Released from YW

On Sunday I was released from Young Women's.  I have known for a couple weeks and have filled our house with tears on multiple occasions (poor Ben).  I love working with the Young Women, they have such a special joy and radiance in their countenance.  They are amazing examples to me and I am constantly amazed and shocked by their testimonies and gospel knowledge. 

In July of last year our Stake was chosen to be a pilot group for a new Youth curriculum, which started this January.  This curriculum takes the teaching back to the basics; there are not teaching manuals (just topics and optional layouts) and the instructors are encouraged to lead a discussion but let the girls share and participate more.  It has been amazing watching the growth of the girls as they have begun sharing their testimonies and participating more in lessons.  I have felt the spirit so strongly and have personally learned so much.  I am sad to be leaving these inspiring lessons and the simple yet profound testimonies of these Young Women.

I am also sad because I have enjoyed spending time with them; they help fill me up with a youthful exuberance.  I have become close with all the girls and have really developed friendships.  I know that I can still talk to them and stay in contact with them but now they are not forced to talk to me (ha).  I am excited to watch them as they grow up and experience more of life.  

Mylie's Birthday

Mylie has turned 9- I cannot believe it, where has the time gone.  Her birthday party was Jan. 26 and we were hoping to miss it due to the arrival of our sweet baby girl but alas, we made it. It was written big and highlighted on my calendar to give me something to look forward to while anxiously waiting for our little one.

As always a party with the Stones' and Wilson's was so much fun.  I love getting together with family and being encircled in their laughter, conversation and joy. 

Pregnancy Pictures

The Newson's have wonderful neighbors, the Chriest's (Liz and Ryan).  For my baby shower Liz said she would take some family Pregnancy pictures and some new born pictures.  We got to get together with her Jan 21 to take the pictures (I was 38 weeks).  It was a beautiful 'winter' day in Colorado and the weather was so nice that we got to take the pictures outside. It is always hard to get family pictures with Ben and I, one of us is always looking goofy (I think it is because we feel uncomfortable being the center of attention so we act kind of weird).  Liz did a great job dealing with our giggles and weirdness.  The pictures are really cute and BOY do I look pregnant.  

Sarah's Visit

Then Sarah and her family got to come and visit (Jan 8-15).  Mer, Max, Jack and Luke are Florida kids through and through so this year they decided to venture to Colorado to see the snow- sadly there wasn't a lot of snow to be found.  They were still able to make snowmen, go sledding, go ice skating outside, go snowboarding and catch snowflakes on their tongues.  When talking to Mer she shook her head and said, "I just don't know why anyone would want to live here, it is sooo cold." (That day it was in the 50's- but it did get frigidly cold later in the week.)  Tobin even came out for some of the snowy adventure (it was a fun surprise).  

Again, I was sick!  This time Ben got sick also (he has an immune system of an ox so it was pretty surprising and horrible for him to get so sick).  We ended up only spending a few days of their exciting vacation with them but it was wonderful to be able to see them and spend a little time with them. 

Charlotte's Visit

The first weekend in January (Jan 4-7) Charlotte came to visit.  I love being able to talk to Charlotte on the phone, e-mail and stalk her on facebook but seeing Charlotte is oh so much better.  She is one of those friends who you don't have to see or talk to for a while and then BAM it is like no time has passed.  We got to talk a lot and if you ask Ben we talked NON-STOP.   Sadly we were both sick, so a lot of our time was just spent lounging around the house...talking.  

Saturday, Ben surprised us with tickets to the Nuggets/Jazz game.  It was fun to be at a big game, be in that atmosphere and cheer on the teams (yes, the Nuggets won).  It was a fun weekend and, although we were both sick, it was so great to see Charlotte!!