The busiest time of the year...

Each day or week seems busy as a parent but there are definitely times that it seems more busy than others. December is definitely one of those times from preparing for the holidays to attending the kids Christmas programs, this year has proved no different.  Last week, it seems we had something every day, beginning with Sunday.  Sunday my sisters and Jake pulled off preparing a surprise birthday meal for me, it was nice.  I was unaware and offered to carry dinner to two families, so I came home from church and prepared that. Our three oldest participated in the Christmas program at church last Sunday and I was so touched watching them sing and moved by the Spirit.  We had plumbing issues arise last week, so Jake tended those one day after school and I attended the boys choir concert.  Jake somehow managed to arrange for us to eat out on my birthday with a few of our co-workers before pack meeting at church on Wednesday.  Will obtained his arrow light, so it was a big deal for him that we attend.  Jake unexpectedly flew out to meet his brother in Montana after school on Friday, the decision was made in less than twenty minutes, and he booked a ticket and was packed within five minutes.  It was one of those situations where he needed to be there for his brother, if only in presence.  He flew back in Saturday evening (it was literally $3000 that was spent unexpectedly but there are some situations where money can not factor into and you just do it). Driving home from the airport getting Jake Saturday night, Ginny called in tears.  After calming her down, she explained that she had a fender bender pulling out of the driveway. She was driving my car and hit her car with the front passenger side of my car as she was backing out.  It has left a nice dent in my car and while they were trying to wipe off the black, they peeled some of the paint.  I am certain it will be at least $1000 deductible for my car and uncertain for hers.  This weekend has unexpectedly costs us $5000 and the though of trying to figure out finances to cover it caused a little uneasiness in rest last night.  However, I know that in the scheme of things, the money is a minor thing as is her accident.  Amongst all the hustle and bustle this season, I have felt overwhelming gratitude for this little family of mine and the times we spend together.  I love that we play Ticket to Ride (a board game) together and decorate cookies, which is a new thing, and stresses me out some in moment leading up to it, but I love it!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, every where you go, except the Farrell home.  Haha, we have put up a few decorations on the interior but have not touched the interior. I am not sure as to why I am not feeling as festive yet this year, maybe I just have not taken the time too.  My mind races with things to share but I want to share just a couple of thoughts this evening.  Recently, at the last general conference, the announcement was made that church services would be reduced to two hours and more emphasis is to be placed on home study together. While, I like the idea of two hour church and the responsibility of gospel growth more placed on individual and family study, a part of me worries that as busy as we have allowed ourselves to get in this society, that the hour that should be spent strengthening family may get filled with something else.  Then my mind wonders more...is the reduction in time spent at church an effort to help us make more time for the Lord because we are not making adequate time. I am hoping that we will find ways to inspire our children. Speaking of inspiration and being a good example for our children, yesterday after work, Jake noticed one of our neighbors blowing leaves in their yard and within moments of being home, he had grabbed the leaf blower and whipped out the door. We did not know he had even left. However, after discovering where he was, I sent the kids to help. Will was the only one that chose to stay as there was not much else that others could have done.  I am grateful for the example set for our boy. Will has a pure heart. As difficult as he can be, he is a good boy.  Over Thanksgiving, I was reminded of how he stayed with Kilie in Georgia every where we went and made sure she was included. Megan and Grammy said he made that little girls trip enjoyable.  He often does notice the one and seeks to include them and be kind.  I need to notice the good more often and compliment it. I want him to recognize all the good that he does as well. 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  This year we traveled to Cloudcroft, New Mexico for Thanksgiving to be with Jake's parents because for the first time, we were given a week off school for Thanksgiving break.  Jake as adamant about leaving Saturday morning, although I tried to convince him to leave Monday morning for a few reasons. First, it would give me Saturday to put up some Christmas and just get ready. And my brothers were both flying in Sunday so I could see them a couple hours on Sunday. My feelings were hurt that he would not even consider it, even though it has been a couple of years since I saw them.  We stayed in Abilene Saturday and Sunday to visit with Tommie and Karen.  There was a youth dance Saturday night, so we left early enough to get the girls there to attend. It was difficult for me to get up Saturday morning at 4:30, especially since I did not get to bed until almost 2:00 am.  To prepare to leave Saturday, I had a list of things that I needed to accomplish each day, including school work and felt like I stayed on top of my game for the most part. Monday after we left Abilene, we stopped in Midland to have lunch with Jenny and Megan's families on the way to Cloudcroft. Tuesday morning we visited the Petroglyphs Park and a lava ruins park. Chris and Crystal arrived in Cloudcroft on Tuesday afternoon.  It has been a nice visit.

November Update

The last week of October, I was fortunate enough to get the flu, type B.  This was the first time that I have experienced the flu and was leery when people would say that it hit quick and your body aches, however, I stand corrected.  It was within a matter to two to three hours that I went from feeling fine teaching to barely being able to stay warm (mind you, I am seldom cold).  The doctor put me on five prescriptions and it took almost two weeks before I felt normal.  I was off work for a week.  Jake was a super star and covered everything at school for me. Halloween was the day, I ventured back to work and it was a day calling for storms that evening. After work, I went to get Charity's kids from the baby sitter, so hopefully I could let them trick or treat before the storms with my kiddos. We barely beat the rain but were able to let the kids knock on doors for about forty minutes.  November 2nd, I had scheduled a personal day to attend Christopher's field trip with him at Discovery Park.  My voice was still raspy and I had a cough, it was a good day to be with my little man. My dad's sister, Anna Cook, passed away on November 10th and we decided it was best to drive to Jackson to be with him for the day.  That morning the kids and I cleaned the church (Jake had a headache) and I was planning to attend stake conference and my meetings beforehand but felt that I needed to be with my dad, so that is what we did. Mom was out of town on a cruise so was not aware and despite how strong you think you are, losing a loved one hurts. The boys love going to Papa's farm and he had not gotten the eggs, so the boys were more than happy to get them. Those boys, especially Will, belong in the open land.