Cold

We got up early for seminary this morning, and it was really foggy! When we left seminary it was beautiful and sunny, until we got back to the mountain and again it was foggy. Things are starting to warm a little, and the daffodils are coming into bloom. I only hope that the deer won't eat them. I know they eat tulips because my mother in law had them when they lived in the mountains, and the stupid deer wouldn't leave them alone.

Ron called me the other day, and told me that his parents have their recommends to go to the temple! We are so excited! We only wish that we could get down there to go through with them. We have prayed for this day for quite some time. We know that we had a reason why we moved to Boise, and I think the reason was for them. SO EXCITED!

I also passed my test on HIV, and now I'm just waiting to get my license so that I can be a NAR in the state of Washington. That is a nurse assistant registered. Can't wait to start my new job! Can't wait to quit my old one! :)

Spring

Today Paige and I went for a walk down the country road. The air was crisp, and felt chilly. We took Rosie our wire fox terrier with us, and she scared off several quail. We saw and heard a lot of different kinds of birds. It is so nice to have them coming back into the area. We heard a red winged black bird, and pheasant. We also saw a beautiful blue bird. Paige thought it was a blue jay, but it wasn't. We decided that next time we go for a walk we wouldn't take the dog with us. She scares off too many birds. During our walk Paige talked about taking a couple of classes at the high school. She wants to take a math class, and maybe history. She will be a freshman, and I think it would be great for her to go get some social and friends. Her brothers aren't quite what she needs to grow.

Ron on the way to seminary saw his first elk. Since he only takes Garrett to seminary once a week he isn't able to see the elk. I see them quite frequently.

I just finished my HIV training to get a NAR so I can get a better job. I will be sending it in at the beginning of next week, so hopefully I can get out of where I currently work in the next couple of weeks. I have also been considering going back to school, and getting my LPN. I will be checking into all that in the weeks to come.

HAPPY SPRING

Frogs

It has been a very long week. The more I work at the rest home the harder it is on my body. I have a job interview to work for a company called Family Home Care tomorrow. It will be a much better situation, and my body will be glad that I did it.

Last night after work, we were all laying in bed listening to the frogs cherp in our front yard. It sounds like there are quite a few. Gavin is sick today, but says he can't wait until he can go outside and look for them. We then woke up to the sound of Canada geese flying over our house to get to the pond. It is very nice to be able to hear the sounds of nature in our neighborhood instead of cars and sirens. It is going to be hard to move from this place of quiet.

Spring Days

Well Garrett returned from Boise this last Saturday. I was so excited to see him at the rest home that night. Ron stopped in with Garrett to say hi after leaving the airport. When they walked into the rest home, I was busy with a resident and didn't see them come in. Elenor, one of our Alzheimer's residents told them they were at the Mitchell residence. They all had a great laugh.

Garrett had a great time in Boise, but he came home sick. He has pink eye. It must be spring. We haven't had that in our house since the kids were little. I guess it can happen whenever!

I went to the eye doctor as well because I have been having a hard time reading. I don't have macular yet. That is a relief! The doctor said that I could get glasses, but I think I will just use the ones from the dollar store! They work fine!

We drove into the Post Falls to go to the park after the Dr. and there were a ton of Canada Geese all over. We fed them by hand, and really enjoyed the time out of the house. Gavin and Paige went to swing, and Garrett and I just sat on a bench and watched the birds. Very relaxing, and since my eyes were dialated it was nice just to sit there with my sunglasses on.

The Rook Family

This is an amazing thing to be able to journal online. This is a great tool, and hopefully I will continue to add things to it often. As soon as I can have Garrett help me get pictures loaded I will do that as well. I'm not real great with the computer, so he will be helping me a lot.

We have moved to Post Falls Idaho, and we aren't quite sure that we are liking it. We live in a beautiful area. The kids go out in the woods when the weather is good, and this whole winter the weather has been bitter cold, so going outside hasn't been a great activity.

The kids have had a hard time making friends here. Since living out in the middle of nowhere, and with Ron and I working all the time it makes it hard to get the kids into town for activities. Ron has assured the kids that it won't last for long, and is looking for new employment even as we speak. He is at a job fair this morning, and I can hardly wait until he gets home so I can hear all about it.

I'm working at an assisted living home, although it's more of a nursing home because all of the residents are a full assist. It is a very hard job both emotionally, and physically. I come home at nights exhausted! I do love the fact that I can serve these people with Alzheimer's and make their lives a little more happy. It is such a sad disease.

Ron is working for the University of Phoenix. It is an entry level position so that's why I have to work. The upside is he gets his education for free. He will be graduating on May 5th, and then he will be able to get a better job. The kids are hoping and praying that we go back to Boise. I just want to be able to quit my job, and pay the bills.

Garrett has made great strides in his piano. He is currently writing music, and hoping to get published soon. Grandma would be so proud of him! He has earned his Eagle scout this last year. He also won an award when we lived in Boise during his constitution class and is currently in Boise now. He had the opportunity to meet and visit with Senator Butch Otter. He is having a great time with his friends in Boise, and will be coming home tonight. I think he is a bit homesick. The great thing is he is paying for everything now days as he is teaching piano lessons, and is working at Subway 2 days a week. It is so amazing to me that they grow so fast! I remember when he was sleeping on Ron's chest, now he is 15 and taller than mom!

Paige is turning out to be a wonderful young women. She just turned 14 in January. She had her ears pierced and loves high heels. She didn't get any height at all. She is even shorter than Gaving who is 12. Her piano is getting better and better. She loves to play the same song over and over just to get a rise out of her brothers. She is working on personal progress daily as part of her schooling, and is memorizing The Living Christ. It is a hard thing to do, and Mom would know about that because I'm doing it with her.

Gaving loves the outdoors. He is working on his Eagle award and loves scouting. He loves soccer, and plays the piano as well. He is also showing talent in piano, but has a bit more hard time wanting to practice. He is very polite to his sister as he opens car doors for her, and is very loving towards the family. He is a special spirit that one.

Well that will start our family blog, and get everyone caught up with the family. I will continue to write things so visit often.