31 Day Challenge Update

State Bar Swearing In
Abi's Kindergarten
Happy Halloween

I've converted. I've started scrappin' on 12x12. I love how many pics I can fit on one page. Why

didn't I do this sooner? Ah well. I haven't done a layout everyday but I have definately done more than I would have without the challenge. These three I did over the weekend. I try to keep my things out in my little crafting corner downstairs so that I can run down and work on a page when I have a few minutes. But we don't heat our basement, so it's really cold. Plus, who has tons of "free minutes." Shout out to Ranay who is doing a great job on the challenge!!!

Rexburg Temple Open House

This morning we drove to Rexburg to attend the Open House Tour of the new Rexburg Temple. What a blessing to now have 2 temples so close to us. Abi and Tal were especially excited and have been talking about it for weeks. We were able to view the baptistry, dressing room, instruction room, Celestial Room and a sealing room. In the sealing room we looked into the mirrors and saw our family extending on into eternity. Tal said that his favorite part was the angel Moroni on top of the temple and counting the crystal chandeliers in the celestial room and sealing room. Abi liked the baptismal font on the back of 12 oxen the best. We all felt the warm, peaceful spirit in the temple. We hope that you all take the opportunity to visit the temple.

For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints visit http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/.

For tickets to the Rexburg Temple Open House

http://www.lds.org/reservations/1,10751,1619-1-381,00.html

It's a Girl!!!!

Saturday morning we all arose bright and early to go to the hospital for our baby's ultrasound. Abi and Tal had been fighting over whether we'd have a boy or a girl, of course each wanted their own gender. But soon the waiting was over, there she was our beautiful baby GIRL. Abi was ecstatic, Talmage was MAD. "I'm not going to be your friend anymore," he said to no one in particular. Kris helped calm him down by explaining that with just 2 boys they could buy four wheelers and dirt bikes sooner and it would just be the two of them to do "guy stuff." We've been kicking a couple of names around but Abi and Tal have latched onto "Alexa." At church yesterday they were drawing pictures for her and Tal wanted Kris to write her whole name out. We'll just have to see...... We get the official report when I go to the Dr next, but all the parts were there: brain, heart, 3 vessel cord, 2 kidneys, straight spine, arms, legs, fingers, toes, face fully formed - no cleft visible, so she looks perfect. We are so excited and are happy to share our joy with you.

If I were a bear, I would hibernate....

January is such a tough month to get through. January is just snow, and cold, and nothing to look forward too, except the end. If I were any other animal, I would just hibernate until February. When we lived in Moscow, during Kris's first year of law school I had a really bad bout of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), basically depression. The kind where you don't get out of your PJ's, you sleep ALL the time, and you cry the rest of the time. Thanks to my husband and some good friends we worked out a plan to get me through those dark days in Moscow. And let me tell you, Moscow is dark in the winter. Then sun sets about 3:45 and by 4:00 it is dark. But you can't see the sun because it is overcast and rainy from November to April. So here is what gets me through winter, especially January. I am interested in seeing what you all do, so please post back.

1. My Happy Light - Bright sunlight lamp that I sit by for 15-20 minutes a day while I read or work on the computer.
2. Excercise - My neighbor Ranay and I walk around our church building several mornings a week. This also fulfills #3.
3. Talk to a friend - I probably chat Ranay's ear off those mornings, I hope she forgives me.
4. Get a project - In the past I've planned a Caribbean themed party, redecorated my bedroom, and created a family picture wall. This year I am doing the Layout a Day Challenge - 31 layouts in 31 days. I got started a little late so I am trying to catch up. Ranay challenged me. Here's the link: http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/janchallenge.php
5. St John's Wort - 3 caplets a day helps keep me happy. Unfortunately I can't take it this year while I'm pregnant, but I swear by this stuff.
6. My garden catalogs start arriving. My husband hates this part because then I talk and plan, and talk and plan, ( where does Abi get it from) about plants I want to buy and where to put them. This year I want a dwarf cherry bush for the backyard and clematis to plant by my front door. I thinking Jackamanii but if you have any favorites, let me know.

Best of Luck and Just Keep Swimming!!!!!