Gratitide Tree

So we had a little scripture and devotional this morning about Gratitude. I decided that we would have a gratitude tree. I cut some branches from the tree outside and Gigi and I hung paper clips all over it. Then we added notes of things we where thankful for to the tree. I told her we could add things we where grateful for, any time through out the day and that every night at dinner we would write something we where thankful for. So at Thanksgiving we will have a tree fullof all the things that we love and cherish. The first one put on the tree where people in our family. It is a great idea I think however I am unsure of how long it will last due to the cat eyeing the branch as soon as I brought it in the house and the several attempts already at eating it. This ought to be an interesting adventure.

Our thoguhts have been turned to Katie as we get ready to remember her birthday tomorrow. We do not have any special plans but will probably make a cake. I think I will write down some memeries and work on her scrap books. It has been three and half years since she passed away. Amazing how time just keeps right on moving.

Today I had my sister come over. She helped me rearrange Gigi's room. It was fun to have little ones. I can't seem to get enough of their cute little smiles and sweet voices. How precious little ones are.

Ha Ha Ha Halloeween, Oooooh!

So tonight we carved our pumpkin. We got the biggest one at the store about 2 weeks ago and we finally decided that it was time to carve it. Gigi drew the faces and we all decided that a mean face was what we wanted. Okay so we didn't vote at all. Gigi made the decision. And I just went with it. It looks great!!! I think this is the first year I carved a pumpkin with a sharp knife because I never knew that carving a pumpkin could be so easy. Who knew that a sharp knife made all the difference. Gigi has decided to be a witch and mom is too. those pictures are to come.

A beautiful Sunday!

Today was Kayden Darrel Christiansen's baby blessing. I am a proud Auntie of two now. It was so fun sitting in sacrament meeting with all the family. We took up three rows with Jeff's and my sister's family. I watched as the little ones where passed from Grandma to Aunt's and uncle's then to Grandpa and back through each member of the family. I really enjoyed hearing their testimonies about families and I felt really blessed to be part of a wonderful family, and live so close by again. I have so enjoyed being close to my side of the family again and enjoying the fun and games. But most of all I enjoy talking with and being silly with each of my siblings.

This week we will be moving into our new apartment here in Logan Utah. The idea that we are back in Logan is really quite strange to me. It is the same in many ways and yet in some of the same ways it has changed. For example though I new so many people from high school, I only occasionally run into a friend from growing up. Mostly it has been the same moving here as it is to move any where new. You still have to meet new people and make new friends. The bigest advantage to moving some where familiar is that you have a basic idea of where everything in town is. So our apartment is a tiny two bedroom apartment. However I think it will do fine for now. There are nice amenities. We have a pool and jucuzi. There is also a play ground and BBQ pits.

Gigi has gotten all her shots so now we can register for Kindergarten. She was not so excited about getting them but she was such a sport about the whole ordeal. One of the shots was a MMR which most of you know really hurts for quite some time. She didn't complain at all. She did notice when it finally stopped hurting later that evening. We went and checked out her school and played on the playground this last week. She is pretty set for school now thank you to Grand-Daddy and to Grandma Boggs's for sending all of her school supplies and of course the cute outfits too. Gigi picked out what she was going to wear the first day and then the following three days. We spent a whole afternoon writing her name on all of her school supplies. . She even has picked out a lunch box though we are not sure how often she will be using it.

Living in Utah

So we have been in Utah for three weeks now. We have secured an apartment and Chris has started a job. We have met some new friends. We have put the apartment on hold because Chris interviewed in SLC this week. So We are still in limbo as we wait/decide what we want to do and where we need to be. We have done some fun things since we have been here. Chris and I hiked to white pine about a 7 mile round trip and camped for the night. We got to try out some of our camping gear. It was so beautiful and full of wild flowers. I picked a beautiful bouquet for Gigi on the way down the trail. Gigi got to play with Grandma Anderson she went to the Parade and swimming. So much fun.

We have also had a new family member come since we have been here. Gigi has a new cousin, Kayden. He is a cute little peanut. Gigi loves it when we go visit or they come over. She is such a big help with both Brielle and Kayden. In fact he decided to come while we where in Oregon visiting my Grandparents. We went to the beach and saw Cameron come home from his mission too. It was such a pleasant trip visiting with family and enjoying playing games and eating home made pies all week.

Of course there was the fire works too. Which we went to Utah State Stadium to watch the fire works. So cool. It was Gigi's first time seeing them live and she was mesmerized. There was also a jet that flew right over our heads and really surprised us. Still we had so much fun with everyone. We had homemade chocolate chip cookies and played games while we waited for it to get dark.

Started a new JOB

Well as of the first of this year I have started a new full time job at a day care. I am a preschool teacher of the 3 year old class room and currently have 18 children in the class if everyone is there. I do have another teacher with me and since I am new she does most of the lesson plans. However she has been a little stressed and has decided to move into a float postition this last week. Needless to say it has taken some adjusting. There are three little ones that I found if I can keep them occupied the class runs a little smoother. Howeve it is not always possible to keep them occupied. I try to remember to play and love them and let go of the little details that they are still trying to remember like staying in line and keeping their hands to themself. some days are eisier than others. But it pays the bills for now. It has required a lot of energy even though it is something I am good it at it is a new situation and an everyday thing. Any way that is what is new with us in St. Louis.