Hoildays Are Here

It seems like the time flies by in between my writings but life can be so busy. I know we are told to write in our journals every day and I was so good at that when I was young.  I was good at that when I had young children as I would even write in theirs. I keep up photo albums and I try to stay on top of things, but sometimes I am just too tired or just do not feel like writing it all down for the day.  I am human and that is okay. No matter what though I want people to know that I am grateful for all that I have. The gospel is so true and through it I can be with my family forever.  there is nothing I want more than that.  My family is my life and it is so hard to be apart from them. I look forward to the day when I can live closer to my siblings and especially my children. My parents are getting older and I pray I can be close to them before they are called home.  I am accused many times of not doing anything for myself but all for my family - but that is life to me. All I ever wanted was to have a family and to take care of them. I love our trips, our laughs, our time together. There really is nothing more. I value times in church with them and special occasions too.  My family is my life. I will gladly give up sleep, exercise, my time and all my love for each and every one of them.

There is not a whole lot exciting going on in my every day life right now.  Work is so crazy and so short handed. I have been pulling extra hours every week and some weeks work six days. I am tired and the money is not worth it to me, but I am putting all the extra money away for my trip to Hawaii in January with Rob.  All of my siblings and parents are going as well. I am so excited to go but I now we will not be able to do as much as last time. However, just time away with Rob and my family is so exciting. It can not get here soon enough.  I am also way excited for the holidays to come. Next week we are going to Utah to spend Thanksgiving with our kids and then they come home for Christmas. We have not had the holidays all together for four years.  I am so thrilled to have them this year.  I am even going to wait to decorate my tree until they are here cause I want them to help.  I want them to always feel like this is their home and they can be apart of our traditions.  I told them the only thing I want for Christmas this year is family time and laughter.  They could wrap years worth of that and put it under the tree and i would be perfectly happy.

Skyler and I have been having some battles lately that concern me. He is trying to find his place in this big world and it is so hard for a teenager. I think the xbox has taken over his life though and that bothers me. His grades are super bad and he will not be able to pull a's this time I don't think.  It hurts too as he is so smart and could get great scholarships.  I have backed off some but still push him to at least do the work.  He has a sweet girl friend who is super nice and keeps him in line for the most part.  I just wish he would care again. I miss my little boy and it is hard to let the last one grow up.  He has said some very hurtful words that i try to forgive but that is hard too as they are remembered.  I just pray that he will come around. He says no mission for him and no church either - but the church is not an option as he lives in my home.  Somehow, we need to keep him focused.  Pray it will all work out.

The biggest news of right now came as a surprise to us this past week. Brittnie called on Wednesday night and asked me to put her on speaker phone so dad could hear as well.  She then told us she had a meeting the night before with her stake president.  She has decided to go take out her endowments at the temple. I have been waiting for this day for a long time.  I know that she has wanted to wait until she gets married, but it is the right time for her. She did this all on her own and wanted it to be a surprise for us.  She is going the day after Thanksgiving.  I am so excited and cant wait to get there now. I will take her shopping for her temple clothes and dress. I can hardly wait to see her in white.  Three of my four will then be endowed with one more hopefully to go.  I want my family together in heaven too.  I will share about her day when I get home.

I love this time of the year!  I love the spirit in the air and I love to give to those around me.  I can hardly wait to see my children and to spoil them.  My husband is my best friend and we try to do more together each week.  I am so grateful to have him in my life.  I pray that we will continue to be happy and to have peace in our home. I pray the holidays will be safe for us as well.