SNOW

These were taken just outside my front door. Now that I see them on the computer, I'm not sure they do the snow justice.

Mom, you have been begging for some pictures of the snow situation here. So here ya go! I have to say that I have started an affair with the snow. In AZ I had was quite happy without snow. When we visited Utah I would curse the snow and wonder how I ever lived with it. Now I have been forced to deal with it and I am not minding it as much as I thought I would. In fact, you might say I even like it. If not for skiing, however, I might not feel this way.

I have been quite amazed by the snow removal here. You should see the seemingly sophisticated machinery that they use to clear the snow after it has first been plowed. It brings new meaning to the words, "SNOW BLOWER."

Just a few things

So today I got the kids all ready for church and we are about to walk out the door when Jason comes in to tell me that the car won't start. The reason it wouldsn't start is because it's like -35 outside. This is curious because it's been that cold for a few days now and it started fine before. I guess this cold air is just what comes with choosing to live in Northern Maine. The cold is supposed to let up by tomorrow, finally. That means I can get out to ski again and yes, use my car.

Yesterday I had a lot on my mind. January 17th was the due date of the baby I miscarried in July. I miscarried at 14 weeks, which is unusual. It was an emotional roller coaster for a while. I came to realize that everything is in the Lords time. We have gone through a lot of changes in the last 6 months. My little kayla is no longer needing me like before. She isn't even in diapers anymore. As much as I wish I hadn't miscarried, I have faith that the Lord knows what I need.

Cold Days

Today it is -14 but with the windchill it is -34. This is what we did today!

School

I fear I am going to become extremely neglectful in the blog department the next few months. I have started online classes to finish up my degree. Blogging might take a back seat for a while as now I am mom, wife, and student. I am finding that every single second of my day is used up now, which so far has been challenging but surprisingly rewarding. So far I have felt a little stressed, but at the end of the day I find myself thinking "how did I get all that done today?" When we went to tithing settlement a few weeks ago our bishop told a similar story. In his younger days he was working 12 hour days, going to school full time and had 6 (or was it 7?) kids. He said that looking back on that he has no idea how he managed to get A's on tests and have family home evening every week. His time was very valuable and as he made sure to do those things the Lord wanted him to do, he found that no matter how much he had on his plate, the Lord blessed him with the ability to accomplish those things. I think it's like Nephi says, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way..." It's not a hard concept to understand, but it's hard to practice because it requires faith. I hope I can have the faith to continue doing the things the Lord wants me to so that I can accomplish everything that I have on my plate.

*just a note*

*I have recently updated my blog list. I fear that I may have left someone off. If I misspelled your name or I left you off accidentally let me know! Sorry if I did!*

Grow and Change

I have recently taken up cross country skiing. I enjoy it so much. It has made me actually like that snow and at least tolerate the cold. I have a group of friends I go with. We enjoy going together and learning together. Today I took Mckenna for her first time. She did such a great job. I was absolutely surprised by her. When we first moved here I had told people that Mckenna doesn't really like the cold or the snow. This has been true since forever. The first chance I gave her to go out and play in the snow--she wouldn't hardly come back in. I was very apprehensive about taking her skiing with me. I had told my friends that I didn't know if she could do it. She really surprised me when she did so well with it and didn't cry about it being very cold. I think I know her and what she will like, but as she grows she changes --as we all do. Change is inevitable, but that doesn't meant I'm ready for it.

The other day a friend told me that all the food you don't think you like now you should try when you turn 30 or 40. . . because we all change.

When Mckenna saw Kayla singing.. she had to have her spotlight too!

Late Nights

Kayla has been having weird nap times and she hasn't been going to bed at her regular time. She likes to come sit with me while I'm doing my school stuff and sing songs to me. This is one of her favsorites right now.