Inkom. Shane's and Kyle's families came Wednesday night. Brian and the folk's with Cody came Friday morning.

Chad and Shane got out the snowmobiles and found a great hill for the kids. Everyone that wanted to was able to sled and/or ride the snowmobile. The older boys convinced the uncles to pull them on their snowboards behind the 4-wheeler. The best part was that throughout the day, more snow arrived.

Inside the house, we were playing games, making necklaces and bracelets, doing puzzles, playing the Wii, and most importantly, eating lots of food.

The kids celebrated the new year with lots of noise and enthusiasm. We love having the family come and celebrate with us. It is a great time to be able to spend time together and strengthen our bonds.

We celebrated Dad's 61st birthday. For dinner, Emilee and the kids joined us which brought the total of family members for dinner to 30 persons. (18 grand kids and 12 adults) We missed Melissa's and Michael's family as they were not with us this year but hope they are well.

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.

Halloween Fun

The kids each had costume parties at school. As a last minute decision Just decided he wanted to be a girl (Why I still can't figure it out). He made a cute girl but doesn't act at all like one. One of Just's friends kept saying "Where's my girlfriend?" Yes, to a parent it could be disturbing but it was all in good fun.

Jess had her Halloween party at school the day before (being in two days a week Kindergarten) so she got the double the fun and participated in Just's party as well.

For Halloween Night, Mom and Dad got involved and the costumes were fun.

I quickly found that Just's generation doesn't know who the "Blue Man Group" is and the outfit didn't make sense. The older generations saw the creativity. Yes, to Mom's better judgment and protest, Dad shaved Just's head-BALD. It's just a good thing it is only hair.

As for the witches, when someone says, "you make a great witch" is that an insult or a compliment. It is quite frightening how I can fit the personality of the costumes quite well.

Halloween night was pleasant and warmer. The kids were able to trunk or treat at the church with all their friends and get their over abundant share of goodies.