Surprised.

Steve surprised me with this lil' baby for Christmas! AH! I'm so excited!!! :) Lot's to post about..but that will have to wait.

Carson-YOU STUD!

We SOOO love our little nephew Carson!

December Update.

Wowzer. This month is crazy busy. Steve and I are keeping busy with work-LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it, church stuff-I'm now the 2nd counselor in the young women presidency. :) Without an advisor- yet..SO that means I'm doing both.. and of course all the holiday festivities.

The beginning of the month we invited my friend, Anne over for dinner. I seriously love her. She's such a good friend to me. We used to work together and were desk buddies. I hadn't seen her since Oct. so it was nice to catch up with her. I tease Anne she's practically my mom-which she could be..she finds it hilarious!

What else? Josh and Shannon had a Christmas party at their new house. We had a blast! We had dinner, played Snorta and made graham cracker houses.

My idea to add the melted snowman.

Shannon & Josh

Jeremy & Amanda

Travis & Michelle

We've gone skiing twice-I LOVE it! Steve even tried skiing, and he's enjoying it too.

We went to the Kurt Bestor Christmas concert with Steve's fam. I love nothing more than awesome and uplifting music.

Our annual Ford Christmas party was last night. Always a blast! Lot's of food, games and fun times.

And last but not least. Tonight we had the Anderson christmas party. So much fun, laughing and lots of great food.

(Ill update the party pics later!)

Phew. Now, starting next week-Christmas shopping!!! ( I got to get a move on it. Christmas is next Saturday!!)

Wow.

I got a text yesterday from Rick Smith asking if Steve and I could meet with the bishop on Sunday (today). I texted him back and told him that would be fine. Steve and I couldn't figure out what could the bishop possibly want. Well, today, Steve and I both went into the bishop's office. Thinking oh, probably tithing settlement. :) But nope.

Bishop said Steve, we're keeping you in the young men's, but Keira I'm releasing you from being a beehive advisor. First thing that came out of my mouth was NO! I was so sad. I LOVE the beehives. I feel like they are my girls. He then tells me that he would like to extend the calling to me to be the second counselor in the young women presidency. I'm not going to lie. I was a little shocked. a little overwhelmed. Wow. I didn't see that coming. Not at all.

It was a really humbling experience for me today. Robin was the second counselor in the presidency and helped me right from the beginning when I got into yw. I felt sad that I would be taking her place.

This past year she's been super overwhelmed with family things, and other things so she couldn't always help me on wednesday nights with the girls and I would teach practically every sunday. At times I remember that I would feel frustrated sometimes and overwhelmed with everything that I had to do. But really, I think that the lord had these things take place to help me be prepared for this calling.

Sacrament meeting I felt the spirit so strongly. I KNOW that I'm supposed to be in the young women program. It uplifts me. It makes me better. This also helps me become more of the daughter of God that heavenly father wants me to be. I feel so humbled to know that he trusts me enough to be an example and teach the young women. I know that everything I do is because of him.

When I went into young women's today all my beehives gathered around me and told me how happy they are that I'm not out of the young women's. They said that when they first heard that I was being released as the Beehive advisor they said they felt sad and also mad that I wouldn't be with them. It really made me feel so happy to know that they love me as much as I love them.

Robin gave her last lesson today for all the young women and it was really sweet. It was also so bitter-sweet to see my friend so sad to leave the young women. I know robin loves the young women as much as I do. But with all the other things going on in her life, this was too hard for her. We hugged and told each other that we love each other. I really do love her. She was and is a great example to me.

After church Steve and I met with the bishopric again where they set me apart to be the second counselor in the young women presidency. The blessing that was given to me was perfect. All the things I needed to hear to calm my heart. To make me feel at peace and to know even more that this is where I'm supposed to be. One thing that the bishop said that really stuck out to me and really brought joy to my soul. He blessed me and Steve that we will be able to have our children and to keep preparing for them to come. In my patriarchal blessing it tells me flat out that I'll have a family and children in our home. So, I know that will take place. But it was such a spiritual experience to hear that blessing come from our bishops mouth.

Bishop Thorup even told me before I accepted the calling, he said I know with you and Steve preparing for your family that being in the young women presidency can be overwhelming, so when you do have your baby we will get it all worked out.

I'm not pregnant right now, but I really think that our future baby Ford is planning on joining our lives sometime soon. I have faith and I know that our bishop has guidance over us. I love our bishop, he's so kind and understanding.

Wow. What a neat day. I love the gospel so much and I'm so extremely grateful to Heavenly Father for letting me continue with the calling of being in the young women's.

Steve's Birthday/Thanksgiving

Steve's Birthday fell right on Thanksgiving this year.

I'm so thankful for the #1 person in my life. My sweetheart. My best friend. My everything.

I couldn't of asked for anyone better. I love him oh so much!

We celebrated at my parents house for Thanksgiving/Steve's Birthday (miner problem-it was actually the Ford's year for us to be at there house, but it got mixed up. Thankfully, my in-laws are forgiving.) Anyway. Mom and Dad made a DELICIOUS Thanksgiving meal. Then we all went to the movies and saw "The next three days"-upon birthday boy's request. It was a super intense movie. I'm generally not a fan for intense, but it was good.:) After the movie we went back to my parents house and played dad at fooze ball and then brought out the brownies and ice cream. That's all Steve wanted. He didn't want a birthday cake. Which I'm totally up for. I actually prefer brownies anyway.

Happy 27th Birthday Baby!!

Kjersti surprised Steve with that cute banner and balloons

Well, the dinner and partying didn't end. The next day we celebrated Steve's birthday and Thanksgiving all over again. At the Ford's house. Ellen made a DELICIOUS dinner and then we played games, ate more brownies and had shakes. Loved it.

Oh and how could I forget we also went sledding with Preston over Thanksgiving break. That's a love/hate relationship-the sledding that is. We went to the golf course hill which is HUGE. I swear the older I get the more cautious I am about doing things. It's so sad. I really love sledding, but to be honest the first time I went down that hill I thought it would be the death of me. We bought these cheap little saucer things and they seriously HAUL down the hill.

I survived it. But the entire time I was so scared. I can be such a baby sometimes.

Yay for Skiing!

Well, The Hunger Games has been consuming the little time that I do have these days. I can't get enough of them. My friend at work just gave me the other two books..such a good thing, but a bad thing at the same time!

Today we went skiing and snowboarding! Can I just say I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh. I love it so much more than snowboarding. When I would go snowboarding I would be on my booty 90% of the time. no joke. It would make me feel so dang frustrated. So going to the ski resorts weren't always one of my fav things. I used to go snowboarding almost every weekend, but once I got married. Let's face it-You have to pay for a lot more and going snowboarding wasn't a top priority. SO when Steve and I would go once or twice a year..it would be like I'm starting from scratch.-Hence the on my booty 90% of the time.

Today was so much fun. I'm thrilled that I really enjoy this sport. It was a perfect day too. It wasn't even cold-another HUGE plus.

One of the family friend's gave me free ski lessons. He was super patient and really knowledgeable. That of course helped a ton too.

I can't wait for another day off to go skiing! :)

Proof.

Proof that Steve really does love dogs. Blake and Sherrie let us watch Sophie for awhile, and we loved it!! Steve would follow her around the house taking pictures of her and always managed to speak just a little higher saying "Come here Sophie, Come here."

My hopes of having a future puppy is definitely brightening. :)

She's so super cute!! I can't wait until we get to watch her again.

Now some things completely off subject.

Last Sunday was Kjersti's Birthday dinner...

Happy Birthday Midgey!! So glad that you're my baby sister! I sure love you lots!!

Steve and I played with Carson up in my mom and dad's play room. We were playing Hide and Seek. We found Carson "hiding" in the pretend washer and dryer. He's always making us laugh.

I learned how to tie dye shirts for enrichment night. Oh my. SO FUN. SERIOUSLY where have I been? They are so fun and easy to make. I've been looking through my drawers for some old white t-shirts to make some tie dye bed time shirts.

I'm still working on my yarn wreath. Which I'm LOVIN by the way. I can never, ever have enough crafts/projects to do.

This picture and yarn wreath was made by ItzFitz on Etsy. So cute. Similar to what I'm making.

Oh! I saw Erin and Easton this week! I was so happy! It was only for a couple hours, but a couple hours is better than no hours.

Erin was telling me about the last episode of Glee and how Gwyeth Paltrow sings and dances in it. I was shocked. I didn't know she sang and danced?? Steve and I stopped watching Glee...we are really disappointed in all the crap they have now on that show..but that's besides the point. Anyway, we looked up the Glee show of Gwyeth singing and I'm SUPER impressed. She has a really good voice. I'll always remember the first show I saw her in-Emma. I LOVED it.

I can't wait to start reading The Hunger Games. My friend at work let me borrow it. :) I've been wanting to read it for forever!! Every time I go to the library it's always checked out. It's about time I'm reading a book again.

Am I the only one? But I can't believe that Thanksgiving is already next week. Not to mention Steve's birthday. I'm so ready to celebrate why I'm Thankful and my man's special day.

If I don't post for awhile... Hope everyone has a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Spotted Dick Pudding.

Here's a funny for the week. I just got home from our YW/YM activity. We did a food drive and it was so fun just knowing that we were helping out those in need. It's always so fun spending time with the girls. Here's the funny..

One of my beehives, Lauren came up to me holding this can. Asking me "Sister Ford what is spotted dick?" I was shocked and wondered what in the world is she talking about? She puts the can closer to my face and it says SPOTTED DICK pudding. I try not to laugh. Keep in mind I am a leader..but, it was funny. I explain to her that it's a kind of pudding and that she should just go set it down by the canned food. She shrugs her shoulders and puts the can down. Not thinking anything of it. phew.

I thought it was funny. So right when I came home I googled Spotted dick pudding to see what I could find. If your wondering more about it too...for curiosity sake..here it is.

Pudding, the backbone of British food and none more than a Spotted Dick Pudding. The name of this classic English pudding, Spotted Dick Steamed Pudding, usually will raise a smile or look of abject horror which is why some prefer the less-well-known title of “Spotted Dog Pudding”. The spotted part refers to the raisins and currants in the dough and the word dick' is a colloquial word for pudding. This is not a pudding for the faint-hearted or those on a diet. Made from suet, flour and dried fruit it is high in calories. It is, however, the perfect pudding for a treat on a cold winter's day.

Prep Time: 30 Minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 115g / 4oz raisins
• 55g / 2oz currants
• 75g /3oz dark brown sugar
• Grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
• 225g / 8oz self-raising flour plus extra for dusting
• 115g /4oz shredded suet
• Pinch of salt
• 55ml /2 fl oz milk

I don't think I ever want a can of Spotted Dick Pudding in my pantry.

I GOT IT!!

A lot to be grateful for.

I found out the week of Halloween that BCBS wanted me as their employee!! YIPEE!! Seriously. I couldn't be more happier. I know that heavenly father led me to this position and I can already see why. Okay, not completely know why, but I'm already LOVIN' the place.

Yesterday was my first day. Today's my second.:) Everyone is so super nice there. They are completely focused on making the member's and the employee's happy. Everything is also focused on Health and Wellness. So, they are always doing beneficial things for your health. I've already met 3 girls, my age with no kids!! Okay. Don't get me wrong I love all my friends with kids. I really, really do. I love all of you and your kids but sometimes it's just nice finding someone who can relate to me. Having no kids is hard for me right now.

Oh and our benefits rock, even more so than the last job. I'm loving learning new things and meeting new people. It's really exciting. I can really picture myself being here for a long, long time.

Oh and something completely off the subject. Blake and Sherrie just bought a Brittany Terrier. Cutest puppy-ever. I think it's making Steve warm up to dogs more. :)

This isn't the picture of Sophie, I found it off of google. This is almost EXACTLY of what she looks like. Next time I see her, I'll tell a pic.

Halloween.

Steve and I were sick with nasty colds the week of Halloween. So, we stayed cooped up most of the week. BUT we still managed to do some fun Halloween festivities!

So, here is what we did in pics... (everyone who we hung out with didn't mind that we were sick)

Carved Pumpkins at my Dad & Mom's and Halloween Dinner

It was fun carving pumpkins with everyone! And Mom made a yummy Halloween dinner with Pumpkin bread bowls with dad's DELICIOUS chili and a creative tombstone dessert.

Carved Pumpkins with Kris and Jessica

Halloween Dinner at Bob and Ellen's

This dinner was so creative!! Ellen made a menu full of Halloween surprise foods. We would tell her what we wanted not knowing what it was. It was super fun and really creative! I love it! When we have kids this is on my Halloween tradition to do list.

Well, That was how we celebrated. Happy Halloween!!

Young Women Halloween Party!

I LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. the YOUNG WOMAN program! I'm so grateful to heavenly father for giving me the opportunity to work with so many fun and uplifting girls!

Beehives were in charge of the Halloween Party for the primary kids and the kids loved it!! We did face painting, read Halloween stories, made halloween bags, a parade and Halloween games. It was a really fun night!! I sure love these girls!

My Cute Beehives!

Rachelle & I (also in yw, she's one of my good friends)

The Fishers as Shrek and Fiona

Robin & Me (We are both in the Beehives)

The Spencer family