Goodness

I am expecting our 6th baby.  I have been so very sick, even the sickest I've been.  Jared and I had to tell the kids we are having another baby earlier than we wished because I was needing so much extra help with cooking, chores, 4-year old Bruce's needs, and cleaning.  I am still the 2nd counselor in the Primary Presidency in our ward and so I had to tell the ladies I work with the news as well.  It seems almost as soon as the news has gotten out into the neighborhood, generous people have brought in meals.  Our neighbor Jennie Hyer offered to buy us pizza and she brought French bread to go with it.  One of the teachers in our primary, Joan Argyle brought over a yummy homemade tomato soup with crackers and amazing mint brownies.  And then the primary president, Carol Merrell brought over clam chowder and homemade bread.  With 7 hungry people to feed every day, this has been a blessing from above.

Also, Jared has had had challenging times with his job but we feel the Lord is here with us as well.  MOM brands is down-sizing a bit and many people in the company are quitting to find other employment.  Jared is not one of them.

The kids are doing well.  They are all growing and we are home schooling every day. 

Our relationships with my side of the family seem to be moving in the right direction.  My Dad wrote me an email and invited our family to their family Christmas party this year.  This is the first time he and my mom have ever invited us to their home for any celebration.  I hope this trend continues.  In the past one of us children would plan the party, but I stopped going to those several years ago because I have always felt that it is my parents responsibility to get the entire family together for occasions

Jared's family has been trying to mend with us for some time and we have had relations with them for a little over a year now.