Live From American Fork

So, it's been my turn to do our periodical entry for oh. . . about 3 months now. So I thought that I would hopefully make up for my procrastination and write an entry right now on a Saturday night when I should probably be getting the house in order but too tired for that fun stuff. Anyway for the highlights.

Life continues onward for us with all its ups and downs. We've had some great moments the past three months as well as heart wrenching experiences.

We loved the holidays, it was great to see everyone during Thanksgiving and Christmas. We really enjoyed the outings with the family as well as the much needed down time at home. We stayed home the whole day of Christmas and loved every minute of it. Of course it helped that we got tons of snow that day!

January was filled with getting back into the swing of things. The kids were ready to get back to school, and I was ready for the routine--although it was sure nice to have the older kids home.

Ryan and I stay pretty busy with our callings, especially on Sundays. Our goal for the year is to figure out some way to make Sunday enjoyable even if we have to tag team meetings a good portion of the day. But we love our opportunities to serve and the Lord truly makes up for the time and effort we sacrifice in the work. I have loved being with the young women. They have so much promise and there is such a good light around them. My girls all beg to come to Tuesday night activities with me. So I take them occasionally and the just love it.

Ryan still has a job which we are extremely grateful for, as IBM laid off 15,000 employees this first quarter of the year. We get nervous, but then we remember that we are doing our best to live with-in our means, pay of our debt, and build our food storage. We've come to see how important trusting in the Lord is at this time of challenge in our world. It's nice to hear the kids say things like, "Mom, we don't need that DVD, we just want it." They have noticed a difference and we are grateful for their support and positive attitude about cutting back. We really haven't missed the Satellite service, and continue to realize each day how much of the good things we really have.

I stay busy with the Mom stuff, plus YW and dance. To great things happened for me this past month. I met my weight-loss goal, which feels good and have moved on to a maintaining goal. It's nice to feel like I have better control over my eating habits and that I can say no, and it's okay. The other great thing is I got the chance to spend a whole day at a Modern Dance Reunion at BYU. It was fun to catch up with old classmates, take a dance class, listen to panel discussions on mentoring and enjoy a wonderful concert of contemporary dance. I love dance! It was a much need retreat after a stressful month.

Rebekah had a great piano recital this past month. She even played a song that she composed herself. I love watching her grow and learn. She is such a good helper and a great friend.

Joshua has loved cooking this month. He will be in the kitchen anytime you need him or on his own creating and crafting up yummy treats. He is doing great in school and is looking forward to Spring soccer.


Lydia continues to love life. She enjoys every minute she can either with her friends or playing with her siblings. She is a great helper with Matthias and is always good for a kiss.

Sarah spent the month of January working on staying in her bed in the morning till Ry or I go and get her. She had been getting up at 5:00 - 5:30 each morning and it was killing us! She now gets up around 6:30 and remembers to wait. All her hard work was rewarded with a Bitty Baby which she has enjoyed taking care of. We love her girly ways and grateful for her princess personality.

Matthias (Ty) continues to grow and become such a big boy! He knows three signs now,for the words: milk, more, and please. He can say uh-oh and he loves to help. He loves using his hands and is always good for a game of swing-in-the blanket. We are so thankful he is a part of our family.

We've decided to make the Mutual theme this year 1 Timothy 4:12--Be thou an example our family theme. It should be a good one for this year

Well I think this lengthy entry has just made up for the past three months, and hopefully those of you reading this are still awake. We love all of you! We are happy for Aaron passing his boards, and are excited for their new adventure. We love seeing those of you close by. And if anyone is ever in the neighborhood we always visitors! Have a great February.

Love Ryan and Jenn