Au Revoir January

What a crazy month it has been! Good, but crazy! A month of changes and many questions. We were able to have my 12 year old neice Shelby come stay with us for a few weekends. We had a lot of fun playing games and hanging out. And she was able to give me a little break and help me with the kids and house. Thank you Shelby!! It was also the month of uncertainty. With the state budget being so messed up, they were either going to enforce all state employees to take 2 days off of unpaid leave or they were going to cut jobs. They decided to do the 2 days which makes it a 10% paycut. Even though the paycut totally bites, I am so thankful that he still has a job! And I am so thankful for those first 6 years of our marriage when we lived on practically nothing. So living a more simple life won't be as difficult now. So it's all good. We also have made a few new friends here in Plumas Lake and are determined to start kickin' it with other people and not just be loners all the time. We, like everyone else, caught the stomach bug. There was an interesting odor in our home for awhile.... but we're on the up and out of that now. Hallelujah! So ya.... not too many fun exciting things going on.... but here are a few pics from the last few weeks.
Here's Sadee and our new friend Bella helping me make brownies.... what good little bakers!

 

The girls being silly...

 

Poor Elijah always gets girly things put on him.... nice glasses!

 

Shelby and the kids... what a wonderful big cousin she is!

 

How many countries can you name in 5 mins.

I only got 53 countries in 5 mins. Ouch!
53

Happy Birthday Christina!

Sunday was my sister in laws birthday! Christina!! I first met Christina when we were little kids. I was at her house with my cousins Jared and Brian and I remember seeing these kids picking on this little girl. The little girl was Christina and the kids were her siblings. I remember thinking, "That poor little girl... those kids are so mean to her." I also remember thinking she was about 3 or 4 years younger than me too.... because of her build. But she's actually 2 months older than me. She was in a different ward than me growing up, so I wasn't able to really meet her until Girls Camp. We actually slept in the same tent one year and we were in the same group another year. Then we got a little bit older and started hanging out before and after seminary. Little did I know, that she would become my sister in law... married to my oldest brother. When Dustin and Christina first got married, we weren't totally close. It was so weird having a friend of mine married to my older brother. While she was cleaning and cooking, I was playing. We had totally different priorities in life. But once I got married and especially had Isaiah, we became so close. Now, I can honestly say, she is one of my closest non-blood related friends. She is so wonderful and is such a great example to me. She's always been willing to help us and she's always there for me and listens to my rants and ravings. I can't imagine my life without her and I am so thankful for her! She is so generous and kind and a great mom, aunt, and sister in law. Thank you Christina for everything! We love you! Happy Birthday Christina Marinita Gomez Meyer Ford!!!! hahaha Here are some pics of her growing up years.... they are not in any particular order.
Awww.... such a cute baby!





I assume she's making her bed! This girl is an amazing housekeeper... her house is always clean and she hangs out and plays with her kids!

Christina and her cousins at Girl's Camp when we were 14 I think. Look at her... she's camping and she looks gorgeous!

Christina and I at her graduation.

At the her bridal shower....

Welcome to the family!!!

Christina and her beautiful family now!

Christmas

I'm so sorry I haven't even put up Christmas pictures yet. But here are a few. I love how happy and excited the kids were with the most simple of gifts. Especially Elijah.... he loved the wrapping paper. Isaiah loved his candy and star wars stuff. Maci loved her candy and my little ponies. Sadee loved her chips and carseat. I just love how thankful they are for the smallest things. Santa brought Isaiah sugar cereal in his stocking since mommy never buys it. And he gave the girls fruit snacks and they loved them so much!! And chips, they never ever get chips... so Santa bringing Pringles was a huge success. Anyway, hope you all had a Happy joyous Christmas!!

 

 

 

 

Shelby's pet rat Cagomay

Shelby is here visiting with us for a few days and she brought her rat too. Our 4th grade class had 2 rats and I remember how we all coveted bringing them home with us over the breaks and vacations. It was the cool thing to do! :-) Abyway, we're glad Cagomay could be here with us.... eat your hearts out Emily Taylor, Erica Pratt, and Jennie Jagoda! hahahaah

 

 

 

Happy 35th Birthday Dustin!

Ok, so I usually post a birthday post for my immediate family members on their birthday. My big brother Dustin had his 35th birthday on Jan. 1st! Yep, he's a New Years Baby. Sorry this is so late Dust! Alright, so my big brother Dustin is someone that I've looked up to for years. I used to even try to sneak and wear his clothes, but he somehow always caught me. I am so thankful to have him for my big brother. He is such a great example to me and I admire him so much. He is absolutely hilarious and he's such a great dad and husband! He teaches me so many things and always gives me great advice. Thank you Dustin for everything! We love you so much! Here are some pictures of his growing up years.









HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUST!