It's time!

I should probably start by apologizing for taking so long to get this post up! So, sorry y'all!
      It's been a wonderful but busy last couple months. For those of you that don't know, I am working on finishing school with my RN. Joe and I have set a goal to avoid debt as much as we can! We realize that some things are unavoidable and some things are definitely worth going into debt for, but because our path to having children is turning out to be an expensive one- :) - we've worked hard to pay for my schooling up front so that if we have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on IVF or adoption, we're not already drowning in debt. Anyways, that being said, I've had to take the extended route for my degree and just go when we can afford it. Luckily, right now we've been blessed with Joe's job that is able to cover our monthly expenses well enough that I can work minimally and focus on finishing school!  It's been so helpful! I'm one of those people that have to work my TAIL off to do well in school. I envy those people that can just read through the material and BOOM understand what's going on! :) Let's just say that isn't my talent! I've still got a ways to go but we feel so good about continuing on this path. At least for now :) So! School keeps me pretty much constantly occupied.
     I got called to the RS presidency a couple months ago. I feel totally inadequate. But, I do know the Lord qualifies those who he calls. I am really excited to serve with and learn from the rest of the presidency. The sisters of our ward amaze me with their faith and strength. Besides my year or so in the singles ward, I have sat in Relief Society maybe 5 times! I have been in primary pretty much exclusively since I left young women's. So this is a totally foreign concept for me! I miss the little- all girls sunbeam class I was teaching, but every Sunday I leave R.S. feeling so encouraged and rejuvenated and can't help but think that that's why I'm supposed to be there right now.
     Joe is still the executive secretary so he stays on his toes with that. He is doing so well with his job, and even more importantly, (for me) he enjoys it. I can't believe what a difference having a job that he loves, makes on us. It's like that saying, "Do something you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." Not to say there are never frustrations, or moments he wishes he were fishing or golfing instead :) but he works hard and the good definitely outweighs the bad. I still think I scored the best husband/partner in crime ever. He makes me so happy and takes such good care of me and helps me be a better person.
     Over conference weekend (which was AMAZING btw!!!!!!) we got to have Joe's parents! Finally! :) They had been serving a mission in Oklahoma, so we really couldn't hold it against them :) but it was so good to see them again and spend some time with them. We loved showing them around this beautiful place that we love so much. We took them to one of our favorite little diners and had them try the famous "slopper," and took them for a scenic drive up into the mountains to see the fall colors around the lake. We also got to go to the royal gorge which was super cool, too. We are grateful for their service and example, but it will be nice to have them back for a while :)
    My sister Karli left for her mission and is now in Anaheim working hard! I'm really proud of her decision to serve a mission. I miss her like crazy already, though.
    AND!.......................... We are finally moving into our house!!!!! We should be in by the end of the month! Yay! We are psyched! We have lot's to do with it but are excited to be started on it. Like most good things in life, we have had to wait and wait and wait! But, it will all be worth it so soon!
   The puppies are doing well! We decided to name the new little guy Henry since that's what he responded to :) He's adjusted so well and is to well behaved and so loving. Such a great companion.
    Well, I ought to wrap things up. As the end of the year and holidays speedily comes upon us, I extend a challenge to mostly myself, to take moments out of  each day to give a quite thought a prayer of thanks for all the many many many blessings we have. My heart gets heavy at times, aching for things I wish I had that I forget to recognize the things I DO have. #lifeisgoodfolks

"Don't nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Don't set goals far beyond your capacity to reach. Simply do what you can do in the best way you know how and the Lord will accept your effort."
Pres. Gordon B Hinckley