I'M BAAACK!

WOW! It's been a while since I have been on my blog. I was having problems getting my background changed and have just been busy...but I'M BACK!

What have the Estes' been up to lately?

I have discoverd Facebook (thanks Kasey!!!! I REALLY don't have time for it, but it's so fun.) I have down loaded a lot of pix there.

I have LOVED homeschooling this year. What a great experience it has been on so many levels for me and my family. I have never felt this at ease with my day to day schedlue, which I truly expected the opposite:o) We have done a lot of field trips. We have done a lot of hiking, took an extra last minute trip to Texas to see my brother, Brent for his 30th birthday in November, found some snow to play in up in Northern Arizona, cut my hair short, then a month later cut i really short, went to the chocolate factory north of Phoenix where the kids got to make chocolate "pizzas" and see things like chocolate covered jalapenos (yes, Hayden was curious) a 3oo lb. chocolate Santa and an equally big chocolate football....you know we all loved that one. We have played a lot and learned a lot....there are a lot of things that I either never knew or have just forgotten through the years, but I learn new things everyday.

Hayden played flag football this year and made the cover of the local PRL magazine, which was a fun surprise. Michael didn't play this year...he can't wait until next year, though.

Christmas was awesome this year. One of my favorites so far. Very quiet and laid back. My brother, Brent and his family came out for Christmas...waaay fun. We had a great Christmas and I am happy to have all of the decorations put away....I can only handle the extra clutter for so long, a month is just enough time for me...

We brought in the New Year with a group of Michael's friends...I forgot how late teenagers are willing to stay up! Ikicked the last couple out after 2:30 am and felt really old:o)

I have been called to teach Seminary this last semester. That has been awesome! We are learning the New Testiment and daily I say to Joe, "how did I not know this?". The kids are awesome and teach me more than I could ever teach them....I have totally fallen in love with these kids:o) I have a mixture of all ages...they don't divide by grade here, which I didn't think I would like but I do.

I got a new treadmill last week, which has been the hilight of my month...after waiting a few weeks for it I was so excited to finally get it.

I just signed Michael up for 9 credit hours at the community college. He has not loved high school so we tested at the local college and he did great so we withdrew him completely from high school and I think this will be a great fit for him. Next semester we will add more credits to his schedule and hs goal is to get as much school under his belt as he can before his mission.

We are busy, but life is good and we are looking forward to a great New Year!