Believe...

As Josh Groban says, "You'll have everything you need, if you just believe." Well, I believe there is a reason we moved here, and even thought I like it so far, I still haven't figured out what it is yet. Things are different here. I really struggle with Church. It is SO DIFFERENT!!!! We are also going through some big changes with our family right now that I blame on being here. It's not easy for me to understand why things have to change, and so I have to find that strength to trust in Heavenly Father. He planned this out for us, but why?

Anywho, here we are at Dollywood on the Polar Express ride. I love this pic! So going along with my heading for this post, I believe....

1. It's better for us to be together instead of when David was always gone.

2. Hannah is SO much better off here. She is more confident and sure of who she is.

3. Because the kids don't have friends right out the front door, they have learned to play with each other. And get along. Shocking, I know!

4. I have learned to look people in the eye and say hi. I have learned that people here are humble, and that I needed to be humbled.

5. I have found out what it truly means to cleave unto your own family. Being further away from my parents has helped me see my own family clearer, and I realize that they didn't get enough from me. There is nothing wrong with being a good daughter, but when you have your own family, they should come first.

So, when I find out if there was a special reason we were needed here, I'll let you know. But for now, just knowing how happy David is, is reason enough for me!

Laurel Falls

We went into the Smoky Mountains National Park this weekend and hiked into Laurel Falls. Very cool, but very steep! They had these signs along the trail, so of course I made the kids pose by one!

We try to do something new every weekend while we are here, so we don't get so homesick. Works so far...

My mantle...

Oh, how I love the living room in this house. I have been waiting all my life for a mantle to decorate! Here is fall. Stay tuned for more holidays!

Welcome to Tennessee...

We loved this house because of all the beautiful trees. One week after we moved in, Tropical Storm Lee hit and this is what happened. Now we have a great view of the huge Baptist church across the way. But we also have a nice view of the Smokies, so I guess it evens out.

Tennessee...

Well, after all this drama, I find myself in Seymour, Tennessee. My daughter is feeling like her life is over and she wants everything to be the same. Chase says he likes the old school better. Ryan is having the time of his life. He loves Kindergarten. The other day he comes home and says "My gym teacher's name is Mr. Meals." I thought that sounded like a weird name until I realized we live in the south, and his name is actually Mr. Mills. I'll let y'all figure that one out! I'm struggling without my huge kitchen, but I do like it here. I hope the kids will figure out that they can make new friends and enjoy their year here.

Summer is here?

I am fried. And the reason why is I refuse to wear sunscreen because it has been yucky for so long, that I don't care! I will get all the sun I can. It has been a busy start to the summer. David left for Tennessee again. 3 weeks and counting... Chase just got done with football, Hannah is starting soccer, and I am coaching Ryan's t-ball team. But it's all good. I just hope we can get in some extra camping this year! Hope everyone is enjoying so far!

Awesomeness

No, not me, although I did do an awesome Hoedown Throwdown at recital! No, I'm thinking about how awesome my children are sometimes and I never expect it. I took Chase to football practice on Saturday, and right when we got in the parking lot, he told me he had to go to the bathroom really bad. (his stomach was upset) So I turned the car around and was going to take him, but at the end of the parking lot, he said kinda thoughtfully, "I'll be okay." So I took him back and didn't think too much about it. It started snowing about halfway through, so he came and sat in the car to get warm. I asked him if he was okay, and he said, "Yeah, I said a prayer when I went out there." I just about started crying. Even I didn't think to tell him that, he did it all on his own. I am so happy my kids know they can count on their Heavenly Father! Lately Hannah has been having some friend trouble. I know from experience it is hard to stand up to your friends when they behave in ways that make you feel bad about yourself. But Hannah has been so amazing. She actually tells her friends that until they quit acting the way they do, she would rather not hang out with them. Now that takes courage! I can't take any of the credit, but I sure am proud.

Trust

I marvel that my Heavenly Father trusts me so much with his daughters. I truly feel inadequate to be in charge of those cute girls that are in my beehive class. I was no example for others when I was their age, and I wonder why he just keeps calling me back to do it. I wish I had went to mutual more when I was their age! Look at this sweet picture from our recent trip to Salt Lake. These girls are just beautiful, and I love them so much. What great examples they are!

I Hate Spring

Yes. I hate it. It is a mucky, confusing, disappointing, ugly mess. Just drive anywhere and see all the garbage in the ditches and against the fences. Hey, it's 60 degrees! Let's go outside! Hey, it's 25 and snowing, we're freezing! See what I mean? And don't get me started on the mud. I need a mud room. I am so sick of the front door and all the muddy wet spots from the shoes! Even the flowers aren't stupid. The bulbs I planted haven't even poked their heads up yet. They probably won't until June!

Hello!

Okay, I didn't realize how long it has been since I posted. The holidays were so crazy! On Christmas Eve, we had to take Ryan in to get stitches, then he puked all Christmas morning because of the anesthesia. The day after New Years, David, Ryan and Chase all came down with the flu. They were completely down for a week. Hannah and I had to play nurse, and we never got it thankfully.
Then in February it was Chase's ninth birthday. He had a football party with his two best buddies, Talon and Brady.
Now we are into March, and I had my clogging competition at Pocatello. Two first places for us! Now we qualify for Lagoon in May. My kids were so excited. They just hope I do good so THEY can go!
My dad is really suffering with his Lyme Disease. He had a huge setback last month, and they are just now getting him back to feeling better. Why can't they find a cure for this? Are they even trying?
Well, that was a lot to cover, and I promise I will keep up better from now on!