Katie moves

My best friend in the whole world has moved 4 hours away.  It happened over the weekend, and I cried about it like a little kid.  She will be quick to point out, when she reads this, that she cried when I moved away to Minnesota for a couple of years.  That is, however, beside the point in my moment of self-pity about this.

Katie and I have been friends since we were four years old.  We are like sisters.  Family to each other forever.  We share memories and loved ones.  My kids always say to me, "You sound like Katie when you say that."  Well, that will happen after this many years together.

I am truly happy for Katie and her husband Scott, and the beautiful dream home they have built in Kanab.  I plan to go and visit them often in the land of the red rocks.  And yes, we still have phones.  We can call each other often, and we will. 

But for now, I will just feel sad for awhile.  Then I'll plan a trip :)

My Unconventional Days

The Winter has been long here.  Haze has clung in the air and over all the beauty of the snow.  I like to look out the window and imagine.  Yes, I am holding on.  Waiting for Spring, for rainbows, and for signs of life from the ground.   Needing the rain to come and wash the sad away.

Carson becomes a teenager

My second child is now a teenager.  We celebrated Carson's birthday on Feb. 9th (the Saturday before his birthday, which is the 11th).  We bowled and ate pizza at Fat Cat's.  In the evening, we had cake at home and went out to dinner.  I am proud of Carson.  He is strong and has overcome so much. 

Carson has wanted some cowboy boots.  We took a trip to Ream's for his birthday present.  You should see him wearing them with his pajamas.  Yes, he does.  Micah got another late birthday present in the form of a belt buckle.

Sooo behind!

I am so behind in my posts.  I haven't even posted Christmas pics yet.  So, here is a quick run-down of our bigger events, followed by a little collage of photos.

Our holidays were quiet and at home this year.  We enjoyed the time together.

I started my new job at UVRMC in the hospital billing dept right after Thanksgiving. Three weeks of training in Salt Lake meant long and grueling days, but lots of overtime. 

I quit my job at the library just before Christmas.  A very difficult thing for me.

And then . . . well let's just get to the photos.

We had a Hobbit party at our house on the Saturday before the premiere of the movie.  It lasted four hours and we had lots of food, friends, and a movie.  It was fun for all, and I enjoyed hosting and having friends over.  A few days later, we went to the very first midnight premier of "The Hobbit" with a bunch of my library friends.  Katie came along too.  Dakota, Carson, and Micah had a great time. There was a lot of energy and fun, and a lot of caffeine needed to get us through.

Christmas was a great time.  Dakota refused to have his picture taken.  Don't worry, he was here. 

Carson received the brand new vinyl record player he has been wanting all year.  Look at that face!  He can begin to listen to his vinyl collection now.

Micah got his ipod.  He's a little excited, as well.