Thankful

I know that growing up I was lucky to have such a wonderful family. I had two parents who loved me and were always there for me and always told me I could do whatever I wanted. I remember being frustrated when I would get in trouble, but deep down I knew it was because my parents loved me. I never questioned their love for me. I suppose I always knew there were people who did not have this type of love and support but I don't think I knew quite how prevalent it was until the last couple of weeks.

Part of the requirements for my Masters degree is to attend Family Court, to see what issues future students will potentially be dealing with. This experience has been beneficial for understanding more about some of the students in future classrooms. It has also made me even more aware of how lucky I am. I watched far to many sets of parents give up the rights to their children with very little emotion. I could not imagine only seeing my mom once a week for a few hours with supervision. It absolutly broke my heart. I cannot fathom ever letting someone take away my child.

I love my family and am so grateful for their love and support. I am grateful to have a wonderful loving husband who works with me to keep our family going. I am so happy to know that my family is the most important part of my life. I love knowing I am part of an eternal family.

New Update

Well another month has gone by and I have not had a chance to update my blog, so here is another brief coverage of the past month........

We have spent a great deal fo time checking the cows and watching all of the little babies come into the world. We had an unusually warm February for the valley. We took advantage of the warmth and were able to get out and ride the horses and play on the ranch. Alexis just goes crazy over the animals. She started out loving the cows but has seemed to change her interests to the horses. It is such a joy to watch her enjoy the animals.


Alexis is growing more and more every day. She is learning new words at rapid speed. She keeps us on our toes, and it is so much fun. Below are a few photos of her playing with my mom and dad's cat Howler and her uncle Scott. The next is Alexis one night checking cows, and the other she was playing with her dad and a balloon.

We have also had a great time spending time with family. Amber suprised us and came home for a visit, it was great to see her. I recently quit my jov at CIA-Leavitt and am substitute teaching in Alamosa, while getting closer to finishing my Masters degree. Oh how the time is flying by. I hope to keep up a little better this month. The usual spring wind has started so I believe I will be inside a bit more this month. We are starting branding next week so hopefully I will be able to get some photos of that put up.

Wow What A Month!

So January has come and flown by and finally I am getting around to updating my blog. Here are some highlights.....

1. Lynn, Brettli , Scott and I went to the Stock Show in Denver with Lucy, Kelly, Mike Jackie and families. It was a blast, we looked at the pigs a few sheep and some very nice looking cows, as well as all the neat vendors and a wonderful Rodeo!



2. Alexis is continuing to grow and starting to say more and more all the time. We finally had a chance to take her swimming, she loved it! We must find a place to take her swimming around here.......She has discovered the cows at grandma's & grandpa's and we can't get in the car without her mooing hoping we are going to see more cows.




3. Ryan came home! My brother Ryan has been serving a mission for our church in Santiago Chile for two years. We are very excited to have him home. We took him to the new Thai House in town it was a blast.


4. His homecoming of course called for celebrating. All the siblings came home to see the lost long brother, they found a few cousins along the way and we all had late nights of playing cards and eating. It is great to have all the family around.

Tubing in the hills

We decided to get everyone together and go tubing with all the snow in the mountains. We had a wonderful time. Alexis loved being pulled on the sled and was not happy she had to get inside and warm up. Lynn & Brettli seemed to have a wonderful time rolling around in the snow and occasionally sliding down the hill. Scott really enjoyed his many tumbles down the hill side, while Chris pulled everyone around on the four wheeler when they were tired of going up the hill. It was a wonderful day had by all.

Christmas Holiday

Our family tradition for Christmas Eve is to gather at my Grandma & Grandpa Mortensen's home, have dinner and exchange gifts with our Mortensen cousins. This is the holiday tradition I look forward to all year!! This year was great, we had almost everyone there this year, needless to say it was a packed house. The night was full of laughter and catching up. There is something very special about having that much family that loves and cares for one another together, it was such a sweet night. We all enjoyed watching Alexis interact with her cousins, Shelby who is one day older than her, and Jacob and Joseph (twins), who are one day younger. The four were full of life and laughter.

Christmas day was wonderful as well, Chris, Alexis and I enjoyed Christmas morning at home, we then visited Chris' parents and his sister, where Santa delivered a rocking horse for Alexis; we then traveled to my mom & dads where we had a wonderful lunch and a very exciting visit with my brother Ryan (on a mission in Chile). It was a wonderful day. Alexis had a great time playing the pile of boxes and paper after the presents had been opened. There is nothing like watching a young child enjoy the simple things in life. It was a wonderful day being with family.

Christmas Tree

This weekend we went up to Rock Creek and found our Christmas Tree. It was really fun. Alexis wanted to stay out and play in the snow, but it was too windy and she was cold after about 10 minutes. So daddy went and found a nice Blue Spruce, we brought it home decorated it, and finally feel like Christmas should be as close as it is.

Thanksgiving in Arizona

For the holiday we traveled the 10 hours to Queen Creek, Arizona to visit Chris' sister Michelle. It was wonderful to be in warmer weather and spend time with Michelle. Alexis had a great time. Traveling was a little rough, but she did pretty good. I was glad to have missed the snow in Alamosa, Chris was sad. I am sure it will snow again. Alexis enjoyed being able to play outside in the warm sun.