And just like that...the year is gone.

Wow, did I ever fail at the blogging goal for last year. 

I guess if I blogged at all it wasn't a total failure but I sure wanted to get more done then I did.  I just went back and read some of the posts and I really wish I would have done better.  I already forgot some of the stuff that happened and enjoyed being reminded.

I don't really know how to sum up the last 6 months that I didn't write anything.  All I know is it went quick and I was busy as usual. 

 But, before I try to figure all that out I have to talk about my goals for 2014

1.  Write on my blog once a week=F (at least I did it a little bit)

2.  Monthly temple attendance=B ( I got most months in but didn't make time in Nov. and Dec.)

3.  Spend less, save more=D (I have to use the excuse of the wedding)

4. Run a half marathon=A We did it!

5. Be more kind and think of others first=C (I'm not sure if there was any improvement there or not)

Well, there you have it.  I have to say that I did try for the most part but I also know I have much room for improvement. I can't think of anything else to add for this new year so I think I will continue to work on those and I am hoping for big improvement on #1 and #3.  

Now on to a recap of the last 6 months

July...I can't remember anything significant that happened in July.  I'm sure there were some trips to Starlight and of course the 4th of July but nothing is standing out.

August brought with it a trip to the Oregon Coast with Roberts family and a trip to Montana to help Sean with 2 Plat catering jobs.  We got to see Butte and  Helena.

On the way home from Montana we stopped in Idaho Falls and took Kenz and Drew and Jordan and Nicole to dinner.

  It was also the start of college for Colten which meant one more out of the house and left us with only one.  Bridger also started his sophomore year of high school.

September brought a month full of  soccer games.  We love watching Bridger tear it up as the JV goalie.

October was more soccer games and then the end of the season which is always good and bad. I also had a sisters weekend in UT that included a trip to the Hale Theater where we watched Catch Me If You Can.  This year sisters weekend with all the cousins and aunts got cancelled but we had our own anyway.  It was fun to get away.

November came and the preparations for Christmas and Justin coming home started.  Bridger passed his tests and got his drivers license.

The look of the kid who just passed his last test and is awaiting his turn at the counter for his license

...and then he gets his "wheels"

We also got the news that we are going to be GRANDPARENTS!  Mackenzie and Andrew are expecting Baby Bingham on June 29th.

 They announced to the family on Thanksgiving day with these shirts

It was good to have all the kids home and to spend time together.  

They announced to the "world" via Facebook right before Christmas like this...

December started and I was frantically trying to get things done and ready for when Justin got home.  He was starting school in January and I knew he would be needing lots of stuff done for that.  I have spent the last few months trying to get everything for school done for him and it was a total nightmare.  But, I got it accomplished.  I also wanted to have most of Christmas taken care of before he got here so I wouldn't have to spend my time doing that.

Dec. 17th I got to finally hug that sweet boy of mine!

It was so awesome to see him and have him home safe.  It was an awesome experience to have a missionary out and I know we were blessed immensely by his service and our sacrifices to make that happen.  

Once he got home a whirlwind started that went on for 2 weeks.  In the middle of that whirlwind was my birthday dinner with ALL my kiddos.  Even the one that said he wouldn't be there for 3 more days. That was the best ever! Justin had an eye doctor appt, 3 dentist appointments, a chiropractor appointment and 3 doctor appointments.  We also had to fit in Christmas and New Years.  

 I got the best Christmas present ever from my kids.  It is a tradition/requirement that they get their pictures taken with Santa every year until they graduate.  Well, this year I am was down to just Bridger in the picture.  For my gift they all got together and had their picture taken and it is AWESOME!  I haven't had all my kids in the Santa picture for 7 years.

Definitely my favorite present.

On New Years day Robert and I loaded Justin and his stuff up and moved him to Rexburg so he could start school.  The time went SOOOOOO fast and I feel totally cheated but I know he needs to get on with his life and the only way to do that is to get started with his education.

As a bonus, my sister was in Rexburg to bring Rebekah to school and also to see  Rachel's new baby boy Hudson that was born on my birthday.  I got to spend a little time with her, and Robert and I stayed through Sunday so we could attend the baby blessing.

Justin is now moved in and started with classes and we are back home and the house is back to being very quiet and life continues to go on. 

 I am excited to see what 2015 has in store for us.

That's All!