We are FAMILY

This morning I was getting dressed, I looked through my jewelry to find a necklace to wear. I picked out the necklace my brother got my for Christmas. The necklace is a silver pendant that says "A sister shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams." My brother picked it out all by himself and was really, really excited to give it to me. It was really cute (and he chose really well!!).

Sooo... that got me thinking about siblings and how much I love mine.

This is a Thanksgiving photo of my sister Megan,
my brother Jacob, Richard, me, and the dog Casey

My sister and I are three years apart and are really pretty different people. Meg has always been into sports and horses and I've been more the "nerdy" type with school, piano, and clubs. She is an amazing athlete in rodeo, basketball, and track. And has straight A's to boot. After I graduated from high school, we've had a lot closer relationship than when we were kids, but it could still be better!

Megan is planning to go to University of Montana- Western in Dillon, MT this fall. She's going to do college rodeo and major in everything horsey! I can't wait to see her succeed in life. She has an awesome love for the Lord and she's friends with everyone she meets. She's an amazing young lady!


My brother Jacob is a firecracker! He is ten years old and in the 4th grade. He plays the guitar, plays basketball, snowboards, kayaks, and raises chickens. His favorite thing in schools are Idaho History and Science. I was 11 years old when he was born and he slept in my bed as soon as he could walk. I still remember the door cracking open and hearing "Sissy, can I sleep with you??"

Jake can cook, too! (And if you like pizza and brownies, you're set!) He's going to make a great boyfriend and husband one day (but that's a long way off). He's very compassionate and sweet, yet tough and driven at the same time.



I am very blessed to have such great siblings. I love them both very much and am excited to go home so I can spend more time with them. Only a few more weeks in MOSCOW!

2009 Already??

I realize we are almost half way through January, but I haven't posted since 2008, so here goes! I was in North Carolina with Richard for New Year's. We had decided to go down to Carolina Beach, NC, "The Island of Lights" for New Year's Eve. We found the event on the internet and it was supposed to be a family-friendly beach party on the Pier. We got there at about 9pm and had hot cocoa at this cute, old restaurant called the Old Pier House.

It was a fun time. It was so cheesy and lame, though. Richard and I totally fit in! There was a DJ that played lots of oldies dance songs, new songs, etc. Oh, they also played the chicken dance and made all the guys do it. I caught Richard with the camera.

At midnight, the city firefighters dropped a lighted beach ball that was hung from the ladder. There were fireworks and kissing and then we drove the 2 hours home. It was a really fun night.

On New Year's Day, Richard and I went out to the beach and saw a pod of dolphins really close to the shore. We watched them swim up and down the coast for a while. It was really cool to see them so close up. I went back to Idaho on the 5th of January.

I made two resolutions for 2009: 1- I will not buy anymore new clothes until I have a full-time job! 2- I will run a 5K with my mom. So far, I'm doing well with both. So far, I'm doing well with both! Let's see how long they can hold up!

In other news, I'm back in Moscow for one month before I start student teaching in Castleford. I'll be living at home, which I love. It's not so lonely when you have a clingy little brother to play with all the time!

I'm going to CA in February for a the Collegiate Farm Bureau National Discussion Meet. I get to see my best friend Shayla so I'm excited. Richard's probably coming to Idaho for spring break and then again for graduation on May 16th.

2009 will be a year of lots of changes! With God's help and my husband's support, I'm ready and willing for wherever the road takes us! Bring it on!!!