I have amazing friends!

My last day at the bank was yesterday and my friends made this for me:

Did you see the frowny faces??

and Chy stopped by the bank (after a trip to the dentist no less) and brought me this ultra-yummy cinnamon roll:

How lucky and blessed am I to have friends who are so dear to me???!!!!

Thanks girls, I love you all!!

Hard to say goodbye!

Today was our last Sunday in the Dayton ward. It was fast Sunday so I wanted to bear my testimony and let everyone know just how much I love them and how much they all mean to me. They have been such a family to me and have strengthened me and supported me and kept me going in some really hard times, and celebrated with me in some very important times. I started crying during the second testimony and didn't have the ability to get up and talk. I guess it is a good thing as I didn't really want many people to know that it was our last week. I truly couldn't have made it through had my friends all come up to say "goodbye". It may be a weak and selfish way to leave, but I don't know that I could have done it any other way. It breaks my heart to leave the ward, but, I know they will carry on and will strengthen and support even more people who need it. I will carry on too, in a new ward, which I am looking forward to. It is a great and exciting experience to begin this new adventure. I'm comforted by knowing that regardless of which ward we are in that the gospel is true, wherever we are. I KNOW that we were supposed to be in Waitsburg, and in the Dayton ward, but now it is time for us to move along. Thank you Dayton for being my rock and my guide these last 6 1/2 years!
-Laura

Boys

My sis had her baby; another little boy. He is such a sweet little thing. Isn't he beautiful? Mom and baby are doing well and are healthy and happy. B was memserized by him. He must not remember too well when S was that little. S has informed me that it is time to have another little baby brother. I figure he just wants someone younger than him to wrestle with. :o)


Wrestling practice has started and occupies most of our week nights. It is such a great sport for the boys. They are active, having fun, and really enjoy being part of the team. We may be moving away from our team, but we can't seem to "leave". I have a feeling we will be part of our Mat Birds team for years to come. :o)

The nice thing about wrestling practice each night is at least the boys sleep solidly; they get really worn out . . . . they are determined to have their own rooms in the new house, but I just think somehow we will find them all piled up together like this each morning anyway.

Our House

I have held back on blogging about our new house because I've been a bit "gun-shy" about talking about it and/or planning on it. We have been burned a lot through this year in the purchase process and I didn't want to jinx this. Well, it sounds like it is going to the title company next week, so we should be signing next week, or the following. Hoo-rah! Home at last!! So, here is our new place. We welcome you all to come visit! (just call first). :o)
Yes, it is surprisingly void of landscaping, but fortunately I know of someone who dabbles in the art of tree and rock placement. . . .It will take some time, but we will make it ours. :o) So, come on down our lane and find us in the brown house. We can figuratively and literally call this Brown Town!

So Proud!

After 10 years, 480 classroom hours, over 12,000 application instructional hours and endless studying, learning and teaching, he did it!!

Bill is now an official Master Instructor for the State of Washington.
We are SO PROUD of his dedication, sacrifices and diligent hard work.
(Advanced Concepts of Motor Learning and Performance for Defensive Tactics Master Instructor). Not many people complete this accomplishment. It is definitely an honor well deserved! Good job, Honey!! We are so proud and love you so much!

Hope

Christmas anticipation!

The boys are so excited for Christmas. Sam said today "oh, I can't wait until tomorrow". I asked him "why?" knowing that he knew he doesn't have school tomorrow, and he said "because it means Christmas will only be four days away"! Ahh, I love the innocence of kids!

In the hustle and bustle of this season, I pray we will ALL remember the One child who begain it all and keep the importance of Him in our hearts this season!