So far, its Fair

This month started off slow, but then got so much going so quickly. In preparation for Joe heading back to Utah, the guys fixed his windshield wiper container. I watched supervisingly as they worked so well together Father/ Son style. All was ready and the ride back went well. The day after he left things got real. Celia's bf broke up with her, I caught my ankle and recieved a cut and all the mishaps insued. The frolicking season was over and it was time for school. Celia did finish off well and got such great grades. I remembered that there is opposition in all things, so all the opposition feels like its meant for growth. I was asked to photograph a friend's daught for her missionary farewell and it was a creative distraction. We went to the dentist a lot and I played pickle ball a bit. I cant complain as the wonderful routine that has been in my life. Ward Temple Night is always good and I even got to teach family history and temple prep to the 12-13 year old young women. We got to visit the grandparents with Spence and had dinner at Rah Rah and Papa's. The rain and snow are visiting pur families a bit, but the sun bursting through the clouds makes it all worth is andn help remind me that all is well and I am fortunate. January feels like a Monday, but yes there are other days of the week to come. I will learn and grow now to enjoy more later. Celia has been pulling weeds for me and they are easier to pull now and Spring will be quite fulfilling. I can't help but think of all the paralells in life and that brings me joy.

Festive family times at Christmas

Family time together is so priceless and even more so at Christmas. We have different verbage here at home such as pre- Christmas and Post Christmas. THere is a lot of spoiling going on and so many adventures are happening. We are so fortunate to have both set of grandparents living in town. I love that we got to go to church on christmas Eve and still get to open one present with the family that evening. Jason and Robin came by too. Somehow, we were able to get it all in with homemade foods, songs, sentiments and gifts. We went for car rides, saw lights, and walked the mall. We love build a bear and we enjoyed time there. Of course we brought Christmas to Spencer and hooked up his new T.V. Emmy got ot come for a ride in the backseat of the passat with him and I was glasd he liked my counter ring and took it off my finger. He does so well communicating his desires. We got our family picture with him which is a higlight for me. As part of celebrating toget, we we had many wonderful meals together. I love all the memories we've made and connecting times we've had together. You wouldn't think that half our family lives out of state with how much we gather, but I feel so blessed to have this current situation.

>

Seeing the Joy

As I ponder on my experiences of the year. I am struck by the times when I have felt the most joy. I love serving others and when I'm in the temple, I feel like that service is such a good way to serve those that cannot serve themselves. It was amazing to take Emmy through the temple for her wedding and before. It was great to see Sariah chose to get her endowment and go on a mission. I've felt so much connection with my family memebers as I help and love them. I have felt love and connection with animals and nature this year. Once with the manta rays in the ocean off the Big Island, Hawaii and once with the matriach girrafe at the Safari West in Santa Rosa. I have felt the awe in nature on top of roof tops and in my home with the family around. When I feel happy for giving to the giving tree and whenever I feel the spirit, it gives me peace. Things have been busy this year and I notice the peaceful moments and feel so grateful for those restful times. I know I am blessed and have so much joy in my life. That doesn't mean myy life has been without sadness, but I can see the happiness in it as well.