WARNING: Really long post ahead.

Horray! I finally am getting around to understanding this complex "Blog". I am so happy. We are doing well just EXTREMELY busy. I think I will use this time to write my "Christmas Letter: Section 1." So, go get a cup of hot chocolate and read on!

Ben is camping this weekend with the Boy Scouts and the 15 degree temperature. Oh but he's not alone. He has the freezing rain and sleet to keep him company. And Mr. Puffy, but that's another story. Anyhoo, he is keeping busy with his church calling (1st counselor in the YM presidency) and working as a Computer Analyst with Hewitt. He is the best dad and husband in the world!!

Eli is in 2nd grade and really enjoying it. We recently found out that he is smart(hee hee), according to the state testing. (We did call him a know-it-all!) He is really ahead for math and reading, and we are proud of him. He is getting ready to be baptized in March and he has really grown up in the past few weeks. Case in point: He was having trouble being reverent in church and so Ben and he(yes he,) said a prayer that he could be better. After the prayer ended, Eli told Ben, Heavenly Father told me I could be a better boy- it's like someone said it in my head, but it wasn't me and it was quiet! (The Holy Ghost). I have to tell you, I was very humbled and grateful that he had that experience. He always surprises me with his thoughtfulness and creativity! He's the best!

Ali is in kindgarten and loving it! She has been waiting for school since she was three! She is making new friends and enjoys learning. She is seeing a speech specialist to help her with some letter pronunciation and we are seeing some great improvement. Ali loves helping me around the house and I'm so happy to have my "little mother" with me! She is quick to help me cook or take care of Isaac. Or tell me if I'm not doing something correctly! She definately has spunk! We're going to have to monitor that in later years. Ali is so courageous (except when it comes to shots-but that's okay!) and loves her family so much. I love her!

Isaac is our new little addition. His name is poignant to Ben and I and more so lately. Let me explain. Isaac's story reminds me of the story of Abraham and Isaac. We had some similarities(laughing off having a baby for an entire year before we were strongly encouraged by higher powers to do so amongst other things.) but I have got to tell you, I am so grateful for him in our family and we are so happy for his presence. He is such a sweet boy. He has some many characteristics that are similar to Eli and Ali. I often wonder what his personality will be like when he is older. Right now he is incredibly happy and enjoys being with people and watching everything. His favorite things are my toes, a poster of a pony (we call him Tony) and being tickled. He is so ticklish! The kids are great with him and have adjusted really well.

Me? What about me? I am working part time at the local library. I am an Art Mom for both Eli and Ali's classes. I am 1st counselor in the Primary. I am on the Scout Committee for Eli's troop. I am trying to: plan a Primary Christmas party, a Blue and Gold dinner, make a hundred rolls for the RS dinner, singing with a group for the RS dinner, go to work's Christmas party and the list goes on and on. But you know what? I have finally learned how to take ONE day at a time and not stress about tomorrow. Oh how long it has taken me but I finally understand and am so grateful for the lessons the Lord has taught me. I know the Lord has stregthened me through scripture reading and temple attendance. I am SO GRATEFUL for my husband and will be for ETERNITY! Ben, you are my life and have taught me more then you will ever ever know. You made me a better person and I think you should get a "GO STRAIGHT TO THE CELESTIAL KINGDOM" Card just for that (but don't use it anytime soon!) I always wanted to be a mom and am so humbled for the chance I have. I hope I do well!

Well, my left hand is seriously going numb right now so I think I better stop for now; it's getting really hard typing when you can't feel the keyboard! I'm glad I finally go the hang of this and will try and update it often!