Book Recommendation

Here are a few books I have read recently that I really liked. Airborn, by Kenneth Oppel. There are three books in the series and I really liked them. I also like Graceling, by Kristin Cashore. there is a companion to that one called Fire. Very good books. This month in our book club we are reading Peter and the Shadow Thieves by Dave Barry. It's the second in a 3 book series. Very good.

Movie Review

We watched "Forever Strong". If you haven't seen it, watch it. It was a really great movie. I am a sucker for the sport, underdog movies. I really enjoyed this one.

New calling

I have received a new calling. I am now the 2nd counselor in the Primary presidency. I am excited about this calling and look forward to the work I can do there. I know it will be a bit of a personal challenge but I know I can push through and become a better person because of this calling.
We are doing good. We have a game night with a couple of friends and it is so fun to get together and play and visit and, of course, eat. We also put an offer on a house and are just waiting to hear from the bank if the offer has been approved. We are very excited to be getting more space. It's a four bedroom, two bathroom. I am really, really, really excited!! Can you tell? As soon as we know we have the house I will post pics.

Snow day!

Last week we met some friends in Reno for a couple of days. We played in the snow with the kids. It was a lot of fun!! Well, for Whitney and I anyway. After about 30 minutes Jared and Sarah were ready to be done.
Whitney taking Sarah down. She couldn't decide if she liked it or not.

Lisa taking Jared down. He liked it until he got to the bottom, then he remembered he didn't like it anymore.

We buried Whitney in the snow. It was great. Good thing he had a full snow suit on!!

We went to Circus Circus and played the games. We won quite a few stuffed animals. It would definately be something fun to do again.

The is a plethora of buffets in Reno. Both nights we chose pretty good ones.

Eric and Lisa Sampson. Thanks for the invite, guys!

These are bows I made for Sarah for Valentine's Day. She looked so cute with these in her hair and her little red dress. I love that I can put her hair in pigtails now. I have been making a lot of hair clips for her. They are really easy and really fun to make.

Christmas vacation

Well, I am finally getting around to posting some pics. One of these days I am going to be more consistent with this. But some is better than nothing right?
Here is our beautiful Christmas tree. We went a little crazy this year on the kids. But it was a lot of fun!

Santa brought Jared a new bike!!

Jacob got one too. Sarah really wanted one. Maybe next Christmas.

Sarah got a new kitchen, though! What a smart Santa. All three kids love playing with it.

After our Christmas morning with Whitney, the kids went to Arizona for two weeks. It was nice to have that time with my family. JD and Willow and I took the kids to the Science Museum. It was really fun. I'll have to get the other pics from that leg of the journey from Willow.

Then we stopped in Las Vegas for a couple of days on our way home. We went to the Town Square with all the kids. The kids had a great time!

Can you believe how big she is?

We watched the fountains at the Bellagio. That was pretty cool. Next time we go to Vegas, I want to see the fountains at night with all the lights.

Whit, this one is for you. I love you.

Here we are in the MGM after we watched the lion feeding. That's always fun to see.

The Cassies and their kids. An impressive sight, if I do say so myself.

And here are the Cassies. I am so glad that we were able to spend a couple of days there. I always enjoy visiting with Cassie. Even though we live far apart I consider her a great friend. I love ya, Cass.

I'm grateful

I just wanted to take a minute and express my gratitude. Today is my birthday and I think that's a great reason to recognize the blessings I have been given in my life. I am grateful for my parents. They have always supported me in all I do. They love me and are great examples to me. I am grateful for my siblings. They made growing up much more interesting. I'm glad that now we are older we all get along and can be friends, besides just being related. I am grateful I have been able to live close to my Grandma Carter. She is an amazing woman and has seen many things in her 90 years. She is a great example to me of perseverence. I am grateful for my husband. Whitney is very patient with my moodiness and my temper. He is supportive and loving. I am grateful for my children. I know most days I lose my patience at least once, when I get those hugs and kisses and "I love you"s, it makes it all worth it, and all my frustration is forgotten, at least temporarily. I am grateful for my friends. They are a constant blessing to me. I am happy that I know I can call someone and have that person listen and empathize. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I am glad they make it easy to do so. I am grateful that we can finally start looking for a house!! I know the Lord has blessed us in this area. I am grateful for my father in Heaven. I am grateful there is more to my life than just existing here on earth. I am grateful I can be with my family forever. I am grateful for the atonement. I am grateful that Christ died so I can return to him. I am grateful for the gospel in my life. It gives my life purpose and direction. I love my heavenly father and I know that he loves me. He shows me in so many ways; blessing me with my family and friends, with Whitney having a good job, and keeping him safe. Thank you all for being in my life.

Pictures!

My friend took these pictures for us last month. I think they came out pretty well.