Health is a good, good thing!!

I just wanted to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers and love that went out for me over the past week. They still don't really know what it is that I have but are leaning towards the Crohn's diagnosis. I am feeling much better and am on a dose of steroids. (But they make it so I don't sleep very well- but that's OK) That is about all they can do for me for now until I have the baby and then more testing can be done. I feel like I was in good care and but really enjoyed getting back to the family. I have always felt that health is a blessing and considered it a huge one that I had never been in the hospital except to have a baby. I still feel healthy and blessed but I now KNOW I prefer the maternity floor!

I can't even tell you how many people have helped me and blessed me and my family. I have had meals brought in (many going out of their way to make it gluten-free!! sniff-sniff) and some friends have even cleaned my house and did laundry! I feel so spoiled. It has made me realize how I need to be better at serving people in need. Service can come in so many ways. I have enjoyed the calls, the cards, and warm sentiments as much as a meal and ironing. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people.

So I guess the cat's really out of the bag now. I am 20 weeks pregnant and due on March 24. (We are actually going to keep this one a surprise!) This new one has come to our family as a bit of a surprise. A surprise that's taken me awhile to get used to. I am very excited about it and know that the Lord is definitely in charge. But me and change take awhile sometimes to become friends. I am grateful the Lord is patient and works with all of our shortcomings. It is great honor and privilege to be able to add a new little one to our family. So welcome, Baby Smack #SIX!!

Antelope

Ted went antelope hunting with a friend in Wyoming. He came back with a great buck and excited to make a European mount with the skull.

Do you know the process of creating a European mount??

1. Must let head rot in a garbage bag in the garage for a week so the antlers will come off.

2. Must boil rotten head, maggots and all, in a large pot in the yard on the camp stove for several days.

3. Must have wife's help to replenish water supply in said pot although she is 17 weeks pregnant and gagging her guts out.

4. Must don mask and gloves to rinse head and pull out remaining brains, eyeballs, skin, etc and refill pot to boil for additional days.

5. After all skin, fur, maggots, etc. are off, take skull and bleach with HO for several days until shiny white and very dry.

6. Put pot with skull in it on top of freezer in garage so it's out of the way.

7. Finally, let wife knock the pot off of the freezer so you now have a skull in many shiny white pieces.

Football Season is here again!!

Get ready for some FOOTBALL!! We were so lucky this year with the weather being nice for every game except one. And that one was COLD!! But other than that we enjoyed the whole season with shorts weather. Can you tell how happy that made me?!!

The boys did so well in football and really enjoyed it! I can't believe how much they improve from year to year. Ti played quarterback and full back this year and did great! Ti has a great arm but unfortunately his coach mostly did running plays. So we didn't get to see him do what he does best, but he ran for many yards and scored a touchdown.

Tate was on both the defensive and offensive line and SMASHED some kids! I was impressed. Sometimes Ted and I would just look at each other shake our heads in disbelief. Here is our gentle sweet Tate saying, "Did you see me hit that kid? I made him cry!"
Joe played flag football with his friend Christian. Games usually ended up being at the same time on a field clear cross town which made game days a little hectic. But it was fun to watch him in his first year of football. He made several touchdowns and threw some touchdown passes. It was awesome!

I am actually looking forward to next year and Joe can't wait to play tackle with the big boys.

Happy Birthday Joe!

I absolutely love this picture of Joe! I can't believe he is already 8! He is so excited to be baptized and can't wait to get his own scriptures. He is such a delight to have in our family. His teacher said of him that it would be very sad if he didn't have Joe in his class.

vanilla cake with lime frosting- his own concoction and it turned out pretty good.

Joe is going to be baptized over Thanksgiving with his cousin Sophie. He is very excited and everyone is welcome!!