Candlelight Christmas

As a family for the last few years it has been our tradition to visit This is the Place Heritage Park's Candlelight Christmas.  It is a neat place, and it helps us to appreciate what we have and what our ancestors did so we could enjoy so many blessing.  We went the night before the winter weather really hit.  Best year yet.

Christmas Elves

Every year we go and see the elves at Gardner Village.  This year we went early in the month, and lucky us the weather was still warm.  

It's done!

Christmas Picture

Every year I make a picture collage to send with our Christmas cards. 

Last years turned out great.  

This years is still a work in progress.  I was going to post it, but I am not happy with what I have so far.  I will post it when finished.  Back to the drawing board, or rather the key board and mouse.

Reflections

One day while playing with some homemade play dough a snail was created.  After some contemplation a name was decided on: Garry. When I saw the "Wow" theme for this years reflection contest, I knew I had to enter the project.  The three dimensional object is a pretty good for a five year old, (especially since we don't even watch the show at our house).

Halloween

We usually do two costumes a season.  The one from last year for the ward party.  Then the requested one for this year, after I finish it just in time for the school parade and party.

Mexico

Going on a vacation causes more than just a mountain of laundry.  

I find myself looking up information on more vacations and developing plans all the time.  After a cruise I think there is an especially strong desire to get away and be pampered.  

Mexico was GREAT!

Fall

I love fall.  

The weather is cooling off 

and the sent of autumn is in the air.

Let's not forget the great messages shared in

General Conference.

Hug your child

Today I attended the funeral of a 16 month old little boy. This has made me want to spend more time with Jessica and everyone else I care about, and let them know how much I love them. We never know when someone we love will return to our home in Heaven. Let's all make the most of our time together.

Yeh!

It only took me several tries, but I finally did it.  I got a background and figured out how to apply it.  Thanks Emily.

Another Year

School has started once again.  Jessica started kindergarten this year at Longview Elementary.  She gets to ride the bus and seems to really enjoy the whole school experience, (but she does still ask when it's going to be a staying home day).  I am still at Jordan High, teaching Foods.  This year I am part-time, I work every day 9-1, (except for the early morning  meetings once or twice a week).  This is my 12th year.

Washington State 2008

For one of our family vacations this year we went to Washington.

We spent 12 days and had tons of fun. 

The weather was wonderful.

The first 5 days we spent traveling and seeing sights, such as;

Mt Hood

Mt St Helen

Ocean Shores

Seattle

We had a fun ferry ride.

Then we spent 5 days relaxing on Orcas Island,

(one of the San Juan Islands)

It has unique and beautiful trees,

A couple of great state parks

 Then we took 2 days to drive home.  

We went through the Cascades

We found the old west town I remembered from when I was a younger, 

and we spent a night in Winthrop.

Then we stopped in Burely, ID to visit the Christensens 

and attend Dallen's baptism and Williams blessing.

Starting

This seems like the thing to do.  I don't know how often I will update.  It is a fun way to journal and keep in touch