Today Chris and I were able to go to a special program that the Red Pod had put together. It was called "The Melting Pot of the World."

Victoria's class started off with reading a poem. They also had some teachers talk about their native land. We learned a lot from Mr. Ghafarri and all he sacrificed to come to America for a better life and education. The other teachers also shared where their ancestors were from. It was really neat to learn about them. It was also great for the kids to learn how people can be different and from different places and still work together in our great nation.

Christianna's class sang the Star Spangled Banner. She had been practicing the song at the house for weeks. Apparently the shower has some awesome acoustics! Watch the video of them singing - it is cute.

Appointment #2

I went in again for my regular checkup today. It is so fun being able to see the baby already and how much has changed in a month. I still get teary at the miracle that I hold inside of me. I had to laugh too, as we were doing this, the baby was moving around a lot....kicking the legs in the air & then waving the arms. They even rested their arm over their head - just like I do when I sleep. The head is on the right side within that dark area in the middle.

The leg is kicking up in this one (above) looks like a little line on the left side.

(Below) The arm is over the head in this one.
Heather (across the street) is convinced that it is a boy. (I think she is seeing "things".) Only time will tell. Turns out we have to wait until the first week in March to see if we are having a boy or girl. I bombarded the Dr. with some questions too. Turns out, I can not go to Youth Conference June 15-19 in St. George. Just too close to the due date and the stress of being responsible for youth on top of being hugely pregnant will not be a good combo. Not to mention - it will be hot there. Even though I was a little bummed, I really wouldn't have been much help anyway plus, it would have been depressing knowing I was missing all the fun hiking and stuff.

Looking forward to my next appointment Feb. 10. I will hopefully get to schedule the ultrasound of awesomeness and I am being transferred to a new Dr. in the same office since my ob doesn't deliver babies anymore (sniff, sniff). I wonder if that has to do with the fact that he is now a Bishop? Hmmm, I wonder?

Callings out the wazoo!

Today was a very important day for me. I think it was the end of a whole slew of different callings in our ward. But before I get to the new, I will explain what I mean.

Let's go back to October 2008. This is the month where we officially started attending our new ward. I was soon called to be the Webelos leader. I was apprehensive at first because I am surrounded by girls and I had no clue how scouts even worked. Once I finally got my head wrapped around things, it turned out to be such a fun calling! And then...I was released.

I was then put into Young Womens as the secretary. I kinda laughed when given that one since I am SUPER BAD at organizational skills. Want proof? Ask Chris & then take a look at my office. But I persevered and did my best...for a couple months until I was moved to be the advisor over Personal Progress in YW. During this time I was also a Ma for our Pioneer Trek Youth Conference. (If you ask me, that is truly one of the best callings EVER! I would do it again in a heartbeat. Repeatedly.)

In September, I was yet again, released and put into the Primary as the secretary...thinking there is something I am supposed to learn here? Upon learning that a secretary makes or breaks the Primary organization (thanks Heather) I was seriously not going to be the one to let the ball drop. I put everything I could into making things work & run smoothly for the brand new Primary presidency...who were all new at it.

Which brings me to the here and now...On Jan. 10th I was to move once again. I was released as the secretary and then called to be the new Young Women's President. WOW! I am very excited for this new phase in my life...and not because I am practically guaranteed to be in it for two and a half to three years...it's because I love the girls! Spending all that time on trek with them helped me to really get to know and love them.

I know it is kind of a joke within the ward- all the different places I have been moved to within about a year and a month - but I know that callings come from the Lord, and I was grateful for each of the opportunities I had to get me to where I am now. I hope and pray that I can continue to be a good example and leader for these young women. I think back to my leaders and what an important role they had in my life and I do not want to let these girls down.

I came across this from the General YW President. In reference to all the young women in the world, they are our "bright, shining hope for the future," and we, as leaders, need to help them learn that they are daughters of God and that with that knowledge they can move forward with confidence.

I know that is true!

Lucky Dog

What an evening! Tonight we had our Pampered Chef team meeting in West Jordan. (Location will prove to be important in a minute.) It was like any other meeting, fun, friends, training and some food. I had carpooled with a friend, Shelly and her two kiddies. It all seemed uneventful enough, after the meeting was done we piled into our car and headed back north...about a 20 minute ride.

After we pulled into our driveway, I got out and opened the door behind me so the kids could get out. To my shock and surprise...there was a little white dog just laying there on the seat next to Phoenix, partly in his lap.

"Why is there a dog in the back seat?" was all I could muster to say.

"I don't know." Was the answer...

"Why didn't you tell us that Lucky had climbed into the car?"

"I forgot."

WOW! Normally this wouldn't have been too bad, yes a little frustrating...but I would have been fine dealing with it. EXCEPT, Chris was still at the YM activity and Heather was at my house staying with the girls - who were already in bed for the night - and now I had to ask her to stay even longer (thought Chris would have been home about an hour earlier) so I could return the dog to West Jordan.

I tried to see how it would go with Lucky & Minnie so I could maybe return him the next day...well, she was not happy with this little yipper in her house.

I called Debbie, for that was the dog's owner, and asked her if she knew where her dog was. I bet I sounded like I was asking a ransom or something. She said laughing, "Why, is he with you?" When I replied with a very big "YES!" She laughed even more. Apparently the little dear loves car rides.

Luckily she was ok with meeting me halfway and as I was heading out the driveway, Chris pulled up. Thank goodness, Heather could go home now and then I could get this little mutt to his rightful owners. Thank you Heather for aiding me in my evening of "When it Rains it Pours." (And for also not letting Minnie eat Lucky.)

Now every time we leave Debbie's house, I will make sure that we have not picked up any stowaways.

I guess you live and learn?

Who's my teacher?

The day started with so many questions...good ones too!

"Who is my teacher?"

"Where do I sit?"

"Which class is mine?"

Today was our Primary "Meet the Teacher" activity. It was a rough one with a bit of stress added to the mix, and let me tell you - I learned a lot of what we should do next year! But we pulled it off and the children seemed to have a great time. There were various stations and the classes rotated around the room to each one.

Tiffany did a musical chairs activity. Perfect for all those kids to get some energy out and run a little.

My dear Christopher was recruited to help out & I am so greatful that he did! He ran the scripture story memory game.

Even Bishop got in on the musical chairs action. (Who wouldn't? I would have if I had the time.)

Then ther was the Bingo station. The Bingo cards were so cute, if the square desribed you, you got to mark it. Just a fun spin on getting to know the new kids in each class.

This was the calendar station. They each made a chart to keep track of the monthly scripture that we use in primary.

We all survived, maybe a little worse for wear...but we did indeed survive. (It was a little crazy since the Primary Pres. was out of town on vacation & we were counting down the days until her return. 4 days left to go!)

Happy New Year!

Unfortunately, another event without my camera! I am seriously slacking.

Our wonderful neighbors, the Lymans, hosted a little shindig to celebrate the New Year. Awesomely it was early on - didn't think I would even make it to midnight with how tired I have been lately. We enjoyed friends, good conversations and lots of laughs.

After we had worn out our welcome, yet again...we headed home and got the girls ready and in bed. I let them stay up until after 10, that's 2 hours later than normal. Think what you want...but I was the one who would be up with them the next day and they needed sleep so there would be less crankiness. Especially with the primary activity the next morning.

I was definitely ready to go to bed at 10 myself. Chris really wanted to wait up until midnight. Turns out I am a crazy and supporting wife since I ended up staying up with him. Originally we were going to watch a movie, but it turned into channel surfing and watching shows about food! Luckily the last one was about all the various things people fry and eat. YUCK! Did you know that there are restaurants that are known for frying the following items:

BACON (insert puking sound here)

Hamburgers

Pickles

I know there were more things, but those really stuck with me (and would stick with you if you ever tried them.) I was actually intrigued by the pickles though...

Needless to say, we bought pickles on our very next grocery shopping trip and have yet to try frying them.

I am hoping that your New Years was a bit more eventful than ours, I think we did ring in the new year with a very tired kiss and then promptly turned off the TV and crashed into bed.

Sledding at Lindsey Gardens

Today we were introduced to the wonderful world of good sledding. Heather has told us about this place and we were so very excited to be able to go and get on some sweet hills. The girls did get sleds for Christmas, so we got all ready and loaded up. It had been snowing for most of the morning and there is nothing like fresh snow!

We joined the Barker, Lyman & Thomas families for some rip roaring good times. Victoria & Christianna saw the biggest and steepest hill there and immediately went for it. Unfortunately, they haven't learned the good skill of walking up the hill so you are a little familiar with ramps & bumps and just went down it. Christianna was fine but Victoria totally nailed a ramp and flew into the air and landed on her back. It hurt for a little, but she eventually got back into sledding. Very grateful that we didn't have to run to the hospital.

I really wish that I had used my really good camera - I would have had better pictures as well as a few more. Didn't want it to get ruined in the weather though.

Now Chris & I have to get sleds so we can all go again soon. I am thinking that an inner tube style would totally ROCK!