Recap of 2009

This year has brought many trials, trips, milestones, and memories. Living in Mexico  has been very emotional this year. We have had two kidnappings (of members of our ward), plenty of extortion and lots of crime. We went through a time where my kids would look both ways, out the front door, before running out to the truck. There were plenty of sleepless nights and we considered moving a number of times. The bottom line is that, through prayer and fasting, we feel  we are to stay and raise and provide for our family in this community. At the time we couldn't understand why but, given time, it has been made clear. Apostolic blessings, great advice from our local church leaders and area authorities have helped us along the way and brought us many blessings and peace. The Mexican goverment is finally taking a stand and making a change in our city. We are beginning to see results. We are still keeping the faith.

Our year in a nutshell...

Garrett (my hubby): finally a bountiful crop. assistant coach of jr. high football team. head jv coach of our church owned high school. many weekend trips. mountain orchards almost in production. bright future ahead.

B.J. (BarbieJo): still teaching dance. finished my ballet studio behind our home. a few trips to Utah and Idaho. got my first piano. busy blogger. show chior choreographer. classroom mom. art teacher. seller and designer of pettiskirts. helped put on a food festival where we taught women throughout the city how to cook and utilize rare ingredients. ready for another baby.

Victoria (Tori, 6): graduated kindergarten. top of her 1st grade class.  fluent in spanish. lost her first tooth. started piano lessons. loves to sled and ice-skate. tennis prodigy.

Alexandria (Alex, 4): got a pony. started pre-kinder. learned her letters and numbers. will talk to anyone for hours. entered sunbeams. still sucking her fingers.

Benton (the "chosen one", 1): learned how to walk. run. broke his leg. split open his wrist. 6 stiches. hernia. loves to "shoot it". lover of any kind of ball. talking. kissing. wants a baby. hated nursery and would scream the entire time. now loves going to nursery thanks to loving leaders. hoping no more injuries for 2010. he is getting his wish...for a baby.