I've also been working on this:

I'm just past 12 weeks. The kids wanted a "puppy". We told them we are getting something new. In June. But it's not a puppy. Emma's first question--"Is it a GIRL?" Tanner mentioned we better watch Jackson around the baby (he's been kind of crazy with the stick pony lately, we're all ducking for cover). And I say, five feels...... full. Like perfect. And Ryan says (or hopes), it's our finale. We will see. I am so blessed.

Checking them off

These thing I've been working on...

2 weeks ago my stake put on it's an annual Creche (nativity) Exhibit. They asked me to take on a room. I was given the "America's" to design- I had Native American, South American, and Eskimo sets. I gathered the fabrics and items I needed and then recruited 5 or so women to help. Thank heavens for them! The workers at the exhibit spend 2 full days staging (once the building is prepped, and that takes 2 days prior) and then the exhibit is just for 24 hours. A lot of work for such a short time. Ryan was out of town in Texas for training, and so I arrived late (no children allowed for set-up). The fun part? It all comes down on Saturday night at 9 pm- and workers transport loads of stuff to storage sheds, nativities have to be picked up, and the building re-assembled for church. They stay until 2 am during take-down. This was such a huge labor of love and highlights our love for the birth of the Savior for the community.

flyer from MHcreche.org

This past weekend was my ward Christmas party. The youth in our ward put on a Christmas Caroling program and we served cookies and hot cocoa with a bar for any kind of topping you would ever want on top. Santa visited at the end of the night. And, it has been snowing- which I think is perfect for Christmas, but was afraid people would not brave the roads. But they did, and we had a full house.

And this coming weekend, we are hosting and adult dinner party. We are planning on about 15 couples. I really have no idea how this will go. We still feel like the new kids on the block- I'm going to have prep Ryan, "Now, this is so and so and his name is----- and they hunt most the fall." Actually that might confuse us- everyone hunts here. I better figure out a better way to decipher couples. I can't help but feel pangs of homesickness for friends we know. How I would love to spend a night with them.

ps- I specified "light" dinner because I was afraid all these hunters would show up and think, where's the steak? I'm planning on ham with sides and a dessert bar.

Thanks be said

Just some thoughts on Thanksgiving this year.

~It was nice to not have to "travel" to see family. Or to worry about having to make arrangements and swing the time off. Family came to my moms in Boise. I did drive the hour or so in everyday, but it was so worth the time I spent with my sisters and Julie and Grandma and Grandpa and, for Landon, Grandpa's new kitty.

~I still miss you Kentucky.

~I feel so....... tender..... lately. Is that the best word? I was on our base in the morning of the day of the Fort Hood shooting. It was such a sunny day and as I drove out of base, over the 4 foot deep cement walls that pop up in protection, I thought what a calm place base was. Really. I think we have regretted a bit that we chose to live off base. I came home and happened to see on the news that a soldier shooter had unloaded in Texas at army base Hood.

~I had been worrying myself a bit to sleeplessness some nights. I think it is important to say that we have had no regrets about our decision to go military. There are some definite "misleadings" that you are told about your commitment, but Ryan and I knew he could be deployed. We still signed. I have felt so very honored to be married to someone that is working for the military. He feels a strong sense of pride in his work. We love our country. I am more than awed as I see these young kids in uniform on base. I wonder, how did their parents teach them to be so selfless, and courageous, and duty-driven? They salute Ryan (and he feels akward about this), and I think, these are the kids going and fighting the battle. We should salute them. What got mixed up here? I love those soldiers fighting for our freedom.

~ As I mentioned, I was worrying over Ryan's possible impending deployment. I was praying for perspective and strength. And I had the strongest thought come to my mind. I was walking into the commissary (the base grocery store) and noticed two young airman. They were so young. If I was their mother's, wouldn't I want a good, prayerful, doctor taking care of them if they were sick or wounded so far from home? I would. My perspective changed a bit. Instead of worrying about me and how life will work without him, I've been trying to think about those he can help.

~I love this time of year. We kicked off December FHE with a lesson/reminder on why we have Christmas. Is it about Santa or the Savior? We wanted them to think about what they can do for each other and for those in need. Tanner started crying. He said he didn't have enough money to buy himself a present and one for everyone else that "needed" one. We sure know how to raise em right. Every time you give someone a present you give one to yourself. Isn't that how it works? According to Tanner.

~My little kids. I feel so busy. Doing the same thing over and over, day after day. Meals, laundry, cleaning up messes. But I find daily, they make me smile and study them. I am always asked by Emma, what are we doing today? I gave her my list today and heard her repeat back in her play. First I have to pay bills, then we have to go to the dollar store..... my exact list I told her. But, next time, she asks me about our day, I'm going to tell her: First, I'm going to squeeze you like silly and kiss you and love on your little brothers. I want her to know that that is what makes my day. Each of my kids. That came because I love their dad so much.

Stocking love from Etsy

I got my order in the mail. As always, Etsy came through with just what I wanted. I'm going to stencil on some names at the top.