We made it!

This another one of those posts that I need to write for me.  I will not be offended if no one wants to read it!

I guess we saved the worst for last.  Our trip to Utah was the worst one ever.  I mean bad, straight outta HELL bad.  It's all thanks to the weather, I hate Wyoming.  Clayton's brother Curt, was driving our small red car for us (Thanks Curt!).  This ended up being an especially generous favor because he didn't know he was taking his life in his hands.  He spun off the road twice.  The 1st time we didn't see but he had to call a tow truck to pull the car out of the ditch.  The 2nd time we watched happen and it was quite a sight.  All Jackson could say was, "Holy cow!"  Curt was able to drive back onto the road without the help of another $150, 10 min tow truck.  Anyway, after that, we were too scared to go on.  Clayton was the most stressed I have ever seen him.  At one point, he thought he was going to pass out.  When we saw the sign that the freeway was closed ahead, that sealed the deal.  We stayed at the Little America.  The kids thought this was kinda cool, and they had a good time.  The kids were actually really good considering the amount of time we had them in the car.  Just a little bit of fighting, and a little bit of Grant whining to get out of his carseat (we were being stubborn about enforcing that one).

So now we are here, and getting settled (as much as we can).  The kids started school today.  I am actually excited about their school.  It is really new and nice.  They get to be on A track (we'll see how we like this "year round" schedule).  Jackson is in a class of 18 boys and only about 6-7 girls!  Jackson got a big grin when I told him that.  I am anxious for them to come home and tell me all about it.  They will even get to ride the bus.  That might take a few days to get that all set up.  I don't mind driving them for a few days.

Clayton's first day of work was yesterday.  He got his truck.  It is a beast.  It's hard to get much information out of him but I'm pretty sure he'll have a good time there and be successful.

As for me, I do pretty much the same thing no matter where I live.  There's laundry, cleaning, nursing Brandon, chasing Grant, laughing at Tommy, driving kids, etc.  I guess this is our home again, and I guess I am excited.

Cherry Drive Elementary Talent Show

More Brandon Pix

I am taking the chicken way out, because I can't stand to say this out loud

I have an announcement. Clayton has accepted a job offer in Salt Lake City. He is starting around February 1. As for what I will do, we're not sure. It will probably depend on what happens with our house here in Denver.

This really is a good thing for our us, and we are glad to be near family again, but we are so sad about leaving. I am crying even as I am typing this.

Lame attempt to say "Thank You"

You know, it really is true that it is easier to give service than to recieve it. So many people have been so wonderful to me during the past few weeks. It's impossible to say thank you enough. I wanted to post about the people who have been so great, so that they can get the public credit they deserve. Remember, this all happened the week of Christmas



Candice Vejnar - Not only did she keep my kids while I laid in the hospital, she basically kept them for a few more days too. It is so reassuring to have a place where my kids can feel as comfortable as they do at home. She fed me and my family and, when I walked in the door from the hospital, she was here - scrubbing my kitchen floor. Candice does so much for me and my family all the time.

Mark and Lynda Hinckley (my dad and mom) - They arrived on Christmas day and stayed for 6 days. While they were here, they did everything. My mom did all the laundry, fed us all, and played with the kids. My dad even took on the project of going through all the socks in the house and finding all the matches. We were sad to see them go back home.

Debbie Miller - Debbie showed up at my house out of nowhere and took my older kids for the day. She didn't even laugh when I burst out in tears at the sight of her(love those hormones!). She gave my kids a fantastic day. She even took them to Mcdonalds! We loved the carmel corn too!

Becky Hampson - Becky also took the older kids for a couple days. She even offered to have them on Christmas eve! I'm sure the kids had such a better time playing, rather than being home all day everyday during their winter break. Also, she remembered that I love sweedish fish! Yummy!

Aloa Phillipps (my mother-in-law) - Thanks for the adorable, and extra special quilt. She also started another recieving blanket. Thanks for everything else you have done for us.

Lisa Whitaker - Lisa is my good friend, and she actually came over about a week before the baby came and did a deep cleaning job of my kitchen. While I was able to sit and visit with her, she scrubbed the fronts of my cupboards, washed walls, and some other jobs that I could not bend over and do. This was humbling and embarassing, but still very appreciated! She also brought over yummy rolls when we came home from the hospital.

Andy and Gwen Loughe - Andy taught my primary class at the last minute, and they even brought over 2 packages of diapers and wipes! Thank you!

Kathy Jones - She let me borrow her fantastic foot bath when my feet were so swollen and uncomfortable. It was so great and helped a lot!

Jane and Sarah Rollins - Thanks for the most adorable blanket!

Now I am scared to publish this post, scared that I might have overlooked someone. If that has happened, please know that nothing goes unappreciated. We are so grateful to have such wonderful and loving people around us. Thank you again for taking over my life when I couldn't do it myself. I hope that sometime, somewhere, I can return the favor.