Lybbert Family: December 2009

Market Day

Every year, our family gathers at the Pike Place Market in Seattle to enjoy doughnuts, satsuma oranges, the shops, and especially family. It all started with Great Grandma Bull, who loved the market so much. We visit her tile in her remembrance. We then travel to the centerhouse to visit and warm up, and then to someone's home for good eats, and a gift exchange. This year was great, not too wet, and not too cold. We had a great time together, and I am glad we can continue these traditions.

Where it all began

The ones keeping it going

And the little ones building new memories

The Boys

The Girls

The family on the pig

My last year actually sitting on the pig

21 weeks, and It's a ...

I am now 21 weeks, and more than halfway to meeting our little daughter. Yep, that's right, it is a little girl. 10 days ago, we went in for the ultrasound, and found a healthy little girl growing right on schedule. I have been feeling her for a couple of weeks, and recently, a little more consistently. I am always excited and relieved when I feel her move. Dusty has yet to feel a kick, but is still trying. Everytime, I tell him to try, she stops moving!

We are both very excited for this little girl, and are still working on the name. We still have a few more months to figure it out.

Gymnastics Season Again

It always seems like the time between Dusty coaching is shorter than the 6 months it really is. Gymnastics season is well underway, and Dusty is helping at Olympia High School. He is pretty much in charge of bars, especially for the varsity girls, and some of vault. The team has had a few meets already and are doing well so far. He is really enjoying coaching with this group of girls. They absolutely adore him, and he is so excited when they learn new skills and progress. Although the pay is terrible, it is worth it to me to let him coach because it brings him so much joy! Good Luck Bears!

Happy Birthday David

My little (or younger) brother celebrated his 17th birthday this year. We got to join up with the family for a delicious dinner, visiting, and birthday party for him. We had a great time, and am so glad we live to close enough to visit for these types of events. Melissa and Sam also got to join in. Happy Birthday David! We love you.

Owen enjoying his movie

San Francisco

This year, my new company TrueBlue sent me to San Francisco for training to learn about SEC Reporting. I got to stay in the Fairmont, and attend a seminar. This was my first training experience outside of Deloitte training. I will say, I appreciated having my own room, and I think the material was great. The hotel was amazing and had a handmade gingerbread house in it that was big enough to walk inside. It was nice to see the festive lights and holiday spirit surrounding San Francisco.

It was a quick trip, and I missed Dusty, but it was worth going.

The Gingerbread House (it made the whole lobby smell delicious)

Dusty's Birthday

This year, Dusty was fortunate enough to celebrate his birthday with a delicious turkey dinner and tons of family. Yep, his Birthday fell on Thanksgiving. We didn't do too much to celebrate, but we could let the day pass without wishing him a happy birthday. Happy Birthday Dust!

Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Woodward clan again this year. We had breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa's, and dinner at Aunt Mary's. We were missing a few people, but had a great time. We had all the traditional fixings and games. We enjoyed the time off work, and especially the time for thanks.

For me, it was a time of reflection as we shared what were thankful for. As I looked back on the year to see what I was thankful for, my heart was full. One year before, I was probably in the deepest hole I had ever been in after losing our second baby. I was in that hole for a long time, but found myself rejoicing for the progress I had made since last Spring. As I looked back, I could see the events that helped me climb out, and the joy each gave me.

First. I am thankful that my former employer made cutbacks and included me. My only regret was that didn't happen sooner. My former job was very stressful, and time consuming. This helped me get out of shape physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I ended up taking about 4 months off this summer, and focused on getting my house, life, and me back into shape.

The second thing I am thankful for, is my little brother. He was only 16 years old at the time when I was laid off, but I had the opportunity to baby sit him while my Mom went to VT to help my sister with her new baby. Dad was working, and I got to be a babysitter. What I found, was much more than just making sure he got where he needed without getting into trouble. He was such a strong example to me as he reminded me to have family prayer morning and night and as I watched him read his scriptures daily. He didn't know what impact he had on me at that time in my life, but I will always be in his debt, so I am thankful for my little brother.

The third thing I am thankful for is my little sister. She moved back to the Northwest in May. Her experiences with having kids has been different than mine, but just as difficult. As I went through the last IVF cycle, and finally got pregnant for the third time, she was there supporting me the whole way understanding the fears and anxiety I was feeling (and still feel sometimes). Although I would never wish what we have gone through on anyone in the world, and I ache for all those who struggle in this area, only someone who has gone through it can really understand, and it is nice to have that someone there for you when you need it.

The last thing I am thankful for this year is my husband. The last few years, I have not been very pleasant to live with, and he has been here to support me through the whole process. I truly feel that the challenges we have been through have helped us to grow closer ultimately even though at times it seemed frustrating. I love him, and the support he continuously gives to me.

I am also very thankful for the baby we have been blessed with and very excited for when she arrives in May. I am also thankful for both our jobs, and the home we have. I am also thankful for our puppy Bella. She brings so much life and excitement to our home. We truly have been blessed, and my heart is full of thanks and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for all we have.

Finishing touches on dinner. (I love the bunny ears on Mom)