Happy 2012!

What a wonderful time of year. Fresh from the holidays, eating too much, playing games and spending lots of family time. It was fun, but I'm so glad to get back to the routine. No more birthdays for a while, no more stressing about gifts, parties, hosting, making food etc. whew! Our Christmas was nice, simple but good. My favorite moment was when I looked over amidst the wrapping paper mess to see Gabriel and Spencer laying together on their new pillow pet knock-offs sucking their thumbs and looking as if they wanted nothing else in life. It was sweet. The ward choir put on a really beautiful program about Christ that made me really appreciate the true meaning of Christmas, away from all the presents and stuff. Chris is still working hard at his calling as bishop, and I'm still the gospel doctrine teacher. I guess no one has gotten too offended by my teaching- yet. Life is good.

Excuses, but good ones!

I forgot I even had a blog this fall! First part of September, Chris was called as bishop of the Grand Junction 6th ward. Needless to say, we feel blessed and definitely cherish every moment he's home. He's still traveling for work quite often as well. At the end of September, I had major surgery. I was amazingly lucky to have two of my amazing sisters come and be me for a few days. They cooked 28 freezer meals and kept things on track while I couldn't. I took ten days off of school and went right back. It's been hard, but I feel *almost* normal now- just tired. So...life has been crazy, but we are plugging along! We've celebrated three birthdays- Chris turned 36 9-11, and Conner became a teenager on 10-10-11. Bryce turned 9 last week. We have Alex and Benson's 5th birthday next Sunday- so hard to believe! Susanna is turning 7 in December. So, I just have those birthdays, finals, and Christmas to survive in the next month. Then I might be able to update more.

And we're back!

Um, is it really August 31? I am still in shock. Summer is over, school has been back in for over a week now and time is really no longer my own. Really. I had a few extra minutes tonight (I am sure I am neglecting something, just can't remember what) and decided to blog a bit. I am taking 12 credits this semester, applying to the BSN program that starts in January, canning like crazy, (see above photo- I picked all that YESTERDAY from our garden.) homeschooling Conner and Jackson with the help of K12, and trying to be a good mommy to all eight kids in the process. It is hard. For the first time in my life, I truly understand why people sometimes wish for more time in the day. I just don't have enough to get it ALL done. Every time I sit down, my mind is flooded with 10 things I could/should be doing at the moment. Overscheduled? Nah. Just call me every once in a while so I remember my name, ok?

Fun summer pictures

 

I haven't had my big camera out in a while (although I do love my iphone for quick, spontaneous snaps!) so I got it out tonight. I didn't change clothes on the kids, no energy for that. This is just a snapshot of a summer evening in my yard. I love it. Oh, and Alex and Benson were swimming at a friends house so they aren't in any of these.

Gabriel

 

My baby Gabie, he is on the go so much lately! When I took them out for pictures tonight, these are the best ones I could get because he does not hold still now that he is walking all over the place! I can't believe I got this many, actually! What a cutie though, a few months we wondered if he might be retarded because he was so calm and easy going. Now, he is full of personality and life! It is amazing to watch them grow into little people from tiny babies.

The many faces of Spencer

 

He will be 16 months old on the 25th. Sniff sniff, my babies are growing up really at the speed of light.