Sorrow

For the second time in 2 months I am heading to a funeral.  For the second time in 2 months, my husband gave a blessing of release to a dear man.  For the second time in 2 months I have to bid farewell. 

I am sorry I have been so negligent. I think I am doing fine, but little things keep happening to say otherwise. I got shingles right after my grandfather's funeral in February. (They are just now going away.) I was late on my insurance payment for the first time in my life. (Not a good feeling.) I have misremembered appointments and dates, which never happens. I have been pulling in, become anti-social and just want to read all the time. 

I hope these things change, that we gradually heal. I will post pictures and catch up soon. I am hoping this week or weekend. Even so, I think my mom is the only one that reads anymore, so after her mission I will probably discontinue the blog and stay on Instagram. But, I will miss the family record it has become. 

Merry Christmas!

I thought for Christmas I would post some more fun shots. I am having trouble getting them off my phone, though. (I am trying to get one of Anneke on Santa's lap.

Mallory's Grammy painted her face. Santa, right in the middle.

 She was lucky enough to talk to Santa 3 times this year!

Mo was exhausted and fell asleep on the back of the couch waiting to leave.

 My baby sat on Santa's lap! I was surprised.

 Pajama day and Christmas hair by Teacher Stormy

Luke wouldn't sit on his lap. He did give him his letter and got one in return.

Present #7

Merry Christmas! Most of you received one, but here is our Christmas letter from the year.

The Bahlmann family has been in Utah for just over 4 months. Leaving Las Vegas was hard but we are adjusting to the new place and are quite sad there hasn’t been much snow here yet. We have jumped in with both feet. We are currently staying in my family house until my parents return from their mission sometime in April 2015. In the mean time, we are saving money and looking for our next home.

I have a job working as a head teacher at the Snow College preschool and childcare lab. It has been an adjustment for me but I really love it now. I also serve in the young women program (12-18 year olds) for church as the Beehive advisor. Andy and I sang a duet for the ward Christmas party and have been asked to sing in sacrament meeting at the end of the month. I want snow for Christmas.

(Andy's photo wouldn't load. Sad.) Andy has been adjusting to a new school. They say the first year is the hardest. He is excited to teach Shakespeare next semester.  Work on is book seems to have stalled, so he may be looking for a new publisher in January. He is the Sunday School president for our ward. He would like a new belt buckle (for his collection) from Santa.

Marcus (12) has adjusted quickly to our new home. He is playing the bass in orchestra as well as singing in the show choir and participating in The Taming of the Shrew play.  He was just set apart as the secretary for the Deacon’s quorum in our ward.  (That’s the 12-13 year old boy youth group.) He has been asked to take art next year because he is so good. Marcus is a great example and makes me proud every day. He wants Disney Infinity 2.0 items and Pez dispensers for his collection from Santa.

Anneke (10) enjoys being at the top of the school, 5^th grade. She is growing up. She loves putting together plays and concerts with her brother and cousin to have us attend. She is almost always happy and optimistic. She loves playing the piano and is glad her Grammy is teaching her.  She asked for Ever After High toys for Christmas.

Luke (7) loves first grade. He has the best teacher. He is still shy, but a friend to everyone. He is trying to stop others from bullying at his school. Luke enjoys building and sports. He has graduated to reading chapter books by himself, too. He had his first piano recital this week. He asked Santa for a scooter.

Mallory (4) has enjoyed being here. She loves preschool and playing pretend. She has a lot of energy and is not shy. I am pretty sure everyone knows her by now.  She goes off by herself frequently (unsanctioned, of course). The neighbors have come to expect her at their house. Mo wants a scooter for Christmas, too.

Merry Christmas 2014

Love,

The Bahlmann Family