Grrr....

Unfortunately, my planned update was thwarted.  The computer we purchased 3 years ago has had issues from the beginning.  (But, we bought it at a place that was going out of business and the problems didn't start right away).  Last week, said computer died.  The Geek Squad managed to retrieve the photos and files from it, and while the replacements laptops are top-notch and suddenly made life a bit easier, I still don't have photos to post. 

Instead of photos, would you be content with a brief update?  Let's give it a shot.

December:
-I was FINALLY released from my calling weeks after being told it was coming.  (Actually I wasn't even released until I had already moved.)  Loved the calling, loved the young women, but felt pretty bad that I couldn't even discuss anything with the cute lady who was replacing me because she didn't even know it was coming. 
-We packed up and left our apartment on the 16th and drove through a wild and exciting snowstorm for about 3 hours before we gave up and stopped for the night.
-Day 2 of the drive, the transmission in the mini-van decided to die.  Gratefully, we were right in Charleston, WV instead of in the middle of nowhere.  (This was a pretty frightening experience for me-I thought I had hit something and was on a very busy highway) 
-Some awesome members of the local LDS ward were there to rescue us and provide entertainment for the next WEEK while we waited for the van to be repaired. 
-I think I can officially list Super 8 Motel as a former place of residence.
-Back on the road, we made it less than 10 miles when the new transmission also died.  I was about 1/2 mile away from a bridge with no shoulder to pull over onto in emergencies.  I think someone was really watching out for me!
-2 days later we left again.  We spent Christmas in a Ramada Inn somewhere that I can't even remember
-I HATE driving through Kansas
-(The first half of Colorado is just as bad as Kansas)
-My kids had a stomach virus 3 times each, but not all at the same time.  I didn't escape its grasp either.
-When we got to our destination, we dumped our stuff in a storage unit and then headed to my parents house.
-I have never been so glad to arrive at my parents house!!!
-Finally, the first week in January, we closed on our house and moved in.
-I'm almost done unpacking everything. 
-The house is just right.
-The backyard is awesome.
-I already have a new church assignment: cub scout leader and relief society pianist.
-I don't know anything about scouts.
-This is getting really long :)

THE END (until I find those pictures.......)

Back again!

For now, at least.  I seem to go longer and longer between postings.  I have four excuses.  'Nuf said.  For a short while, I am going public with this blog to give some old and new friends a chance to send me their email addresses.  If I have forgotten you somehow, leave a comment (it won't be published).  Next post: the new house.  Stay tuned.  I will be back :)