I can't believe the New Year has already begun! Christmas Break went by way too quickly! Steve had 3 weeks off of work which was so nice. And V, was home from school for about a week and a half, It was so hard this Monday having them leave and go back to work and school, I also had work this week as well. I can't remember if I've mentioned this on this blog before or not; I'm a substitute cook for the school district,  This is my third year doing that Every year I seem to get called up more and more often to work, Usually it averages to about once or twice a month, But last month and this month I've been more busy, I worked the last week and half before Christmas Break and this whole first week back. I've really come to enjoy the work. I'm grateful they've worked with me in that most shifts start at 7:00 in the morning {a few start a little later in the morning} but I don't come in until about 8:15 after I've taken V, to school, So it's nice that I can still drive V. to school and this job really doesn't affect our home life at all. I only work during the times when I normally would be home alone anyway, But I am glad that this week was my last full week of subbing. It'll be nice to get back to my old routine next week of hitting the gym in the mornings and getting housework and errands done before V. is home from school.
 Anyhoo, enough about that....
We still have Christmas up and I love it!! But I think we'll be taking it down this weekend. Our tree is so pretty I don't want to take it down but it does take up a lot of space in our little living room, so it's time for it to come down. Steve will probably just toss it out in the back garden and in the Spring he'll chop it up to use for firewood, It'll smell real nice when we use it for our fire pit this Summer!
I'm looking forward to tomorrow and having V, home {we don't have school on Fridays}. We're just going to get some work done around the house and hit up Costco and Winco for some groceries.
Well, it's late and time to sign off. I'm hoping to post more often even if it's just to jot down some thoughts or to journal my day. 

Girls night

Steve is out camping/fishing this weekend. So I told V. we could have a girls night and she was so excited!
We started with one of her favorite meals for dinner, Pasta a'la Nona. Named for Steve's sister who first made this for us. I'm sure I don't make it exactly the same as her, but I add what I remember!
Then V. had a bath while I cleaned up dinner.
Then we pulled out the sofa sleeper. V. was super excited to sleep on the sofa sleeper. I love how easily she is pleased!
I brought the t.v. into the living room and we stayed up late watching Gummi Bears episodes and eating popcorn.
Nothing fancy. But V. loved it and it was a nice evening for me as well! :)

A birthday and a baptism

V. was baptized on her birthday! How special! We asked her if she wanted to be baptized on her birthday or Thanksgiving weekend{thinking that might be easier on family, maybe?}. She chose her birthday!
The night before, Steve's parents came over to give V. their birthday gifts to her. Grandma Hammond had made a lovely blue afghan for V. What's funny, is V.'s room used to be pink and we had just painted it blue that week! {Blue and green are her favorite colors}. Grandma Hammond didn't know that, but just felt the need to give V. a blue afghan. We also had asked Ruby at the start of the year if she would give V. a Navajo name when she turned 8. So she had been thinking about it all year and consulted with her Aunt Pearl. She said that she described V. to Aunt Pearl{she's never seen a photo of her that we're aware of}. Then they compared names they had picked. They both had picked names for V. that were very similar. So that's the name Ruby gave her. She explained a little bit about the tradition of girls names. Then she told us the name and what it means. So V.'s Navajo name is ~NIZHONI' YAZHI' BAH . Which means~ Beautiful Little Girl.  It was a very special evening with Grandma and Grandpa Hammond!
V. helped me with the program. We chose to have Grandma's and Aunt's on the program since her Grandpa's and Uncle's would be able to stand in on the Confirmation circle.
She chose the songs herself.
It was a very beautiful day! Steve got a little choked up while baptizing her and confirming her a member of the Church. Later, he asked me if he sounded silly. I said no. He isn't one to show emotion very often, so when he does, you know he is feeling some strong feelings. I told him it was very tender. And he gave her a beautiful blessing. V. was a little nervous before hand, but when it came down to it, she was calm. She had a special baptism towel to use that her Grandma West made for her embroidered with her name and date. Afterwards, we all went to our home for a luncheon. Family helped with food and it was all yummy! We also had birthday cake for V. It was in the shape of the CTR shield. We also had a little cake for Boyd since it was his birthday as well and we sang Happy Birthday to them both! She received some nice gifts from family members.
*Side note here* We bought her a nice, genuine leather bound scripture set, tote for her scriptures and a nice new CTR ring. That all cost a good amount so I thought it was good. The night before her birthday Steve asked if I had anything else for her. I said no. Well, yes, I had a couple other things I had bought for her but was holding off until Christmas. Steve asked me to wrap those up to give her for her birthday instead. He loves to spoil her! So we gave her those gifts first thing in the morning. She seemed happy, but I could tell she was sad she didn't get scriptures for her birthday.*
We waited to give her her scriptures and such until all the family was there. So after she opened gifts from them, we told her we had tricked her and still had a gift for her.  She was excited as she opened her tote and scripture set. The CTR ring was in the pocket of her tote. She was very happy and immediately found the Articles of Faith in her new scriptures and highlighted them.
We had the Elder Missionaries over for dinner the week before and had invited them to come to V.'s baptism. They came to our home after the baptism and explained that they had wanted to come, but had a service project that morning. But they wanted to give V. something. They first shared the story of Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty {found in Alma 46 {Book of Mormon}}.Then they said they had looked around and tried to think what they could give V. They tore one of their white shirts, wrote the Title of Liberty on it, looked around their apartment and found a wire hanger that they straightened out and tied the torn shirt too. They also gave her a card. V. was pretty excited when they gave her these. We thanked them. Then I thanked them again and told them they don't realize that she will never forget the Elders that gave that to her the day she got baptized. They have made a permanent mark on her and are such a good example to her.
It was a wonderful day! I'm so grateful for all the family and friends who love and support V. Since we are a small family, I've always hoped and have been grateful for the love and support she gets from her extended family. She will need it someday when Steve and I are no longer around.

Trying to catch up on blogging but admitting that too much has happened so I end up just rambling....

I haven't blogged in a little bit. I had plans to post back-to-school photos, Fall photos etc. But my computer is being dumb and won't upload pictures from my memory cards. Grrr!!!
But I figured I better get back to at least writing on this blog. Hopefully I can figure out how to get some photos on here soon...
2nd Grade started for V. last month. She has  a great teacher! She already knew about half the kids in her class which made her comfortable and excited. After a month of school, she is still loving it and comes home everyday eager to talk about her day! She had a bad fall on the gravel at recess one day and when she got home all she had was a band aid on. When I took it off, I saw there was still gravel and dirt in her cut and skin. Steve cleaned it and she cried because it hurt so bad! We were a little worried it might get infected. After 4 days it was still bleeding and not scabbing over. But we kept washing it and putting fresh band aids on and it did finally scab over. Now it looks like a little scar on her knee. It seems like every Fall when V. is back in school it only takes a couple days before she comes home with band aids all over her legs/knees. She just gets running so fast and having fun! I guess it's a sign of childhood to have band aids on your knees all the time, right?
V. already met her goal in the A.R. testing/reading program they do. I'm not too familiar with this. But she said her goal was a 4. She was at 2. 5. Then she read a Magic Treehouse book {a series she is loving right now!}and she said because it was a chapter book it was worth 3 points. So she took her test on it and got her score/points up to 5.5. So she says that means she gets to eat lunch with her teacher for meeting her goal! { I love that kids love the reward of eating lunch with their teacher!} Anyway, we are out for Harvest break right now, so she will get her reward when school starts back up.
Steve has been hunting this month and he shot a bull elk with his bow 2 weeks ago. He was by himself and it was back in aways, so it took him about 9 hours to cut it up, skin it and pack it out. We decided to get all but the backstrap in ground meat. We picked up the meat from the processor the other day and it feels so good knowing/seeing our freezer full of fresh, lean meat!
Steve's brother, Mike is staying with us this week and Steve has the week off work. The 2 of them have been out hunting trying to get Mike an elk. Tuesday they took V. with them and she was thrilled and had the time of her life! They got into some elk. Steve stayed with V. in the truck where they watched the elk through the spotting scope. Mike was creeping up on the herd when a truck went by and spooked them all. SO he didn't get any, but like I said, V. had the time of her life. She loved that she got to ride in the back of the pick up {with Mike} as well. That's just part of growing up in Idaho!
Yesterday Steve and Mike went out again and found the herd of elk again. They crept up and Mike took a shot but the wind caught his arrow. SO he missed. And the elk were spooked and took off. Oh well, they have a few more days before Mike goes home to try to get him an elk.
Oh, so much more to talk about, but I feel like I'm just rambling on....
Next week is also Harvest Break and we have a fun event that week that I'll post about later! :)

Summertime

Enjoying a much needed Summer rainstorm!

{I LOVE when it rains!!}

 

 

Having cousins over to play in the mud.

{Isn't my nephew the cutest?}

More mud playing.

Watching Steve light off fireworks.

Grandpa Hammond and his 2 grand daughters watching the firework show.

Family barbeque's.

Summer sports!

V.'s first year playing soft ball and she loves it!

Third year playing soccer and still loves it! { Both Steve and V. stick their tongues out when concentrating or focusing on something. You can see her tongue sticking out in this photo!}

Lil' Slugger.

 

Follow up on Relief Society night

Now that I have a few moments to myself I wanted to follow up on last Thursday's post. About Relief Society night.
We have had some crazy, crazy wind lately. But when you live in Idaho, it happens! Anyway, Thursday started out calm but a wind was starting to come up by evening. And we got a weather alert that we were in a strong wind warning until Saturday night. Steve made the comment, " What if it blows so hard that the power goes out tonight? We'll have this fireside by candlelight!" I think he was trying to lighten my stress but all I could think was, " Crap! What if the power goes out?! I'm in charge! Which means everyone will look to ME to solve things!" So I packed some candles and matches. Just to be safe. ;)
We all went to the church house where Steve set up 2 tables for the refreshments. Since I can't set up the tables because of my back. Then he and V. left to take her to my folks for the evening. I put out table clothes, cups and plates and napkins. Lemon water. And flowers. I LOVE fresh flowers! Then I waited.
I went into the Primary room and practiced my song by myself.
Then waited.
Then Sue, who was playing for me came and we ran through the song. I thought I'll be fine if I can just get the nerves out of my voice!.
Then waited.
Steve called to say he might be a little late. I was like," NO!!!" I need you here to calm my nerves!
Then Glen Rawson showed up. We chatted for a bit. I told him how when I first got this calling not quite a year ago I had a ton of ideas for R.S. Night flow out of my mind. I wrote them all down. His name was among the ideas. But I knew he was a busy man and I hated to take him away from his family so I put it off. But then towards the end of last year, his name just kept coming to my mind. Over and over. So I finally gave in to the prompting and talked to the Bishop about having him come. And now here we were doing a fireside with him! So I told him this was definitely the Lord's plan and I was so glad that he took the time to come do this for us. He said that doing firesides was actually therapeutic for him. So he was grateful, for the opportunity.
Anyway, then Steve showed up. Just in time! And he and his mom sat near the front where I could see them!
I got up and welcomed everyone. I think I said something kinda stupid. I hate conducting. We had our opening hymn and prayer and then I got up to introduce Bro. Rawson. I had asked him before hand if he wanted to be introduced a certain way or anything. He said it didn't matter, just short and sweet. Well, short it was! I just basically said what I had said in my post last Thursday. That he was my old Seminary teacher and that I felt like his teachings and enthusiasm for the Gospel really had an impact on me. Or I said something like that! Anyway, then I turned  the time to him and went to sit by Steve.
Glen Rawson's talk was amazing! He talked about Faith. He told some stories from the early saints. He stressed that we need to have more faith to do what the Lord wants us to do. Faith to fulfill our callings. Faith in all we do. He also said something to the effect that our faith is no less then the saints faith. Sometimes we hear their stories and think, " I could never have done that! They had such faith!" He said our Faith is just as strong today. Our trials are every bit as hard as the saints. We need to not put ourselves down. But just have the faith to do what's right. With faith all things are possible.
Then he had me sing, "When Faith Endures". This song has such a great message! Unfortunately there isn't a public recording of this song for me to share with you. And I'm not smart enough to figure out how to share the recording Courtney sent me in an email with you. Sorry! But I sang it well. I messed up one small part, but felt the Spirit with me and this song. And that's all that matters.
Anyway, I'm paraphrasing what all was said. And this is probably more of what I HEARD then what was SAID. But it was good. SO good. The Spirit was strong. I came away feeling uplifted and encouraged to do more. Steve really isn't a fan of listening to stories on the radio. And that's the only way he knew Glen Rawson. So he said hearing him in person was awesome. He loved his sense of humor, he loved his stories, and he loved the way Bro. Rawson told the stories.{Some people are just great story tellers.} Steve loved the stories about Ephraim and the Indians.  Steve said he felt the Spirit more than once during the evening.
Afterwards we all mingled and ate cupcakes and brownies. More than one person came up to me to thank me for this evening and to tell me this was exactly what they needed to hear.  Following the promptings of the Spirit to put this night together was good. People needed it. And to have someone tell me this was what they were needing in their lives right now is what made this evening a success.
I wish you all could have been there!
As Bro. Rawson would always say at the end of class, " The Church is True!"
P.S.
And the power never went out! It didn't get windy enough for that!

Last day of Easter Break

Being a Monday, Steve had work. :( V. and I tried to talk him into calling in sick but he was already taking this next Friday off because family will be in town. So he got up early and went to work while V. and I slept in!
When V. woke up she asked if she could play the Wii. Sure, why not? So she did that while I got myself ready for the day and cleaned up a little.
Then we went to my chiropractor for my appointment. My back has been feeling much better. More like an achiness at times and not so much a pain. Good sign! Or so I thought.  Dr. Ellis has this table that I lay face down on, he straps my legs down, then stretches the table out a bit then lowers the table where my legs are. It's supposed to stretch my back. Or something. Anyway, we had gotten to the point that he could lower my legs a good amount without me feeling any pain in my back. But when he did it today he just barely started to lower my legs and I already felt pain! Which isn't good. He asked if I've been lifting heavy things or stuff like that. I told him no. I still have Steve help with the laundry and V. vacuums and all that. So he said maybe we started backing off too soon with treatments? Anyway, I see him again on Friday and we'll see how my back is doing then. I'm kinda bummed. I honestly felt like things were getting better...
After that V. and I went for a walk around Jensen's Grove. It's about a 1.75 mile walk. Then she played on the playground while I laid out in the sun and read. I love how easily kids make friends! We were there not 2 minutes and she already was running around with another girl and playing with her!
After that we got some groceries. I asked V. if we should pick up Subways while in town for lunch. She said," No. I like your cooking. I just want you to make me something. " Well, okay then! You compliment my cooking and I'll make anything for you! So we went home and had homemade mac & cheese.
 Then we did some reading and she did her piano practice. Then I got out my paints and she painted a little wooden bird house we had picked up last week at the store. Then she played outside with a neighbor girl until it was time to go to cheer. After cheer we ran to the library to sign her up for softball then home to dinner, bath and bed. It is a school night after all!
 This has been a very fun Easter break! Beautiful weather and lots of family time!
 

Easter Sunday!

Church doesn't start until 11:00. But I had choir practice at 10:00. Steve's early morning meeting was cancelled. So we had a quiet, relaxing morning.
V. has been singing with me at choir practice lately, but is too shy to actually get up and sing with the choir. Today she almost did, but then changed her mind. Sacrament meeting was beautiful! the Spirit of the Lord was there! The song the choir sang was lovely! A beautiful Easter Sunday service!
We went home after Sacrament meeting as V. said she wasn't feeling well. This has been happening a lot this year since we switched to this time block. Usually we get her home and she eats a little bit and is then fine. So I honestly think her tummy not feeling well is just hunger. She really hasn't ever experienced hunger. The last time we had this time block {11:00~2:00} was maybe 3-4 years ago. She was at an age where we still brought snacks for her. I've tried feeding her a bigger, later breakfast, but where we still have to be at the church for choir practice at 10:00 her breakfast is usually at 9:00~9:30ish. So she still gets hungry. But I guess we'll keep trying to help her adjust...
Since we were missing the last two meetings of church we decided to watch some movies about Christ and his Resurrection. Since that's what Easter is all about! We watched "He is Risen", a cartoon from the Living Scriptures series. Then we went old school and pulled out our VHS "the Lamb of God". One of my favorite shows! I also feel the Spirit so strong while watching that and usually end up crying! { Little side note here~ "the Lamb of God was filmed in Provo when I was young and my family lived down there. My Dad was an extra. Just a bystander. But one day one of the guys playing a guard didn't show up. So they grabbed my Dad. With his dark looks and full beard he looked the part! So you can see him in  a couple of scenes leading Christ to Pilate}.
I made brownies and we went to my folks for dinner and an egg hunt! Some of my brothers and sisters and their kids were there and it was sun! Steve and V. kicked the soccer ball around a little after the egg hunt.
Then we came home and relaxed and went to bed.
 

Easter Break Day 3

Since Steve had fallen asleep at like 5:00 the night before, he woke up around 3:00 am and made himself a sandwich then got into bed with me to watch t.v. I vaguely woke up, then went back to sleep. But then around 4:00ish I woke again. Steve turned the t.v. off and snuggled down into the bedclothes with me. We lay facing each other snuggling. {And no, that is not code for anything!} We just talked and talked until about 6:00. Then Steve got up and dressed and went out to the desert to do some glassing {look for deer and elk}. I didn't fall back asleep so I got up and had a nice, long, bubble bath!
 After V. finally woke up I made her breakfast and we just hung out. Then Steve called and said it was such a nice day did I want to call my Dad and see if he wanted to go shooting? My parents both bought pistols a few months ago and we kept saying we'd take them shooting but either the weather was crappy or our schedules were busy. Dad was excited to go. So after Steve got home we ran to the grocery store then out to pick up Dad. Steve took us out to the desert where there is a shooting range and we spent maybe 2 hours shooting. Dad hasn't shot a gun for quite a few years and I think he enjoyed himself! This was V.'s first time shooting and she did great! There was a glass bottle a couple of us tried to shoot and kept missing. She got it on her second try! Even though Steve has said he would take me shooting we never have gotten around to it. He had shown me how to load and hold his gun. But I have never actually shot it. So this was my first time as well and I loved it! I shot his pistol, .22 and shotgun. {I also got a little sun burnt. But no one else did. I'm just the fairest one in the family!}
After that we took Dad home and came home to have a late lunch. Then Steve and V. went fishing. While they were gone I took a nap, did laundry and went to the gym. Yay me!
They had a lot of fun even though they didn't catch anything. They stopped to help someone who was stuck in the mud, rode the 4 wheeler and V. got stung by a bee. It had crawled up her pants leg and when she went to scratch it stung her. Steve said she cried a little but was pretty brave about it. They came home happy and overflowing with excitement to tell me all about everything they had done!
We had dinner then to bed. V. fell asleep quickly, she was so tuckered out!

Day 2 of Easter Break

Day 2:
Steve had an Union meeting in I.F. this morning. So V. and I went with him. She and I hung out at the Mall where she played on the indoor plaything while he had his meeting. Afterwards we got some errands ran followed by lunch at Applebee's. { Steve's sister had given us a gift card for there for Christmas }.
Then we came home and tinkered around getting stuff done.
Then we had a family bike ride through the neighborhood until a training wheel fell off of V.'s bike. { Yes. She still has training wheels. She's a little afraid of hurting herself and can't seem to let go of them... }
Then Steve fell asleep. V. and I ate sandwiches for dinner followed by a warm bath for V.  I think I might take a bath myself later on....
Steve promised V. he'd take her fishing today or tomorrow. He stayed up late last night preparing hooks and she has been talking about it all day! Unfortunately it was too windy today. So they both are hoping for good weather tomorrow so they can go then! Her motto today {and tomorrow} is 'Keep Calm and Go Fishing!'

*******************************************

 

March 26th

* Today as I was helping in V.'s classroom the school had a fire drill. So I got to walk outside with her class, holding her hand.

* It has been raining this afternoon and I LOVE it!

* V. has had no cheer, ballet or piano this week. Due to Spring breaks. But our Easter break starts on Thursday. So only 3 days of school this week as well. So, so far it's been a nice week and she is excited for the rest of the week! I think we'll dye Easter eggs on Friday. And she bought a little wooden birdhouse that I told her she could paint over the break. Steve wants to take us to lunch or dinner sometime this weekend. Other than that, it will be a slow, nice weekend.

* Speaking of Steve, I am wildly in love with him.....Just had to say that....

* My back has been feeling really good. Yay!! I'm hoping it just continues to get better from here on!

* I pre-ordered the Hobbit. We have been anxiously awaiting for it to arrive. Steve asks everyday if it has arrived. I got it for a good price by pre-ordering it but waiting for it is driving us nuts!Any day now....

* Next week Steve's family will be in town. We can't wait to see them. Especially our new nephew!!

Today

*  I'll admit it. I cried a little while watching this video. What an amazing experience these 2 young men are going to have. God works in mysterious ways. But always in miraculous ways!

*  In other news, it's Pi Day. So to celebrate I am thinking of making a chocolate pudding pie. That's the only type of pie all three of us like. But I have a Relief Society thing tonight that is a dinner and program. So I'm hoping when I get home there will still be some pie left for me in the fridge!

*  I moved some furniture around on Monday. I know I shouldn't have. But it's just so hard to sit around all day doing nothing waiting for Steve to get home and help me. I feel bad. He works all day and then comes home and has to help me with stuff that needs done here. I also took out the garbage and vacuumed. Other things I'm not supposed to do. And I am paying for it now. My back has increased in pain the last few days. Alright! I learned my lesson! I won't do ANYTHING until my back is healed. It's just so hard though. And Steve doesn't make me feel guilty for having to help me more. He makes me feel guilty for doing it and not waiting for him. {Okay, he really doesn't make me feel guilty. He just says my name in that small reprimanding way," Mary. You need to not be doing that. Wait for me and I'll do it for you."} He doesn't want me to hurt my back anymore than it already is hurt. He's so good. It's just me and my stubbornness and being too proud to admit that I need to depend on him and V. more. I need to humble myself and let them help me.

*  It's going to be another beautiful Spring day today! The heat is off and soon I'll open the doors to let in the fresh sunshine and fresh air!

* Tonight is our Stake Relief Society birthday dinner and program. They want each ward to have a table set up that shows our R.S. history. So the R.S. president and I have been trying to get things ready and I think it will turn out. You never know until you go over there and actually get setting up. We have framed pictures of each of the R.S. presidents our ward has had as well as their testimonies written down. Sis. Ellis has also put together a very pretty Spring bouquet to have on the table. Then I've put together a little collage of photos we've found. This has made me realize I need to take photos of our R.S. nights we do. Most of the photos we do have are older ones! {Did I tell you I'm the Relief Society night coordinator for our ward? I've had the calling for about 10 months and so far am really enjoying it!} Anyway, we also are both bringing anything we have that we've made or done in Relief Society in this ward to display. So I hope it all comes to together and looks good.....I think it will.... I hope it will!

* If you were to come over to my home right now you'd find me in my sweatpants, one of Steve's sweatshirts, hair pulled back in a bun and paint all over my pants and hands. I have been creating today! Creating items to take into the shop to sell and creating items for our R.S. table tonight. I am frantically trying to get it all done! As well as trying to catch up on dishes and laundry and housework!
 

Winter Fun

In February some friends of ours invited us up to their cabin with them for some snow fun! We drove up to Kilgore then from there we had to take snow machines up into the hills to the cabin. Because of my back I couldn't ride a snowmobile. :(

So I rode up in the snow cat with all the supplies.

V. and the other girls all got along great! They always do! We might not see them for a few months but when we get together the girls pick up right where they left off!

 Steve and V. had fun playing in the snow! The snow was so deep it was up past Steve's knees! He buried V. in the snow in this picture.

 Playing around!

 V. and our friends' girls. They had so much fun!

 Steve and V. on the snowmobile.

I was pretty bummed that I couldn't go for a ride. But I sat by the fire and read and still enjoyed myself.
Thanks to Nic and Jenna for inviting us along! It was fun and we hope to do it again next year! {Maybe I'll be able to "play" next time!}

Ramblings

* I'm sitting here outside V.'s classroom at her dance studio. I love listening to the beautiful classical music that is pouring out of the open door!
And I love peeking through the window to see 8 cute little girls stretching and pointing their toes.
I love V.'s instructor, Ms. Kristy. I think she is a wonderful teacher and a wonderful role model for these girls. She always has the class under control, without ever using anything but her quiet, gentle voice. Somehow the girls just know to show her the proper respect in class.
V. has fun in class, but is also learning the basic fundamentals she needs to know.
Her teacher always complements and uplifts the girls.
Her teacher is so very feminine and ladylike. I love the way she carries herself with confidence and grace. But never in a  snooty or sexual manner like so many girls/women do now-a-days.
The students just adore Ms. Kristy!
* The snow is slowly melting! It's still cold, but slowly getting warmer. I've even turned the heat down a little in the house! Yay!
*I've gone a week with very little back pain. I'm now only going to the chiropractor twice a week. Obviously following the restrictions he's given me is working. I'm so hopeful I'll be able to start running again in May!
* Steve wants me to pick up Cafe Rio on the way home for dinner. Sounds great to me!
* I help in V.'s classroom at school on Tuesdays. I'm so grateful that I don't have other obligations to prevent me from doing that. I love helping at her school!
* We have a viewing to go to tonight of a family friend. She was in her 80's. Her husband passed away a few years ago. It's sad, but also wonderful to know she is with him again!
* My phone that I'm typing this on is just about dead. So I guess that's enough rambling for today!

Jackson/YellowStone October 2012

Last October we took our annual trip to Jackson and Yellowstone. Steve's brother Mike came with us. I think he said he'd only been once before.
We went up to Jackson and stayed the night. Then the next morning we drove up to Yellowstone and came home later that night. As always, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
The year before there was snow on the ground. This time there was no snow but it still was very cold!

Here we are in Jackson Hole!

 Looking at Lewis Falls.

 Waiting for Old Faithful to go off!

 Tuckered out.

Steve's brother Mike really enjoyed the trip. And he was a good sport to play knock-knock jokes with V. and let her follow him around. She loves that he calls her kiddo!
I think we all decided we'd like to go back in the Spring when the bears are out. So maybe in a couple months I'll be posting about another trip!

Today's thoughts....

* Last night my dream was in black and white. I vaguely remember Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra and Will Smith. That's it. That's all I remember!
* The wind has been howling non-stop since sometime last night. Even now, I can hear it blowing the snow against the windows. But it almost sounds more like a rain sound then snow...I just checked. It's snow. Just harder sounding I guess.
* My back has been feeling better the last few days! I'm hoping this means that as I continue taking it easy my back will continue to heal!
Steve and V. have been so good! V. has been vacuuming for me, helping me carry in groceries, and helping to remind me to not lift this or that. Steve has been taking out the garbage, carrying laundry around for me, and all sorts of other stuff!
I hate being more dependant on them, but am so grateful for them!
* Steve and his dad gave me a priesthood blessing the other night. I am so grateful that Steve honors his priesthood and actively exercises his priesthood power. I know that my back will heal if I follow my chiropractors advice, and have faith that the Lord will help with the healing process if I follow His promptings, and guidance.
* Here in a little bit we are going to go for a drive in the truck. We enjoy sometimes just driving around as a family. There should be some awesome snow drifts to drive through!

Bits and Pieces of our Life from 2011

 I found this draft of a post from 2 years ago. It's a glimpse into what was going on in our lives then.~

Wow. V. just showed me up in the pushups department. I can, of course, do more than her. But I struggle with it. She gets on the floor and just BAM! BAM! BAM! 3 in row without breaking a sweat! ~March 19th.

I registered my baby for Kindergarten today.They took us all into a big room.Then asked all the kids who are starting Kindergarten to come to the front.I thought we were going to clap for them or something.Nope.They took the kids out into another room.I was like,Wait!!What?! We aren't going to do this together? Wait! I didn't say goodbye to her! Wait! WAIT! They took my baby away from me. I had no warning.How mean...But she came back to me all smiles and full of talk about what she did. And I signed up for the PTA. I'm growing up. WE are growing up!I don't know if we're ready for this next phase in life as a family. PTA, Parent/Teacher Conferences, homework, school lunches,etc. Alot of changes are gonna be happening this Fall!~March 17th.

We just bought our DisneyLand vacation package! Later this week I'll have to make some phone calls to reserve a couple of things, but we are just about all done with the vacation planning stuff. Now we just wait for May to come!~March 13th.

I have many Valentine memories. One of my favorites?
Valentines Day Morning,6 years ago, after a year of trying, we found out we were pregnant! Probably the best Valentines gift I ever recieved!
And she is one of my biggest sweethearts!{Steve is the other!}~Feb 14th

This morning V. came down stairs while I was riding the bike and told me she had done something for me.
"What did you do for me?" I asked.
"I made your bed all by myself!" she said.
What a sweetheart!
However, our bed certainly looks like a 5 year-old made it! ~ Feb. 4th.

You know it's cold outside when you have to kick and pound your front door open~ Feb 3rd

Being one step closer to Financial Freedom is a wonderful feeling! And, as we are paying off our debt, we are contributing MORE to Steve's 401K than before. So we are preparing for our future as well as gaining our Financial Freedom!
{Now I've probably jinxed us and something gonna's come along that demands our money!}~ January 15th

So V. and I are sick. I'm slowly losing my voice. I talked to Steve on the phone a little bit ago.
He says,"Man! You sound like crap!"
Gee.... Thanks honey.
"You sound like a different woman!"
Again, thanks honey. ;)
~ January 3rd

Today my Grandpa Hill turned 80! We had a birthday party for him with family. I was thinking about all the fond and fun memories I have of him from since I was a little girl to now. I'm grateful for those memories and I'm glad that V. is making memories with her Great-Grandpa as well! ~January 1st 

 

Family Pictures

Okay, so while I'm able to post pictures {since it seems like often I can't anymore for some reason},

here are some family pictures we took last Fall.

 V. took photo's of Steve and I. This is only one of them. She is quite good!

2 quick, cute things from this last week....

Monday~
I caught V wearing her witches hat, cape and riding the.......swiffer?
I guess even witches need to modernize!

Tuesday~
V. says to me in the car," Did you know I have a hundred hearts?"
I didn't know that.
"Yeah, they're all stacked together. That way I can give one to everyone!"

Christmas!!!

We had a fun, busy Christmas season.

This year, I wanted to try really hard to teach V. about the importance of giving. We have a cute, little house advent thing that has drawers that pull out. Last year I tried putting scriptures for us to read in each drawer. But we also have a really good advent book that also has scriptures and it got a little confusing. So this year I thought we'd do random acts of kindness. In each drawer there was a slip of paper with an act of kindness V. could do. Some were small like do your chores without being asked, tell a family member you love them, be kind to another child at school, etc. Some were things we do every year anyway like give a gift to your school/piano/ballet teacher, take treats to nieghbors, etc. Some were fun like tape candy canes to atm's around town or tape quaters to vending machines. Some were a little bigger: bake and take goodies to the library staff, to the fire and police departments. And some required a money sacrifice from V. like buying a toy to donate to Toys for Tots and buying some canned food for the FoodBank. And yes, V. used her own money for those.They were all fun and V. couldn't wait each morning to open up a drawer and see what act of kindess she could do that day. We will definetly be doing this every year from now on! And I enjoyed doing it with her as well and giving to people all season long!

We had a family party at my parents.

 V. and her cousin loved watching the train go around and around grandma and grandpa's tree~

 My dad in the background, my brother, and my sister holding my niece. Isn't she a cutie? And V.~

 Steve and V. having fun!~

 Some family chaos. We had the kids put on the nativity. {Unfortunately I didn't have the camera ready for that.}  This photo is everyone getting ready for the white elephant gift exchange~

 My Dad and V. watching all the fun~

 I tried taking a couple of panoramic photos of everyone. But I still only got a few people in the photo and not everyone~

 Then we started fun Christmas time with Steve's family.
Here's a photo of V. and her cousin and her Aunt Randi making cookies~

 These two are so cute together. A regular little Thelma and Louise.~

 Our Christmas tree and village at home~

 V. in her Christmas pj's watching Santa's flight across the world. She couldn't wait for him to get to the United States!~

 Making chocolate milk with daddy for Santa~

 We got V. a bike for Christmas! We knew her reaction to it could go 2 ways~ She could be all excited or be like,"yay. I got a bike. whoop-dee-doo." Lucky for us, she was excited! First thing she did on Christmas morning was see the empty plate of cookies and empty glass. She knew Santa had been here! Then her eyes moved up into the living room and she exclaimed," A bike!" Went running into the living room to look at it, then saw her stocking from Santa on the couch. Here's a picture {blurry, sorry} of her bike~

 V. had seen this little doll at the local bazaar that she fell in love with. I told her to ask Santa for it. And every since our West Yellowstone trip here, she has been wanting a bison. I, again, told her to ask Santa for one.
Santa delivered  both and she was thrilled!~

 Christmas morning!~

A better photo of her bike~

Unwrapping gifts~

After we did our own Christmas we went to Steve's parents.
Again I tried to take a panoramic~

Steve's 96 year old Grandma opening up a gift~

Steve's Grandma and Dad~

Steve's mom made all the boys these hats with moustaches. We were all laughing so hard!
Steve is in the blue one. Don't they look like the Mario Brothers?~

A couple days after Christmas, Steve's sister Nona showed up with her two little boys. This was our first time meeting baby M. { I don't know what's up with Nona's face here}~

V. loved playing with her aunts~

Aunt Jo painted with the girls~

So there's a recap of our Christmas!

A fun, busy, family filled Holiday Season!