Worth Watching. :)

YAY FOR SCHOOL!!!

*******This entry was written by Josh. :)*******

I received and email yesterday that will soon change our lives forever. I found out that I will be starting the nursing program at SLCC in Aug. 2009. It will have been 2 1/2 years since I've been in school when I start, and the emotions that I have right now are mixed.

I'm excited to be starting the program earlier than expected, but given our current financial situation, I'm scared out of my mind that we won't be able to find a way to pay for it. Pell Grants are an option but I got a letter my last pre-req. semester that said I had almost reached the limit that they would pay for. We'll see how that goes. Luckily we have 8 months to save up for it.

I'm both gitty and terrified that will be going back to school. I greatly miss the constant learning and progression into new knowledge, but I have really enjoyed spending time with my family that I've never had before. This 2 years will undoubtedly be the hardest we have endured yet.
Nursing school (I've heard) is hard enough as it is... throwing on full time work and quality family time will make it a little more challenging.

As I was cradling Babyboy in my arms about to lay him in his bed last night, it occurred to me that he will be 5 yrs old when I am done with the program. He will be the same age as Biggirl is now. About to start kindergarten. Talking in complete sentences with words like "apparently" and "obviously" (as Tenderheart does now). Using logic to determine what is right and what is wrong. He will no longer be a "Baby"boy.

I always wanted to be done with school by the time I started having kids... I find it fascinating that Heavenly Father, in all his wisdom, doesn't really care what we want or when we want it. I have found that He will giveth and taketh away as He desires. The only thing we have much control over is whether or not we understand that it isn't really up to us. He will give it to us when He sees that we are ready.

Hmm... maybe there really is something to this blogging thing. I mean after all, that last paragraph helped me realize that the entire first half of my post was meaningless. In that apparently I have nothing to worry about because my Father knows that our family is ready. Apparently ;-)

Our Winter Wonderland

It has been a VERY cold week- especially to start back to doing Crossing guard. I really enjoyed being able to sleep in(stay in bed and having the kids cuddle me) for a week and a half, but it's nice to be back and knowing I'm making a little money. The kids have been wonderful about it, and have just been excited to watch movies in the car. My Mom has been a huge help in letting the kids stay home in the mornings because usually if they're not up before I leave, they'll sleep till I get home. (Plus she's sweet and doesn't want them out in the cold any more than neccessary. I love you Mom.) We all have come down with a bit of a cold this week with sore scratchy throats, and Tenderheart missed his first day of preschool today because of his nasty fever. Hopefully it will pass quickly!

Above:The handle on Grandma's car. brr!

We got to go visit my Cousin's new home, and on the lovely drive the mountains were breathtaking! I've always loved Timpanogus, my only regret was not having my SLR camera with me to take some pictures.

My kids have asked severl times why the snow doesn't look like the paper snowflakes everyone makes. It's hard to explain that it really does look the same, but lucky for us, it was cold enough yesterday that I got a few shots of real snowflakes after they had landed in our car.

I haven't forgotten about my blog- and I know that any reader's I did have are slowly disappearing! I keep hoping to have something hit me and help me have inspiring things to blog about. But nope.

Life is good for us, we have been so blessed in 2008! We are looking forward to this new year and hopefully we'll continue to grow and learn all of life's lessons that we're supposed to learn. We are grateful for all of our blogging friends/family! Thanks for caring enough to keep in touch with us- we aren't always the best at keeping up our friendships, but I promise we think of each of you often, and are glad to know you. Happy New Year.

Families can be together forever.

My sweet Grandpa that had been living with us for 5 and a half weeks passed away in our home early Tuesday morning. Our hearts are still a bit heavy(especially mine), but we're trying to move forward and to record and cherish our memories. We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to live with and to be able to serve both he and Grandma. I'm SO greatful that my children had the opportunity to create a memorable relationship with thier Great Grandpa! We are looking forward to helping Grandma through the next little while, and feel lucky to get to do our best to take care of her in the way Grandpa would want. That was his biggest concern that she'd be cared for. We sure miss him, but are greatful for the plan of salvation and to know that we will be able to be with him again one day. We love you Grandpa. (I've posted his obituary below this precious picture of he and my big girl just two weeks ago.)

Don Robert Hymas, loving husband, father, and grandfather slipped away peacefully at home on December 9, 2008 surrounded by his devoted family.

One of two children born to Benjamin and Sarah Elizabeth Hymas on March 6, 1923, in Sharon, Idaho, he grew up in a loving family, with fond memories of helping on the family farm, adventures with his dog, Ring, and enjoying community dances and activities throughout the valley. He entered the Army during World War II and served his country proudly for 3 years.

He married his sweetheart, Lillie Roma Beckstead, on June 1, 1945 in the Logan, Utah Temple. They lived in Preston, Idaho for a time, and then moved to Twin Falls, Idaho. Together they have 6 children, 25 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many capacities, including ward clerk, executive secretary and counselor to the bishop, as well as serving with his wife in the Boise, Idaho Temple. He found joy in hard work. His profession was in the grocery business, as well as being a transport driver. He was involved with the American Legion for many years and loved fishing with his boys, being in the out of doors, bowling, woodworking, cooking, gardening, and being with family. He found great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved being with them and hearing of their achievements and activities.

He is survived by his wife, Lillie Roma Beckstead Hymas, and children, Shawna (Larry) Dunn, Kent Hymas, Randy (Carolyn) Hymas, Catherine (Bill) Garrison, Kristine (Edward) Durtschi, and Richard (Kelly) Hymas, as well as his sister, Pearl (Verl) Perkel.

He was a gentle giant. We will miss his loving and devoted ways, his hugs, his teasing nature, and the joy he brought to his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS 9th Ward Chapel on Elizabeth Blvd in Twin Falls, ID with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A viewing will be held Thursday, December 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at White Mortuary “Chapel by the Park” 136 4th Ave. E., Twin Falls, ID and 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Friends and family can share your thoughts and fond memories at www.Mem.com.