November....and 1/2 of December

Oh my stars, I have a lot of catching up to do. How is that all of November passed and I did not mange to post nor did I manage to capture Halloween.  Actually Halloween was not very eventful, Jake had the flu, Will went trick or treating with his friend, Walker Orris, and Christoper went with his friend Jonah Donald. Christopher did finally get to dress up like a black widow...he spend hours making his costume and was beyond excited. Jake flew to Abilene in November for a weekend with his brothers and had a nice time. 

Thanksgiving was my first big holiday without all my kids. We spent it in Knoxville with my side of the family at Charity's house.  It was actually overall delightful. Wednesday we took the kids to Dollywood and spent the day. I was very fortunate that my brothers took Aubree in for Thanksgiving, although I did miss her fiercely.

 

 I try to have the family each send Sunday selfies but it is not always welcomed nor reciprocated but the boys and I take one each week to send.  Rebekah and Adam also blessed baby Paul at the beginning of December before his parents left. Jake and I also managed to sneak away for a show at the Orpheum one evening.

However, today my heart is full, all four of my babies are under the same roof tonight. Aubree flew in this afternoon and almost immediately when we got home, piano music and song filled our home again. My girls laughed together and the boys played well together. I think I can safely say this is one of my best birthdays, all because my little family is together...I could not ask for anything more.  My parents drove up to bring a cow to be slaughtered and spent the day with us.

 We opened matching pajamas tonight and everyone even obliged taking a picture with me.....

Time flies. Jake is gone more frequently with bishoping right now. Part of it is tithing deceleration was able to start a month earlier. I just try to be supportive. It does get lonely sometimes and is hard for me when I can tell things are weighing in him and we can’t discuss. With that said, I try not to ask questions and just let him hold me in his arms when he gets home from those hard days. I am learning that it is a calling no one understands until they’re in it and will forever be kind to bishops and their families. 

Ginny was able to come home for a couple days over fall break. It was good to be with her. How I miss my girls. Jake told me a couple night ago that no one told him how hard it would be when his girls left. He expressed how he missed the smiles, laughter, and music in her home. Me too, me too. I no am trying to focus inward on my boys (and girls when they let me) since much of Jake’s focus needs to be outward now. We balance each other well.