January 2012

This month has been filled with organization and routine. I have enjoyed organizing all the spaces in our new home. In addition, I have been organizing my schedule and goals. I have daily goals, weekly goals, and monthly goals. My calendar has been the best organizer! I have been able to track my goals there as well. I clearly remember my parents teaching me about goals and about having a well rounded life. I am excited to have goals that are physical, spiritual, financial, social, occupational, parental, organizational, and musical.

January has also been a time of enjoying home life together, without any major events. Here are a few of the sweet things that have come my way this month.

Eve reading to Sheri.



Sterling and Dad surprised me with roses. Sterling said "Do you want to know the truth, Mom? I just wanted to get these for you because I love you." He is so thoughtful and loving! I melted on the spot.



Eve's surprise picture left on my nightstand (complete with a paper stand so it props up by itself.)



Notes of love, made in secret, by Sterling.



The girls snuggling on the couch.




I also thought I would share some of the pictures we created as a family of different weekly hymns/songs that we are learning.






I would also like to say how wonderful everyone here in Omaha has been to us. I feel like my neighbors and ward members have really reached out in friendship to us. I am especially lucky to have some that have seemed to become instant friends! My kids have likewise felt immediately happy to have playmates! I definitely feel settled in and excited for the rest of the upcoming year!

New Year's Eve/ New Year's Day

We left Estes on the morning of December 27th to take Matt to the airport. Back to work for him, but the rest of us enjoyed the week in Denver visiting with family and friends. Here is a pic of the night before we left Estes Park.



We picked Matt back up from the airport on Friday night and then spent New Year's Eve and New Year's day with Matt's parents again in Estes.

Here are some fun pics.






We always enjoy the festivities, fun and food at the Smith's Home! My inlaws are wonderful!

New Year's Day we went to church and then in the evening we were able to visit Matt's grandparents in Ft. Collins. His grandparents are sweet and worthy of emulation in every way. I was especially glad that our kids got to spend a little time getting to know their great-grandparents a little better.

The table was so elegant!


The children enjoyed stories from Great Grandpa, performing little skits and songs for their great grandparents, curling up in their laps, and looking at all of the neat decorations.






I am grateful that we were able to spend time with loved ones this holiday season. Our families are our treasure!

As a final note: Matt and I celebrated our 11th anniversary January 2nd. Thanks to Matt's parents for watching the kids for a day. We enjoyed our time together in Denver. January 3rd we drove back to Omaha to begin a new year.