ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

Life never slows down.  And I always seem to be apologizing for not blogging as often as I wish I could.  But we have been busy.  I've started back to work.  Scott is on a business trip to Idaho.  I've been deep cleaning and trying to keep up with ALL of my New Year's Resolutions.  (So far so good.)
However, we have had some enjoyable, fun times the past three weeks:
A few Sundays ago, I decided we needed a family craft project.  Scott has an obsession with gnomes.  So.... we made gnomes.  It was really fun.  And everyone was so creative:

My Gnomies!

Scott's shirt says, "I'm Sexy and I Gnome It!"

Cody's "Shoulder Gnome" kinda like a "Shoulder Angel?!"

I love this amazing smile!  Her smile makes everyone around her smile!

Creativity is oozing from Sheila!

Cody's Gnome also sported a man bun.  Yikes!

But Skittles liked it!

Then I still had a week off before I started back to work, so I kidnapped some of Amy's kids.  First I kidnapped Raisin and Jelly Bean.  We bought toys, ate DQ blizzards, and watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

Me and Raisin and Jelly Bean

Raisin loves her Pretty Pony!

And Jelly Bean was so excited for his Etch-a-sketch

and football bomb!

The next day I kidnapped Apple Pie, Marmalade and Nuts.  (I forgot to get a picture.)  But we went to see the new Jumangi: The Next Level movie.  It was so funny.  And I think Amy's kids felt loved!  At least I hope so.
Last week, Scott and I went to Lowe's for our Friday night date.  We had saved a few hundred dollars for a new range and microwave.  I LOVE the white.  It brightens up the kitchen and makes everything look so clean and happy!  Scott installed all of the appliances on Saturday while I was subbing at the temple.

And the best thing about being a grandma right now is Skittles!  Look how adorable he is:

First time playing with Legos.

Wow!  Fish!

Teaching my grandson to love musicals early!

Love that smile!

Scott LOVES being a grandpa...

almost as much as I LOVE being a grandma!

He is sometimes so thoughtful.

Daddy is teaching his son to love games!

I honestly can't believe how blessed we are with this little guy!

SISTER DeGOOYER - WEEK 28

Hold onto your seats, because I plan on writing this email, and by writing this email, I mean typing this email. If you happen to be standing while reading this, I am not going to tell you what to hold onto... but it might be a good idea to find something.

We had interviews this week. President asked us to come prepared with a "protection scripture." Which is basically a scripture that will help you if your testimony is wavering; or if you feel spiritually week; or inadequate; or any negative feeling that has the capability to destroy you (that sounded cheerful). The scripture I chose was Alma 26:12. I picked this scripture because it talks about strength, and the real source of strength, which is God. Since then we've invited a couple people to pick their protection scripture, so I informally invite whomever may be reading this to identify and and choose a protection scripture.

We had Zone Conference this week. A lot of things were discussed, and I left feeling a great desire to "baptize nations." It was so good. We talked about our purpose and all that it entails. We are to not only teach others about Jesus Christ, but to also show them the way back to Him and our Heavenly Father; which is baptism. I love it! I pray everyday that we and the missionaries around the world will find those being prepared, the elect! 

This week we walked in the snow, we ventured into the unknown, and had quite a few people say that we could come back. Blessings are happening, and the work is rolling forward! The members here are so good, we've been picked up out of the cold multiple times this week. Even if it is just to drive us around the corner, they help us. We got to attend two baptisms this week, which was so uplifting! -I love being a missionary!

Oh! I have to tell you about my new companion!  Her name is Sister Soto. She is a convert of about 7 years. She is from Reading, Pennsylvania. (It's on the Monopoly board) She is not use to the cold. She has one of the strongest testimonies I've ever heard! Her favorite color is yellow and her favorite animal is an alpaca. She's a city girl, and she knows how to cook really good beans and rice. 

Side tangent: One of our recent converts wants to make us Indian beans and rice (she is from India). Sister Soto wants to make her, spanish rice and beans. I volunteered to make them american rice and beans, neither one seemed too enthused. 

Being a missionary is a struggle sometimes, but at other times it is so good! I honestly love it! I don't want to sugar coat it, but I will say with my whole heart that I love it. We had the chance to talk to someone who is contemplating serving a mission. She asked some really good questions, and I answered honestly. Missions are HARD, but, dang it, they are so good! 

Love y'all! Have a great week! Pray for your missionaries, pray for missionary opportunities, just pray. 

Sister DeGooyer 

Sister Hulet and I at Zone Conference 

Trying to take a picture in the snow...

Service at Ceal's :)

When your companion gets a BIG box of cleaning supplies 

Idaho Sunsets 

The sun blinding us 

SISTER DeGOOYER - WEEK 27

Happy New Year! My companion is awesome, her name is sister Soto- more on her next week. My name is still Sister DeGooyer, but now I pronounce it like the mother country because it is easier. We found a man named Bill this week! We promised him that we could show him how to answer all of his questions and that we would take one of his and answer it. He asked: "Where is heaven?" We go back to tell him tomorrow.  Zone Conference and Interview with President are this week, so look forward to a long and detailed email NEXT week!

I finished setting my goals and I have done well on them so far! Goals are so important y'all! They give us something to strive for, and something to reach for! They keep our focus on what it needs to be on: growth. True growth only comes in and through our Savior. Sooooo, I invite y'all to look to Him as you make and keep your goals this year. 

Love y'all! 

Sister DeGooyer (De *insert cough* er) 

Goodbye Sister Osborne!

Hello, Sister Soto!

With members...

MY GRANDSON IS ADORABLE!!!

Smiles with a binky are contagious!

Fascinated by bubbles!

Like Father like Son!

Love the matching shirts!

Skittles loves to look outside!

"Come see with me!"

Grandpa shenanigans!

"I know I'm cute, grandpa!"

Shhh!  Baby sleeping!

Reading about Dinosaurs with Grandpa!

"I'm a big boy!"

"I love to see the temple!

I'll go inside someday!"

Soooo excited about food!

Food is happy!

THE WIZARDING RUN

We did our first 5K this year on January 1st.  We ran in the Wizarding Run (aka. Harry Potter Race).  The race actually took place in multiple destinations around the globe, but if you couldn't get to the race, you could run it "virtually" on your own.  So Scott and I walked 3.1 miles to "earn" our medals and wands.  I love our shirts!  We had so much fun together.  I sure love this man of mine, who makes life so much more fun.

Before the race...

During the race...

After the race...

Accomplishment looks like this.

And this!

NEW YEAR'S GOALS

I love celebrating with the Bettenhausens for New Year's Eve.  We play games.  We eat ALL the good stuff.  We toast in the New Year with non-alcolholic bubbly.  We make predictions for the new year.  And we take photos of our goals!  I love the Bettehausens!  And I love our traditions!
Here are this year's goals (youngest to oldest):

Starburst plans to walk.

Skittles wants to do the same thing.

Raisin is making a goal to become a bookworm.

(like all of us!)

Jellybean also plans to become a better reader,

Apple Pie wants to save money for "something big."

Marmalade is truly ambitious:

Read an entire book series.

Read a book/month.

Write a book.

Work on her musical skills.

Nuts also wanted to go big with his goals:
Get his drivers licence.

Baptize and witness for the dead.

And read his scriptures consistently.

Jacob's list is hard to read... Let me translate:

Make a new board game.

Save for his mission.

Gain the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Write another book.

Finish high school.

Gain all of the stake Seminary awards.

And run 3 miles in 20 minutes.

Kiara's goal is one that makes her happy!

Cody is ever practical...

At least his goals are!  Ha Ha Ha!

Amy and I are true friends because we both LOVE making goals.

1. Keep a daily, gratitude journal!

2. Play one board game every day.

3. Read to the kids daily.

4. Read the Book of Mormon.

5. Go to the temple once a month.

6. Write a poem a week.

Mark plans on fixing his knee so he can run 3x/week!

Yay!  We're cheering for you!

Scott is planning on studying and applying the attributes of Christ to his own life.

I only listed one of my Twenty for 2020.

(I'll post all my Twenty for 2020 below.)

I had to include this picture of a cute mama with two adorable boys!

TWENTY FOR 2020

1.          Spiritual/Gratitude Journal

2.          Read entire Book of Mormon

3.          Participate in NaNoWriMo

4.          Self Publish: “Raising Daughters”

5.          Self Publish: “Half Moons Fly Higher”

6.          Stay on the Keto Diet

7.          Read 24 Books and Use Book Journal

8.          Temple Patron Experience Once a Month

9.          Try 24 New Recipes

10.      Write Missionaries and Family Monthly

11.      Perform Four Piano Pieces

12.      Complete Three X-Stitch Designs

13.      Christmas Cards Before Thanksgiving

14.      Get a New AC

15.      Get a New Stove/Oven and Microwave

16.      Go on a Cruise with Scott

17.      Date Scott Weekly

18.      Participate in Three 5Ks

19.      Instant Pot & Soup Recipe Book + 24 New Recipes

20.      Katia’s Scrapbook