We're back!

Posing in Paris (Texas) : Eva, Evan, and Garin back on November 10, 2008

Guess who is hiding so he doesn't have to go to nursery (Sep. 2008).

Evan!

We have had a great Year Full of Surprises. The biggest surprise was Garin Allen Shutt born July 16th. We didn't know he was coming until March (5 months along!). The Sunday before Garin was born, Allen received a new calling as the second counselor to the Bishop. I also received a calling that day as ward music director. The Stake President said that usually they have the new counselor sit on the stand, but because I was leading the music that day. He said Allen could sit with the kids and in the future the Bishopric would back to figure out how we were both going to do our callings with no one on the bench to watch our children. A new music director was called three months later and I continued as the ward music chairman. I was released from my nursery calling right after the New Year 2009 meaning Evan and I have
sent the year together in nursery and Garin joined us is August. Eva has been a wonderful big sister and helper to her brothers and me. Allen is doing great at Advanced Fixtures and I am finally adjusting to being the mom of three. We went to Waco four times this year, April Conference, May for Allen's mother's Wedding (Now Barbara Gross), Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It has been wonderful be close to family to make these trips. At Christmas we were able to see all of Allen's family (mom and two brothers), and this year I have seen all of mine except Eric&Callie, who are still in Idaho, and Daniel who is on his mission in Minnesota. The Jackson family started and ended the year with weddings Eric to the beautiful Callie and Sarah to a wonderful Matthew. What a great year! I can't wait to see what the new year brings!