Happy Birthday to Em

Well, my baby is now 9 years old.  She didn't have a big party... only the family.... but it was fun.  We took "broken glass jello" to her school for a treat, ate dinner at McDonalds, and went bowling. 

Broken Glass Jello (recipe on my sister's blog at http://www.anticipatingthebest.blogspot.com/)

She wanted a Webkinz cake.  My decorating tools are stored in a box in a storage unit, so I was limited to using a butter knife, toothpicks, and a ziplock bag.  We came up with a "Wheel of Wow" cake, that she liked. 

Birthday cake with chocolate coins and polly pocket items as the prizes. 

I hope she had a fun birthday.  Love you Em!!!!

Presidents Day Fun

On Monday, everyone had the day off, so we went to explore.  This is one of the many beautiful views we saw.  We drove on the back farm roads, and just poked around.  At one point, a big truck came zooming up behind us, so we scooted over to let them past.  We got into the mushy snow, and it pulled us off the road into a snowbank.  Then we had to wave the fast truck down, to turn around and come pull us out.  We both laughed at how we slowed him down, by trying to let him speed up.  We also drove to the Teton dam site, and went to the Teton Flood Museum. 

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.