Oregon

We just returned from a week long trip to the Oregon coast. (Pictures to come later) We went with B's parents in their motorhome and boy, was it an adventure! I am so glad to be back as we had so many emotional breakdowns and motor vehicle breakdowns.
We did have a great time seeing the ocean, as it was Em's first time to ever visit there. We saw so many different places and did a LOT of walking. I was able to get a new camera before we left and was still learning the functions, so my pics didn't turn out as good as I would have liked, but I think they still turned out gorgeous. How could any pics of the ocean not turn out!?
We were able to see the Columbia River, several lighthouses, a few state parks, and of course, the Pacific ocean. Em had a great time chasing the waves and letting them chase her back. It was so fun to see her experience the ocean. She was such a trooper and kept going even when the rest of us were completely worn out. Oh to have the energy of a 5 year old!
I will get some pics put up of our trip soon, I just have so many to go through, and not enough time to do it all in, so it might be in a few installments. Who knew that coming home would cause so much work...

Long time coming...

So, I am starting to feel like a failure at many things. I am struggling with school, my classes are definitely getting more difficult, and I am wondering what I was thinking trying to do school and be a full-time mom/wife/cook/maid/etc. I feel like I can do great in one area, and the rest falls apart around me. I have finally fallen prey to my depression and that in itself is a struggle. I know that I will overcome it, but in the mean time, this enduring is getting tough. I find that I am comparing myself to others more and more, and I don't know what that means really except that I am pulling myself down. I am working hard everyday to be the best I can be, and for now, that's what matters.
B is doing his best to be a positive support for me and for our family, but I feel bad that he has to carry the load of what I am going through. We are glad we have had the opportunity to go out of town for several weekends in a row together. It seems like we get along better and communicate better when we are in the car. Things have been rough here at home, but when we get away, it's our chance to b.r.e.a.t.h.e. and when we come back, things don't seem as tense.
B is still doing great at work, and has many projects here at home he is working on. We recently sold one of his mirrors, and to see how proud he is of his work makes my heart melt. I'm so proud of him!
E is doing great and now my grown up 5 year old going on 20. She shows me more and more each day how grown up she is and how independendant she can be. We are tossing around the idea of homeschooling her for kindergarten, but after hearing nothing but negative feedback from family, it's harder to see our side of things. With everything else going on, it would be a little more chllenging to homeschool, but the benefits out-weigh the negative. I think it's going to take a lot more prayer and considering before we decide one way or the other.
Overall, life happens. Friends have come and gone, family is... well... Family! We are here to stick it out good or bad. We work together and somehow we pull through these tough times.

The Great Outdoors

Emma and I have been away for a while visiting with my dad, step-mom, and brother. It has been so nice being able to take some time away from home and just sit back and relax. We have gone on a few day trips and taken TONS of pictures. I love how the colors are changing here in Jackson. There are lime green trees, red trees, and some of the prettiest shade of yellow ever!

Last Friday we got to go through Grand Teton National Park and take tons of pictures there as well. Emma was such a cutie, but has reached that age where she would rather look anywhere but at the camera... Although, I did manage to sneak a few quick shots in while I held her attention.

On Saturday we went to Grandma's to help with some yardwork... I ended up helping for a while, then I had to pull out the camera and get the last few blooms before winter hits.

I think my favorite bloom of the day had to have been the bright smile on Emma's face! She knows how to light up my day.

It's my birthday.. Woohoo!!! I am 26 today, and was just taking a minute to reflect. At 26 years old, I am married, have a wonderful daughter, working toward my associate degree, and overall, not too bad off.
So, it has been quite a long while since I have written here, and things have changed, but remained the same. Brad and I have decided to stay where we are, at least for now. I know that he would much prefer to be closer to work, especially in the winter time, but after praying about it, we feel like this is where we are supposed to be for now.
Emma is growing up so fast, and changing every day. I just got her enrolled in preschool, and I am sad to see her leaving because that means that she is getting more grown up. Where she is my one and only, it is tough to think that my baby is needing me less and less. She informs me of this every day. I love that every morning though, she will come into my room when Brad leaves for work, and snuggle with me. It lets me know that deep down she is still my baby girl. I do love her teacher though, and I am hoping that it will be easier on Emma to go to preschool, than it will be for me. I am already having separation anxiety, and she hasn't even left yet.
Brad's job is going well, and construction is somewhat steady, so I'm glad he is keeping busy.
I just finished my eighth college classes, and am into my ninth and tenth classes now. When I finish these two, I will be half-way done with my Associates degree. I am super excited to be making my way through school while still being a mom. It is definitely not easy, but I am doing this now, so that my daughter will see that it is never too late to get a great education. She is my light and I treasure her so much. Emma will ask me every night if I have gotten my homework done yet. She is more on top of things than I am sometimes.
I am working on improving our spirituality as well, and although we are doing better to attend church, I am pushing for nightly scripture study. Luckily, my best friend is also working on this goal, so we are trying to get our schedules worked out so we can study the scriptures over the phone. My best friend is amazing, and has been going through a lot herself. She is such a strong person, and someone I admire greatly.
I guess I have rambled enough, so until next time...

Time to change???

Today we are going to look at a house in Rexburg. It's closer to the hubby's job, and a lot closer to other conveniences that small towns don't have. We are not in a big hurry to move, but it would be nice to have a change. Things will fall into place when the time is right. All it takes is prayer, and a listening ear to know if the decision is right, and the faith to know that the answer will come in due time.

???

Just a quick question... Why does everything have to be so complicated?
It's ok though, the new Tori & Dean comes on tonight, and it makes up for everything.. =) (for now at least.)

Just me... and my family!

So, I'm new at the whole blogging thing, so I will start by just introducing myself a bit.

I am a stay at home mom (SAHM) to the most beautiful, entertaining, and dramatic 4 year old ever. She is truly the greatest blessing I have ever received! Emma loves to play outside and is very friendly with everyone she meets. She is shy at first, but when she gets to know someone, watch out because she can talk your leg off.

My husband and I have been married for almost 5 years now. Brad works at a cabinet shop and enjoys the type of work he is doing now. In his spare time, he does a lot of wood working projects including remaking old window frames into mirrors. He is very talented and I enjoy seeing the end result of his hard work.

As a family, we enjoy camping, going for walks, visiting family, and spending time outdoors.

In my spare time, I love to read, put together "crafty stuff," puzzles, all kinds of music, photography, home decorating, trying new reciepies, you name it, I like it! =) I am also busy taking college courses online through the University of Phoenix, and look forward to getting my degree the end of next year.

As busy as I am at times, it's nice to sit down and check out all the different blogs around. It's super fun to get to know people from all walks of life, and make new friends along the way...