American Idol

I know I'm crazy. Some people like "Chuck," some people like "Grey's Anatomy," but here in this house we are loyal to American Idol. Got JJ hooked when we were dating, and we have watched every season together ever since. After like 8 seasons the hype has kinda worn down for many, but no not here. We are huge fans. It was exciting when we moved to St. Louis because we met Alanna and Brad who liked the show just as much as we do and we would have our American Idol nights....but sadly this season they are gone :( Well know that you guys are missed this season. I'm a little worried though, this is suppose to be Simon's last season...hummm hope the show stays exciting. Those will be big shoes to fill though. Season 9 premiers tonight!! Excitement has filled the Bell home!!!

Becoming a big little boy

My little Dominic is getting way too big, I can hardly stand it! This Sunday was the second Sunday that he has moved on up from Nursery into being with the big kids in Primary. As I sit in the Primary with my cute little 8 year olds, it just has been so strange to look over and see my little guy sitting there with the sunbeams in primary. He is just growing up so fast right before my eyes. I'm excited to see him progress in the gospel, give his first primary talk, and bear his sweet little testimony. I'm so grateful for the privilege of being his mommy and teaching him about how much the Savior loves him.

Season Beloved of the Year

This Christmas turned out to be such a special Christmas and one that we won't forget. It started out sad because it was our first Christmas without family, but ended so great. I think our friends felt bad for us because we were invited over a lot, which in part was what made it so great. Due to finances we weren't going to buy a tree this year, but low and behold a dear friend brought this lovely thing over to our house fully decorated and EVERYTHING!! Seriously brought tears to my eyes, and was one of the sweetest acts of kindness anyone has ever done for me and my family and I will never forget it.


Christmas eve we went to the Shelton's with the Ernstroms and ate some incredible dinner, had a Christmas devotional and opened "The Christmas Eve Present" aka pajamas. We had a great time, they are so fun to hang out with and it was just nice to be with good people on the holidays.


Christmas morning was actually very relaxing with just our little family. The only thing that Dom asked for this year was an apple. Santa granted his request, and he was as happy as a lark. Riah didn't quite get the whole thing, but loved the little doll stroller that Santa brought and that mom is regretting asking for because she strolls it up and down the hallway 10 billion times a day ramming into everybody and everything! Do you thing Santa makes exchanges?



New Years was so fun too. We spent it with the North's and their in-laws, stayed up playing games and eating good food till 4 in the morning. Now I'm addicted to the game Farkle....very fun!! We introduced them to our New Year's tradition of banging pots and pans outside while yelling, "Happy New Year!!!" over and over. No police were called...it's going to be a good year!!

Hope everyone had a great holiday season, and remembered the reason for the season!!!

Confusion!!

It's been a crazy past month, hence the lack in posting. JJ is now a tri 10(meaning no more classes just clinic) and we are still not completely sure about where we are going and what we are doing. I remember posting about this confusion...hmmmm....i don't know...maybe a year ago! But I never thought we would still be confused up to this point and this late in the game. Our trip to New Mexico was great and we did find a possible good opportunity there, but JJ is still unsettled and keeps thinking about California! I almost had California crossed off my list completely, but I guess it can't be if he's still thinking about it. So we are taking a trip to Cali in February which will be good because if we do end up going to New Mexico it will be a long time until we see family. Here is some pics of the beautiful NM temple with the pretty mountains that are your view from any part of the Albuquerque area. All I know is we better come to some conclusions FAST!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wanted to wish all my blogger buddies a Happy Thanksgiving! I was jealous as most of you probably sat around a large table with those you loved eating a scrumptious meal while we ate a Walmart chicken and gold fish crackers. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, of course, because it involves yummy food, one of my most favorite things in life. But this year we are in Albuquerque,NM (hope I spelt that right, I really need to learn how if I'm going to live here)searching out our new homestead. As of now, we like it a lot, quite different from anywhere else I have ever lived for sure. I was telling JJ that I finally feel like the majority and JJ with his blond hair stands out like a sore thumb! It's quite the culture shock, but from those we have talked to, the people are so so nice, laid back, and very friendly. The temple here is absolutely gorgeous with the beautiful Sandia mountains in the background (hopefully I will have pics soon). JJ meets with some docs on Monday, so hopefully all goes well. We will keep you posted, and hope all my shopping buddies...uh hum Maria... had fun on Black Friday!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all hope you all had a wonderful, turkey stuffin, sweet potato eatin, pie scarffin time!! :)

Leaves Leaves Leaves

With this fall season coming to an end, and seeing as how it will be our last fall here in Missouri only to return somewhere in the west, I'm sure, I am most thankful for the beautiful leaves that the Mid West provides. Being from California, we most definitely do not get leaves like we do out here and so when we moved here we loved them so much we never wanted to rake them! Our complaining old neighbor is always telling us that somehow the wind magically blows all these leaves onto her beautiful lawn and is always on us to CLEAN UP YOUR LEAVES!! Well this year we just avoided her sadly but justified it by knowing that this will be the last year that she will have to put up with our "laziness" and thinking that this is the last year that my kids will get to live amongst such beauty. It's funny cause I can always tell a Missourian by looking at their yard in the fall and not seeing one leaf, constantly raking and blowing away especially if rain is about to hit. Well I guess you can tell a Californian who's living in Missouri by how big the pile of leaves are in the middle of their lawn with kids jumping in them!

Halloweenie

I know I can be such a horrible blogger sometimes especially seeing as how it is now November and I am just now blogging about Halloween. Well, we had a great Halloween. Lots of parties! I think it is Dominic's favorite holiday because here we are in November and he still asks me if its Halloween yet. Poor kid has a long way to go, but I just say, "Not yet Honey." We had an awesome trunk or treat at the church, then we had a party at the North's house followed by some good ole' trick or treating with everyone. Riah was our cute little pink kitty cat.... and Dom was none other than SPIDER MAN!! The North's incredible Halloweenie festive food... The whole trick or treating clan.... and here is the Halloween song that they song at the Joy School Halloween party

Dom has already informed me that he wants to be Batman next year for Halloween. We will see how long that lasts.... Now on to things that we are grateful for.