We're getting all settled down,  living among the Mormons.  It is quite a cultural change.  Even at school, they call each other "Brother and Sister"!  The kids are enjoying school and making new friends.  Tony enjoys going to work and getting to know everyone.  I spend my time cleaning the mold in my apartment, and doing all the wifely/motherly things I always do.  We went ice skating last night for FHE.  Em was a whiz, zipping all over the place, Tony did quite well too.  The boys and I hobbled around the edges, feeling proud of ourselves when we could stop without running into anyone.  It was a really fun evening!!!!  Our new phone numbers are as follows:  Tara - (208) 206-2255, and Tony (208) 313-5324. 

New Address

We finally got to move into our apartment!  As grateful as I am to family who let us stay with them, it's so nice to be in my own place.  Such as it is.  I am thankful that it is only temporary, until our house sells, and we buy a new one!  Em had a good day at school yesterday, and is excited to have so many LDS kids in her class.  The boys started school this morning, and I cried.  They were fine and had the help that they needed, but it was really hard for this emotional mom.  This morning I am sitting at the laundry-mat, keeping an eye on our clothing.  I will be really grateful to have my own washer and dryer again!  This whole experience is making me thankful a lot of things that I generally take for granted!!  Our new address is: 520 Yale Ave, #101, Rexburg, ID 83440.

Montana Girl becomes Idahoan

Blogging has not been a priority lately.  Everything I own... except the contents of a suitcase, has been packed up and put in storage.  We are staying with some very, very kind relatives in Idaho, while we wait to get into our apartment.  Today it is about 20 degrees below zero.  I am feeling rather displaced and out of my element, but look forward to getting settled.  I was supposed to have a meeting with Jacob's new school this morning, to help him adjust to his new school, and get his IEP in place.  No one was at the school, because of the cold everything was cancelled.  I am a little disappointed, but am trying to reschedule.   Right now I'm looking forward to having my own home and a little sunshine!!!  I'm sure tomorrow will be better.

Lovely Luncheon

Yesterday I attended the nicest luncheon! My dear friend, Annemarie, set up a "moving away" lunch for me. Her husband and sons had set up tables and chairs at the church, and she invited friends, organized the food, and was a beautiful hostess. I was so touched by all her hard work, and by all the ladies that came. There were probably 25-30 people there! This has been a wonderful place to live, and I'm going to miss my friends and "church family" so very much! Thank you all for your wonderfulness! Luckily I will be able to visit often, and hopefully you will stop and visit us when you are in Rexburg! I love you all!!!!!

Times Are Changing

 

Sledding fun

 

Enjoying a Griz game

This new year will bring about a lot of changes for our family.  Tony started his new job at BYU-Idaho yesterday, and so far he loves it.  The kids and I are still in Hamilton, finishing out the quarter at school, and trying to sell the house.  Everywhere I look, I think "this is the last time I'll do ____________".  But, I also think "It will be fun/exciting to do __________ after we move".  I apologize to everyone about being an emotional wreck.  Change has never been easy for me.  Here are a few pics of holiday fun, and just hanging out. 

Merry Christmas

I didn't get a family picture taken, send out Christmas cards, or make pretty cookies. I burned the caramels I was making this morning. My house is a mess, and I'm keeping my kids entertained in front of the tv. My Christmas tree is all dried out, and the popcorn garland is crumbling. Yet, despite it all, I'm feeling very merry! I have presents to give to the people I love (and they're even wrapped!). I am surrounded by good friends and family. I am warm and well fed. The snow is beautiful. Best of all, I get to celebrate the birth of a baby, who has made my life worth living. Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!

BYU-Idaho or Bust

Two weeks ago, I was very content, living my busy little life in the Bitterroot.  On the Wed. before Thanksgiving, we got a call from BYU-I, wanting to interview Tony for a job.  Since we were heading down that way to eat turkey, we thought... "why not?"  So, last Monday Tony was in interviews all day while the kids and I shopped and checked out the town.  Then, yesterday, the school called again and offered us the job!  Tony told them we'd think about it.  The last I heard this morning was that we were thinking about it, and probably shouldn't say anything to anyone till we made a choice.  ( I knew that we were going to do it.)  Then, Tony sent me an e-mail saying that the 22nd would be his last day working for the bank!  He proceded to send a note to the several thousand people in his mailbox, saying that we are moving!  

I have such mixed feelings!!!  I'm excited about this new opportunity for Tony, and the benefits it will provide to our family.  I'm really struggling with leaving the town I grew up in, and all the people I love here.  The hardest part will be moving away from my parents.  I'm worried about the challenges a move will make for my kids... especially Jacob.  I'm excited about the new possibilities that lie ahead for the kids. 

I apologize if anyone feels like we have been "sneaky" or anything... but we really didn't know anything until today.  Now we need to concentrate on sorting and packing and selling our house.  I also apologize for being emotional... I just can't help it!!!!  Everything makes me cry, even happy things!!!!!  I'm just a mess!!!