Once upon a time my husband left two hours ago to go to the gym. I had to stay home to finish making 35 home made angel ornaments for my classes. Mostly I just want my husband to come back so I can at least have someone to talk to besides my glue gun.

The End.

'Tis the Season.....

Christmas must be on it's way....I just had to watch Christmas Vacation with my cute husband.

On a brighter note our we bought a Christmas tree and got it decorated.

Our continual thoughts and prayers go out to little Dakota F. and his family. I have not been able to stop thinking about them. Please add them to your prayers.

Be strong little guy!

Oh the weather outside is frightful......problem is, we have somewhere to go....stop the snow, stop the snow, stop the snow!

I think my post yesterday should have ended with, "knock on wood".

Nothing like the weather to dampen your Thanksgiving plans......now we're just trying to see if we'll actually be able to get to Montana. I-15 closed, I-84 closed, 180 through Evanston closed (we really wouldn't go through Evanston I'm just trying to be dramatic). Right now our only option is to drive up to Missoula (8 hours) and then over to Roberts (7 hours) and that is with ideal weather conditions, on top of that we can't even leave until 4:00 pm tomorrow.

Not to worry, we are still in a thankful/hopeful mood, even if we don't make it we have a lot to be thankful for.

But I am trying desperately not to freak out. As spread out as we are, our whole entire family only gets together 2-3 times a year. I understand life will go on, but...."ahhhhhh!" seems to sum up my feelings right about now.

Plus if we can't get out of here we were graciously offered a meal with Ken and Mari, which was nice because I had boldly stated to Aust earlier, "If we cant leave we are heading over to Ken and Mari's house invited or not." So needless to say we are grateful for an actual invitation. Nothing like amazing aunts and uncles to save the day.

Snow or no snow, I am so excited to be in Montana for Thanksgiving.

Counting down the days!

I really, Really, REALLY love candy canes!

So you think it'd be super fun and cozy, even dare I say romantic to have a wood burning stove in your bedroom......until you realize you've yet to use it, and the wind whistles like crazy during a storm, which is always when you're super tired but can't sleep, but you really want to be sleeping, if only that noise would stop....

(Let's hear it for run-on sentences)

7:53 p.m.

He's coming home.....empty handed. Better luck next year.

How do the girls handle hunting season?

Austin went hunting last month. I will admit when he leaves is usually when I will do a little shopping. He thinks it's just because he is out of town, but I tell him it is because I am at home by myself and have to find something to do.....

Anyways, he headed to the Greys River in Wyoming to go hunting with my dad, Emma and Jason Bradford and his daughter Maddie.

Conveniently, Whit and Aaron live in Alpine right where the Greys river meets up with the Snake. He left on a Wednesday afternoon and was coming home the following Monday. So, I decided to head there after work on Friday and spend the weekend. It didn't dawn on me until the night before he left I most likely wouldn't see him since they were 50 miles down the river. However, it was a fun weekend with 2 of my sisters since Jordie and Steve needed to come up and get some firewood for the winter.

I did however injure two of the three kiddos. Saturday morning I was chasing Deacon around the house and one of the times he turned to run away from me he turned and ran straight into the corner of the wall. He had a perfect line/bruise right above his eyebrow. It just looked like a vein though and was no big deal. Then on Sunday before I was getting ready to leave I was hiding under a blanket crawling around chasing Deac. Hallie decided she wanted to play with us and I could hear her coming. I turned around quickly to chase her and smacked heads with her hard enough it hurt my head. She had a golf ball sized goose egg on her forehead and wouldn't let me hold her or get close to her for like a half hour. I felt so bad, way to go aunt Shawnee.

Jordie took some pictures of the cute Vickery family.

And even though I was nervous about it I took some pictures for the Sessions. Whit and Aaron had a meeting so Hallie was with us too. She was so good. I would sit her down and tell her she needed to stay there, pop a chocolate chip in her mouth and she never moved. After a while she would just ask for more, "chocack".

The Deacster is definitely hard to photograph though. When he was smiling he wasn't looking at the camera, and most of the time he was just trying to throw rocks in the river.

Sunday morning Emma did drive out to hang out with us and to take a shower. I almost started crying when I saw the truck drive up thinking they had all come to Whit's for the day and that Austin was there. Then I saw that Emma was the only one in the truck and then was really ready to bawl because he wasn't there.

Emmy got to hang out with the kiddos for a little bit.

Meanwhile I headed home that evening without ever seeing my cute hubby.

Side note: I did get pulled over on my way home. I haven't been pulled over since we were dating. I can't believe how nervous I got when the officer was standing there. Before this time I never have been upset until after they give me the ticket and I drive away. However, this time my hands were actually shaking so much I dropped my insurance card. He asked why I was going so fast and I told him my husband was hunting and I wanted to get home before it was too late since I was all by myself. When he came back to the car without a ticket and just told me to slow down I was so grateful I almost started crying. I have actually never driven away with just a warning before.

If only mom and the cute Hanson couple could have been there it would have been the Green family reunion round 2.

Aren't they funny though.....who adds ducks to a family picture. Can't wait to see everybody for Thanksgiving.

5:08 p.m.

Nothing like an unexpected knock on the door and ring of the doorbell to make someone jump out of their skin. And I am not embarrassed to say I hid in the bathroom for a good couple of minutes. As I said earlier I have been in my bathrobe and sweatpants all day and was not presentable in any way shape or form.

I think I've been home by myself long enough. Apparently I am getting way to jumpy. I'm sure watching an episode of Ghost Hunters didn't help. What can I say.....I'm bored.

4:32 Saturday Afternoon

Still haven't heard from Austin. I really hope he got something because the meat would be awesome. However I really wish he was home. I think I'm starting to got a little crazy.....or maybe I've just been so lazy today I don't know what to do with myself. I have been in a bathrobe and sweatpants all day.

One day I hope to be as clever a parent......

"Both of you.....kennel now."

And I remember thinking how awful I thought it was when my dad used to send us on a walk to the top of the field holding hands. It was such a long walk back then.

But a dog kennel, talk about getting-to-know-you time.

It just makes me laugh.

Once again I am home alone. Austin is hunting again....and this time he has promised me he will shoot the first elk he sees and that he'll be home by noon on Saturday. Is his motivation to come home and spend the remainder of the weekend with his totally awesome wife, or to be back in time to watch the high school football playoff game? Let's just say he's coming home for me and that the game is a perk. I'll just keep telling myself that.

However, I plan to be super productive this weekend and tackle the desk I purchased at D.I. months ago.

Wish us both luck.

Happy 49th Birthday do my cute dad!

One day....

One day I want a huge soaker tub......you know the big kind you can lean back and your feet don't touch the front of the tub. I don't even care if it has jets at this point. I just want to be able to take a bubble bath and have the water come to my shoulders. Is that asking too much?

Once upon a time, last Wednesday my husband left to go hunting......I really miss him. I haven't even been able to talk to him. I think I'm about to lose it.

Opposition in all things.....

We have to have the hard days in order to appreciate the goo days right?

Funny how that doesn't mean the hard days get easier....

I don't think I'll ever get tired of a 4 year old saying,

"I love you Miss Shawnee."

It just never gets old.

I can do hard things.

Once upon a time I imagined how my life would turn out. I never really said it out loud, but I totally expected my life to mirror my mom's. She was married at twenty, had her five girls by the time she was twenty eight. I still figured I was fine when I married the love of my life at twenty two, I still had lots of time. I have come to realize my life is what my life is, and that I shouldn't compare it to anyone else's.

I believe General Conference is something we always look forward to and that our spirits yearn for. However, for me it has not only been uplifting reminders and gospel teachings, it has been a timely eye opener.

I have heard many talks that have been amazing. But the general spirit of the conference has reminded me that the Lord's plan is so much bigger than me and my small trials. However big they may seem at this time. I have always been taught by my parents that the Lord does not give us trials or struggles we cannot overcome. In a way my trials are tailored to me and the lessons I need to learn and the personal growth that I need to experience. Someone else's trials are not more or less significant, just as mine are.

I feel in certain areas I have let myself become lazy and lax in always striving to make sure I am living the gospel to the fullest. The past two and a half years have been especially hard for me and Austin in trying to figure out how we are supposed to get our cute little family here and started. I think I have become overwhelmed at times and it was easier to let more worldly things slip in in order to dim or lessen the pain. But I now realize all that I allowed was less opportunity for the spirit to guide and bless my life. In trying to dull the hurt, pain and longing I have not allowed the one person who knows my exact feelings all the opportunity to comfort and bless me, the Savior. Why not look for comfort and guidance in places that are true and lasting?

....I, Nephi will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. - 1 Nephi 1:20

"....I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of his tender mercies helps us both to discern and acknowledge them.

The Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving kindness, consolation, support and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithfulness, obedience, and humility invite tender mercies into our lives, and it is often the Lord's timing that enables us to recognize and treasure these important blessings.

The simpleness, the sweetness, and the consistency of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live."

-Elder David A. Bednar

I do not doubt I will be a mother, and be blessed to have little spirits in my home to love, cuddle and bring the joy only a child can. But I cannot control how or when that will happen. It seems that time and time again I have to be reminded and come to the realization that the Lord's time table does not always match up with ours. I am not sure why I have to continually learn this lesson. Once we are able to turn our fears into faith our outlook and attitude can greatly change.

I have been continually amazed to read the Sullenger family's blog. I have been inspired and touched by their unyielding faith and testimonies. I was especially touched by her post titled, "I can do hard things". I can not even begin to imagine the circumstances and experiences they have recently gone through, but I am so grateful for their story, it has touched me in ways I wouldn't have guessed or imagined. It as taught me that in my own little insignificant life....

I can do hard things.

I remember being in high school and coming across several scriptures in Alma. It was not only the message I was searching for at that particular time, it has also been a guides and scripture have turned back to time and time again.

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.....Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God....yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God...."

I can do hard things.

I am so excited to be able to read and get into several talks I have heard over this last conference.....President Uchtdorf's talk on simplifying or lives as well as President Monson's talk on having an attitude of gratitude. I truly have so many things to be grateful for, and in an unexpected way infertility has been one of them. I have learned so many things about myself, my husband, family, and the importance of Heavenly Father's plan. I know that when I put my complete faith and trust in Him, my life is full of nothing but blessings.....even if they seem to be in disguise.

"Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment..."

Just curious if any other wives were asked to text their husbands football score updates periodically.....during the priesthood session. I am married to a fabulous and funny man.

Look Alike.....

So tonight our doorbell rang. Austin answered and a cute little boy (approximately 6-7 years old) was on our doorstep with his dad. He was getting pledges for his school walk-a-thon. I was in the kitchen and missed most of the conversation. However, when I came back in the room Austin was grinning from ear to ear. He asked if I had heard what the boy said to him. I told him I had missed it.

He looked up at Austin and said, "Wow. You look like John Cena."

It definitely isn't the first time someone has said that to Aust. But it sure does boost his ego a little. Personally I think he's hotter than John Cena.......just saying.

Fun to visit family.......but so nice to be home.

(Being in the car for long periods of time makes me a little bit crazy. Austin had to buy me a book on the way to ensure I didn't sing any more preschool songs. Who doesn't love sining "shoo fly don't bother me" or "the five power letters" over, and over, and over?)

Sisters....

I am so blessed to have four beautiful younger sisters. I used to say little sisters until they all passed me up in the height department. I just saw this picture of Jordie and thought she looked so pretty, I started thinking about all of them, and got a little homesick for our old bedroom.... There's nothing like 5 twin beds all lined up in a row, seven brides' style. Pushing all the beds together on Christmas Eve. Giggling until dad was at the bottom of the stairs giving out warnings. Pillow fights resulting in busted ceiling fans, everybody trying to scare Jordie, saving Emma after a bad dream. I could go on and on.

It really is awesome to have your sisters as best friends. It was totally worth all the screaming matches, clothes borrowing, and empty threats, etc, etc.

Bottom line.....I love my sisters.

Kelli emailed me this picture today.....some of my favorite little nieces, Kate & Hallie. Aren't they so dang cute!

I wish I could see all of them more often.

I got a phone call today on my lunch break from the Vickery house. When I said, "hello" one of my favorite little voices said, "hello" back. I then found out my amazing mom and little niece Hallie will be coming to spend a week at my house at the end of October.

How can you not have fun with someone as cute as this?

We love having family and friends visit (hint hint). It is always fun to have something on the calendar to look forward to......

So don't hesitate to call us today and schedule a visit. I just realized coming to visit us in Idaho is beginning to sound a little like an infomercial.

Kelsee just send me these pictures from the family reunion. They are not super flattering of me, but they are funny.

Pretty sure someone taught Deacon how to roar really loud, I was just trying to help the process along.....but check out the Deacster's face, so cute. Plus, Hallie looks a little unsure of us as well.

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger......

I have been struggling the past little while. It's hard to explain exactly, but it seems like when you think nothing could get worse or more complicated life throws a curve ball.

It is on days like this I am grateful for for an amazing supportive husband. I always get a phone call on my way to work telling me he hopes I have a great day. I talked to him several times today and he could definitely tell I was at the end of my rope. I came home today to an adorable arrangement of daisies and a cute card. He had come home from work early, straightened up the house and loaded the dishwasher.

I am also super grateful for a mother who is always ready and willing to let me talk her ear off. She is such a good listener and always seems to have just the answer I needed. Besides my kiddos at work Austin and my mom were the people I talked to the most today.....and I definitely needed both of them.

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America

and to the Republic

for which it stands,

one nation,

under God,

indivisible,

with liberty and justice for all.

God Bless America

Only at Walmart.....

So I am not just a little bit embarrassed, I am super embarrassed I took a picture of someone at Walmart......but I just couldn't pass up the chance. As Austin and I were heading up to the check out stand we walked right by this fellow shopper. Austin checked out while nonchalantly I looped back around into the produce section.

She was husking her corn and putting it in bags.

Austin and I were totally cracking up. On our way out I immediately called my dad. I knew he would appreciate our experience.

Maybe this isn't as big of a deal or as funny as we made it......oh well, what do you do?

Friday Night Lights

Last Friday on my lunch break I called Austin to chat. He asked if I wanted to go to a High School football game. I have always loved a good high school athletic event, so I agreed it would be fun. Austin's buddy from work had a son playing for Capitol High School. So after work we headed off to Boise State Stadium. The Boise City schools all play their games at the stadium.

It was a good game, we left when capitol was ahead 45 to 6. It was a lot of fun. Who doesn't like to watch a good game and share some mediocre nachos with their husband?

Bear Lake Friends Trip 2010

Back at the first of the year Austin really wanted to put together a Bear Lake trip with all his friends. We ended up having six couples come up. It was a super fun weekend.....something we'll definitely have to continue.

Before everyone else arrived Austin and I played a quick nine holes.

Everyone playing games Friday night. We were all laughing to hard!

We finished playing games well after 2 in the morning. The boys decided to head to the ponds on the golf course to find some golf balls. They came back with well over 100. Matt found a glow in the dark ball.

Heading out to hit the glow in the dark golf ball.

We went down to the beach to hang out. It was a pretty windy and for a while the clouds made sitting on the beach a little chilly. After we had been there a while we were warned that a severe storm warning had been issued. We all hurried and played in the waves for a little bit and then headed back to the cabin.

Sheryl, Kathryn, & Cayley

The boys, being boys. I still can't believe how long they played 500/smear the queer.

Everyone trying out the slides.

Austin

Colby

Cayley

Sheryl.....with Tyson waiting at the bottom.

Jen

Matt & Tyson

Austin and I racing. My landing was not near as graceful as I would have liked.

All in all it was a super fun trip. Something we'll definitely need to repeat next summer.

Long Drive Competition in Mesquite, Nevada

Ever since last summer Austin has been talking about entering a long drive competition. This last year he found one in McCall, Idaho about 2 hours from our house. We were going to head up there, but Austin called to register and was told they only had one other person sign up and had to cancel the competition. The next competition was in Billings, Montana. Even though we would have loved to drive there and visit my family, we couldn't go.

A couple weeks later Austin's dad called and said there was one more competition before the finals this year in Mesquite, Nevada. I couldn't take off work, but a boys' weekend was well overdue anyways. I am a little bit embarrassed now, but before he left one of the main things I was worried about was whether or not his outfit would match. The whole week before Austin kept talking about how excited he was to go down, and spend time with his dad, and all the while I'm putting potential outfits together in my head. Sad but true. I was bummed I couldn't go, but glad they had such a good time.

So after work on Thursday, Austin took off down to Utah, jumped in the car with his dad and they headed down to Mesquite. They got there around 11 o'clock that night and checked into their hotel. Then they drove over to the range to check everything out. There was a security guard there who let them walk around and check out the range.

Scott hanging out, waiting.

Waiting

He hit three different rounds. His longest drive was 331, not near as far as he has hit before. But he had a lot of fun. We'll have to try again next year.

They were able to golf 36 holes as well. Austin said the courses were very nice, but it was super hot.

Bulletin Boards

In my new classroom three new bulletin boards had to be put up. I volunteered to take one on. My first idea was a big circus tent. We had some zoo/circus animal art from the previous year to decorate the tent with.

My beginning idea.....

Bulletin boards are a big deal at Challenger. All the paper is painted so it looks brighter. Also the color doesn't fade and lasts a lot longer. I was so surprised how much better everything looked. I think it was worth the extra work.

For our "Best Work" bulletin board in the hall outside our classroom my co-teacher Roxy had the idea "A League of Their Own". This idea morphed into a soccer field with the title "Most Valuable Player". I went to Lowe's to see how much outdoor carpet costs. I was just going to price it out and see, but then the guy helping me told me he had a scrap piece that had been returned. He sold me the scrap for $5.60, and it ended up being exactly enough. We stapled it up, and I painted the lines on the field.

Roxy had the idea to have some 3D goals. I asked my hottie husband to help us with the goals. He got super official and wanted to know the measurements of the board so he could make the goals to scale. Then we went to hobby lobby to buy some wooden dowels. Austin began whittling away. I was super impressed with how detailed the goals were.

What a hottie!

The almost finished goals.

The finished product. All the ladies at work were super impressed my husband was willing to help out with a bulletin board. One even asked if he would make her son a set of goals.

Forest of Knowledge.....this bulletin was a last minute. We had to hurry and throw it together, but it turned out okay. Especially since we'll be learning about forest animals in a month or two.

I do know that the word forest only has one 'r'. My co-teacher and I were both embarrassed neither of us caught that forest had been spelled like the name Forrest......we have since fixed it.