Sisters are like Chocolate Chips!

A cookie is just not the same without chocolate chips, like I feel that life is just not the same without sisters! I have grown so much as an individual since I moved to New Mexico...but my heart aches for my family. I feel so blessed to be so connected to my family; especially my sisters and their kids! I really have a genuine love for children (I always have), but find it unique how much I care and love my nieces and nephews?! Brooke and I recently discussed this very topic and wished we could have been Aunts long before becoming mother's. The more involved you are with your own kids, the harder it is to be an Aunt. I am finding this to be so true, but try my hardest to stay somewhat involved in their lives. I hope someday that I can be the Aunt that my nieces and nephews want to talk to. I love my sister's dearly and want them to know what good examples they have been to me! I love this quote by Margaret Mead:

SISTERS IS PROBABLY THE MOST COMPETITIVE

RELATIONSHIP WITHIN THE FAMILY,

BUT ONCE THE SISTERS ARE GROWN, IT

BECOMES THE STRONGEST.

A Special Visit!

The Richin's family came to visit us on Labor Day weekend! They are our first visitors since moving to Rosewell, and we were so happy to have them. They arrived late Friday night...but that didn't stop us staying up until 1:00am to catch up. The next day, the kids played and the guys listened to the BYU game; while watching whatever "other" football game they could get their hands on. Erin and I got to do a little shopping at our favorite store while the babies were asleep. After our "much enjoyed time alone", Erin and I took the kids to a park that is a short walk from our house. Dan and Rustin had dinner when we came back, which was delicious! We stayed up late again to visit. We went to church together and then it was Sunday dinner and good-bye. We were so glad they came and already miss them!

YESTERDAY BROUGHT THE BEGINNING,

TOMORROW BRINGS THE END,

AND SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE,

WE BECAME THE BEST OF FRIENDS!

temporarily out of order?

When Dan and I knew we would be only be in Rosewell for 4 months, we were nervous and excited about putting Braxton in school. However, after having a heart to heart with Braxton, Dan and I both felt strongly that I should home school him. I am not against home school, but had never really considered it for my own children. Even though I have struggled a bit with routine and keeping myself and Braxton motivated, I am seeing the positive benefits that come from home school. In a way, I feel that I get a second chance to have "one on one" time with my oldest boy. I was not planning on putting Blaze in preschool, but once again Dan and I felt that in order for Braxton to receive the attention he needs, Blaze needed to have his own routine. I was hesitant and wondered, "Why is Blaze going to school, and Braxton is home?" However, I soon realized that it was the best decision for everyone and Blaze was asking me "Mom...when do I get to go to school?" I feel that Heavenly Father's hand is in this and I know that it is only temporary, but I am learning so much as a teacher and mother. Blaze and Braxton get the entire morning to play together, and then I take Blaze to his preschool (which is very impressive) at 12:00. Then Braxton, Berlyn and I have lunch together at home and school begins as soon as I put Berlyn down for a nap. We usually have 2 1/2 hours to work together and then we go pick up Blaze at 3:00. We definitely have better days than others, but for now this routine works for us!

a 4 month vacation?!

I'm not sure I really understood what Dan's job entailed when he decided to work for the Government? People had warned me that we may up and move at any given time; whether it be temporary or permanent. I must say after 4 years tucked away in Deming...I thought we were safe from any sudden change in location. Boy, was I wrong!! Dan was "mandated" 1 month ago to teach at the B.P. Academy where he received his training. He was given two weeks to find a house and move to Artesia, NM (4 1/2 hours from Deming). It was a hard decision for the kids and I to leave our friends, a great ward, and Braxton's school, but we knew it would be even harder to be without Dan. 5 years ago, I did not have a choice in accompanying him to the Academy, but this time I am blessed in having the option to be with him. Of course there is never a good time to move, but we really feel that it is a wonderful opportunity for Dan and a great adventure for our family. We were not able to find a decent house in Artesia, so we are currently living in Rosewell; which is 40min. from Artesia. The commute is not ideal, but as of now we will only be here until November 30th.

We are enjoying some of the things here like: the bottomless lake, shopping, restaurants, a great library, a wonderful preschool, a gym with "free" daycare, and we are excited to get to know the people in our new ward!

I am also enjoying a "cleaning lady" named Sean, who comes 1 time per week! She always compliments me on keeping a tidy house and says there is not much for her to do. However, I am taking advantage and letting the house get a little more dirty than usual!

Just a little "bling"

I just couldn't resist these sandals for Berlyn! They are a perfect fit to go with her chubby little feet!