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...