Hi there!

Hi lonely blog and blog friends.

It's a new year! Yay, that seems to happen with the blink of an eye now-a-days. We are half way through the school year and even though it's only January, already yearning for summer days. We've had a few warm days in a row and I can't help but wish we could fast forward to Spring. Of course by Spring, I mean have an actual Spring, rather than a snow storm.

Paisley loves school, she has a big class, full of many different personalities. She seems to catch on quickly and only needs to work on listening a bit better. Shocker, right!

Jayda is in 3rd grade and it definitely gets tougher for her. For all of us. I'm struggling to get her to really care about getting good grades and doing the best she possibly can. Basketball was a great motivator to do well in school. I'm looking forward to the years she has more sporting activities to keep her in check. Although taking away her iPod is a sufficient threat.

Work continues on our house at a very slow pace or a "whenever I feel like it" pace. Jed's been working on trim and room by room getting it done. Just a few things remain to wrap up. Over the past few months we've gotten new furniture and hosted our first Christmas in our own home! It was great to comfortably fit everyone with room to spare. This summer we will have to tackle the landscaping and the outside mess. We were able to get the front deck on before Christmas on a very cold day! So thankful for all our family and friends who have graciously helped and pushed us along the way. I know it must have been bothering my dad that the deck wasn't done, when he repeatedly brought the subject up!

We received some new neighbors over a month ago already. Ironically they happen to be related! Taylor and Tate took a leap and moved just 8 miles from us and took a job as a ranch hand. It's already been very convenient to have them so close and be able to help out with bus pick ups or just have some company! The girls are very excited for Baby Halverson to arrive and for them to be so close! Taylor and I were able to carpool to Rapid once already for appointments and groceries. We learned my little car is not big enough for two families supplies....will have to take the Tahoe next time!