Bloom where you are planted!

We moved on Halloween day to a new home that I hope I never move from! I hope I don't jinx myself by saying that I am perfectly content to stay where I am for a very long time.

I am slow to finish updating pictures of our new home...

But here are a few reasons I love where I live...My daughters have a "girls only" room with tons of closet space...

We have a craft/office/library where all the projects stay...

Scott's work-out equipment has a home and a closet to its-self (no longer taking refuge in the master bedroom). Scott even has a new Ultimate Pull-up Bar, conveniently located in the basement...

I can seat 25 people to dinner with our two tables and bar stools...

My kitchen is so much easier to clean, yes less can be more...

Drum role please...I have red leather. I sold on Craigslist, the grand upright piano I bought when I was 17, our nice front loader washer and dryer that didn't fit in the laundry room, old bar stools, moving boxes and other odds and ends and had fun buying these eclectic red couches. We got a killer deal and paid cash for everything. 14 years of marriage and we have "NEW" furniture...what a treat!

My cool 3 dollar shower curtain that happens to match my purple counter tops...who puts purple laminate in a home? Well if you can't beat them, Join Them!

We have built-in Oak cabinets through-out the entire house to store everything, I love it!

A few months ago I trained for and ran the St. George Marathon. My secret wish was to be a qualifier of the Boston Marathon. I admit that after a wisdom tooth extraction, "Dry Socket" following, going hungry for a week and missing the qualifying time by 3 seconds...I was slightly devastated.

I got over it pretty quickly and started making plans for my next races. Scott and I found an enticing marathon in California 6 weeks later. In pondering the decision to do another race, I decided I better call up the Boston Athletic Association and find out about availability. I spoke briefly with a representative who told me the race would be filled by the end of the week. That answered that question. The kind lady asked me why I would be running the coming weekend and what my situation was, I hadn't volunteered my sob story. Her response to my explanation was really quite cool, "Girlfriend, we're not going to keep you away from Boston because of three seconds, send in your electronic application today and I will ensure a place. You belong here!" That is exactly what she did, ironically the marathon was completely full the next day!

I have just made it through my third week of training. It is definitely more tricky to get the miles in with school and activities, opposed to summer training. I only run three days a week and try and cross train two days. For me, running filters through so many other facets of my life, in a positive way. I decided maybe I could convince a few others to embrace the distance running temporarily. We will be recording our journey here, ourrunningjourney.blogspot.com, rather than intermingling boring stats with my family blog. We are running the Newport, Oregon Marathon June 5. I am really excited to experience a marathon with so many of my family members!

Isaac's Baptism January 2, 2010

( A detailed record of Isaac's baptism written for him)

January 2nd was a memorable day in the Stevens family. We were able to witness the baptism of our fourth child Isaac Scott Stevens. We woke up at a good time despite going to bed after 4am (typical night when you have so many sisters and brothers in town to visit with). Isaac was very excited to wear his new suit and "real" tie (no more Captain Clip On).
The Eagle Stake puts together a program for all the children being baptized that month. The Primary Stake asked Isaac if he would like anyone from his family to speak or sing to him. He chose his grandpa to speak on baptism and his three older siblings, James, Micah and Danielle to sing. Papa Stevens did a good job with his well prepared talk. He mixed a little of everything together including baptism, repentance and covenants. James, Micah and Danielle sang The Baptism Song, with all their heart. It was a beautiful invitation to feel the spirit. James had been fighting a chest cold all week and still sang despite not feeling at his best.

Our family is always a huge support. Granny entertained Marley and Satori while Grandad and Papa took turns drawing choo choo trains for Gideon. I had a full bench with Lora Lou, Thomas, James, Micah, Danielle, Eliza and Coley! My brother Levi and Amber were sharp attending despite only hours notice. While we waited for our turn at the font, the Stake Primary played a video of interviews they had given each 8 year old, prior to the baptism. Isaac's answers and facial expressions were hilarious.

As I entered the chapel I noticed my V.T. companion and her daughter sitting in the audience. I figured she was supporting someone else. I didn't realize until the actual baptism that Kristi and Katie were there special just for Isaac. Katie, who is the same age, wrote Isaac a letter and gave him a new book mark for his scriptures. It was a very thoughtful gesture.

The Cahoons extended their stay a day to support Isaac. Eliza was sure pleased with having Cole be her buddy another day. Those little kids are the best of friends.

Isaac wouldn't be happy without his twinner there to give him a big hug. They even shared the same chair. Nathan and Isaac are only 6 months apart, but the same interests, size and similar temperaments.

I was really taken back all week, but especially on the day of the baptism, with my older children. James completely cared for Lora Lou while Micah put Spencer to sleep on his shoulder. Even when we went bowling, Danielle helped Lora with every turn so that the adults could play an uninterrupted game. We are soooo imperfect but the one thing my children have in common is a love for little children, one of the benefits of having a large family.

A little boy could not feel more loved and supported than Isaac. The primary president accompanied the music and the Bishop gave nice closing remarks. The only people missing from the Stevens side was Jeff and Angela, but being in PA makes for a long drive for one event, so their dad, President Tanner stood in for them. He made it complete. My sister Dawn and her family spent Christmas with us which made it unreasonable to turn around and travel all the way from OR and Scott's Grandma's are in Utah. We definitely had a large crew.

Isaac will always be my "Christmas baby". He has been an absolute angel the entire month of December, a nice breath of fresh air for our independent boy.

Scott spoke clearly and with authority as he performed the baptismal ordinance. There was a strong spirit that day that will always be remembered. Ten men surrounded Isaac as he was given the gift of the Holy Ghost and a beautiful blessing by his father. Those that wanted to came to our home afterwards to eat a lunch and visit. It was a perfect day...well as good as it gets!

Christmas Morning

We were woke up bright and early to a stampede of children's feet Christmas morning. It was delightful to be with cousins and family. No matter where you are Christmas can be magical. Santa was good to everyone...no coal this year!

Scott and I gave calendars to all the family members. It is really a great creative and high quality site...www.lulu.com.

Danielle read over six novels just during the break. It is hard to keep the good books coming, she reads so much.

Peavy Arboretum

Christmas was a great day including yummy food, fun cousins and getting to see and hear Granny scream in the latest Harry Potter movie. Good Times!