BYU Men's Basketball Game

 Our neighbor, Matt, gave us some extra tickets to the Men's BYU Basketball game.  I took Austin, Rees, and Alyssa.  We had the greatest time rapping in the car, watching the game, and spotting former students of mine as Cougarettes and cheerleaders!  Goooo Cougars!

Handsome sons and January Snow!

 Yep, they come much more handsome than these two sons of mine!  And yes, I am in trouble since the girls have noticed it too.

January snow...how clean and beautiful!  

Bringing in an "Uncomfortable" New Year 2019!

 At the beginning of each year, I love to pick a word to ring in my ear in the upcoming hours, days, weeks, and months. As I reflected on 2018 and spent some time answering some journal questions that tracked what 2018 meant to me, I realized that I had experienced some significant changes in 2018 leading into 2019 that although exciting, felt a little foreign and uncomfortable to me.  I had lost 33 pounds, started a new job that was all about coaching and creating vision for others, embarking on a home-based church curriculum, and had a new calling in the stake.  The things I was comfortable doing, like eating what and when I wanted, teaching German for 24 years, working with my ward family etc, were suddenly altered and in my past.  As I reflected on these significant changes, it hit me how growth has always come when I am uncomfortable.  Those routines, work, and habits that were and are familiar were easy; therefore, I needed to become comfortable being uncomfortable again!

It is uncomfortable to establish new gospel-centered study habits with my children, but I have been promised beautiful blessings if I will consistently do them!

It is uncomfortable not eating what and when I want. Mindless eating is rewarding; being a little hungry or passing on endless treats at work is uncomfortable.  Yet I need to be uncomfortable to change these habits until the new habits become comfortable for me.

It is uncomfortable not be the master teacher of a classroom.  It is uncomfortable to not know all of the answers, to realize there are those around you who are years ahead of you in philosophical education, and to be leading groups of people far superior to yourself.  Yet I know that being uncomfortable in this new job will stretch me to learn, develop, and be a greater influence than what I have ever known.

It is uncomfortable to get out of bed to tuck in the lingering teens who are dying to talk a little more with mom before bed.  But the memories, understanding, and relationships build both current and future reward.

So, there we have it.  Uncomfortable stretches, refines, and challenges one to create new zones of comfort.  I'm excited to see where this word takes me this year!

Christmas Vacation in Arizona- Days 4-5

 This day was dedicated to everyone under the age of 10!  HAHAHA!  Brandon's kids had been talking non-stop about going on a train ride so we were anxious to see what the fuss was all about. We drove to Scottsdale to a fun railroad park and museum.  The kids played outside for a bit and then we took a super fun train ride.  Actually two!  The little kids begged for more but we needed to get to Jenny's house for some pizza and pool time.

It was fun to hang out at Jen's house in Mesa.  They have a great pool and beautiful home. We ate pizza, played foosball, swam, and sat in the hot tub before heading back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for some football.  

On Sunday, we went to church in Maricopa.  On our way home, I made everyone jump out at the beautiful park for some family pictures.  The sun was in everyone's eyes but apparently my children, being older, couldn't handle it the least bit so our pictures are pretty hilarious with all of the smiling and closed eyes.  Back at Grandpa and Grandma's house, we packed up and sadly said goodbye.  We will miss them so much until they come back to Idaho in the late spring!  

We dropped Dave off at the airport and headed off to Las Vegas!  I had been listening to an audiobook called, "The Tattooist of Ausschwitz" and finished it when we pulled into Vegas at Brandon's house.  We ate dinner, played "Cover Your Assets" and went to bed since we needed to leave early in the morning.  

What a wonderful Christmas vacation we have had!  I love being with my children and family.  It really is heaven on earth.