Birthday Girl!

It's a little after the fact, but on Feb. 8th Jacee turned a whopping 15 years old. Scary!!! What's even scarier is she will be getting her driver's permit upon completion of her AR book. I can't believe how grown up Jacee is. She's not a little girl anymore, but a beautiful not to mention quite sassy young woman. If any of you know Jacee this sass has been with her since day one. If you don't believe me you'll have to come watch some of our home videos. I remember how excited I was when Jacee was born and since then have made it my place to try and be her mom. She will tell you that I like to tell her what to do or become the "counselor". I just want Jacee to know I love her and I'm so glad she's my little sis'.

Together at last!

Levi got home from his mission on January 29th. Brock and Shae were able to fly in for the big event. It had been two years since we had all been together, but seemed so much longer. I hate that we live all over the place, but it seems like old times when we all get together. We were able to hit the ski slopes (minus Jacee) and have a good time! I think we are pretty close to starting up our own band thanks to all our practice with Rock Band...and I will be the lead singer, oh yeah...watch out! We had so much fun together; I was so sad when everyone went home.

Many Blessings

I have totally been a slacker. I have been meaning to post about Christmas and I just realized it is already February. So I will forgo that post and give an update on our lives. I apologize I don't have any pictures because I lost our camera's battery charger and have not taken any pictures since the holidays. Anyways, life just always seems to get busier and busier, but I need to take a moment and express how grateful I am for the blessings in my life. I have heard awful stories of people losing their jobs, having poor health, losing loved ones, and other tragic events and I know Reese and I have been watched over. We recently had a scary experience with our nephew, Brighton, who had to be life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital. He had cracked his temporal bone, ruptured his eardrum, and was leaking spinal fluid out his ear. Since then he is home and doing a lot better, but the whole experience made me take a look at my life. I love both of our families so much, especially all our nieces and nephews who I would take as my own any day! We have been blessed with health, jobs, the opportunity for education, and lots of time to play. We have a roof over our heads and food to eat. Reese was able to finish his Master's degree in December. My brother returns home from his mission in Virginia today. I'm starting to ramble, but my heart is full and I saved the most exciting thing for last.....drum roll please..... we are having a baby! I am due July 22nd. I have been really sick, but am finally starting to feel better. I went to the doctor for my second appointment yesterday and the baby is doing great. It has a nice strong heart beat and we will find out what it is the end of February....for all these things and many others I feel blessed.

Oh Christmas Tree

Reese and I went and picked out our Christmas tree on Thursday night. I just love this time of the year and love my cute little tree.

Grab Your Gun...

Every year for Thanksgiving Brock has a turkey shoot behind my parents house. This year was no exception, Brock flew in from Chicago with plans already in the making. I'm a terrible shot, eyes closed and all, but it is still fun to shoot. Basically as long as you put in a dollar your in the runnings for the jackpot, so next year for Thanksgiving grab your gun and head to the Hancock's.

Ready Aim Fire!

Dad and Brock

Dad and the jackpot.

Uncles Scott and Kelly

All lined up.

Intense concentration

Jacee and Dad

November

November was a pretty busy month for me. The first week of November I was in Phoenix, the next couple of weeks work was crazy because there was a federal review at work and so all of my files had to be just right and people observed my visits which about sent me over the edge, just a little too much stress for me. Reese and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary on the 19th (time goes by way too fast), both of my parents had birthdays, and then of course Thanksgiving. Life is finally calming down a bit so here are finally some new posts.

Birthday Time

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!

I am so lucky to have such wonderful parents. My eyes have been opened the last couple of years as I have worked in social services to realize how blessed I am to have such a good family and good parents. My parents both work so hard, are selfless, love their children unconditionally, and are just down right good people. They are both still my parents, but are some of my best friends that I have. I love hanging out with them and want them to know how much I love and appreciate them!

Dad's birthday party and early Thanksgiving dinner at Grandpa's house.

Mom opening her gifts on Thanksgiving. (Jacee was sick so we celebrated a little later this year. The weekend before Mom's birthday Jacee, Mom, me, Joanne, Saren, and Maisee all went to Twilight.)

Jacee, Mom, and Myself