A little catch up..

 Let's start with Halloween..my kids were super excited that Michael and his family came down for the weekend. Sandra and her family also came up for trick or treating. 

Now to November...I realized that I was struggling to be happy in my life and with my marriage in November. I felt as if Jake and I were stepping apart instead of towards one another. I mentioned to him how I felt and he thought I was being ridiculous. So after thanksgiving (which was wonderful because all my siblings and I were together at my parents in almost two years...I LOVED it), in early December I brought it back up and we talked for hours about it one night. I told him that there were times I regretted coming to work in same district and grade level as him because I felt it was in ways dividing us. I felt he didn't look at me the same, we didn't talk as much, and actions (such as my forehead kisses or dancing in the kitchen) were dissipating. He said there were times too that he regretted the job choice and we both thought we wanted to work together. He felt that he couldn't support his team or help others in fear I'd become a mad woman (this stems from in August), etc. It wa hard for me to want to continue to try but yet I knew I loved him and do love him. A few weeks later, I feel it is a better and will continue to work at it. He makes me better and I want to help him become better too. This past week, we both left work an hour early on Monday and took the day off Tuesday and headed to Nashville to watch the Forgotten Carols but had to be back in time Tuesday (12/15) for Ginny's band concert. She did a great job! The week before was Aubree's choir concert and she rocked that too! Each night we have tried to piece our home together after they finish a room of flooring. It looks beautiful and we feel like we are making it out home. 

Happy birthday Renee'

Yesterday was my birthday and what an unexpected birthday it was. I have been loosing my voice for a couple of days and decided to go to the doctor. The ward christmas breakfast also happened to be the same day, so we went a few minutes and then to the doctor. Jake and I were both diagnosed with strep throat and given meds. Jake has also had a headache for about two consecutive weeks now and believes it is sinus related. Later that evening, I realized as I was putting a spare key away that all of my rings had been stolen (I do not want to accuse people but we just finished the attic and got new flooring throughout the house, so I'm guessing it was one of them). Realizing they were gone made my heart a little sad, especially the promise ring Jake had bought me and his university of Utah class ring.  However, his wedding band, mamaw's wedding  band, my moms original wedding rings, and the star ring from parents are still tucked away nice and safe.  Last night as Jake and I were running to Lowes I mentioned my birthday had sucked- not that I wanted gifts (I just asked for the house to be cleaned) because of the events that unfolded. But a few minutes later, I realized I had a bad attitude and if had highlights from the day- people at the church breakfast had remembered my birthday, my family all (except James) wished me a happy birthday, my mother in law sent me a text to remember my birthday on my birthday during the day, and I was with the people I care most about. So although I am sick and been robbed, I still am blessed beyond measure. 

 

Stake conference

Today was the sunday session of stake conference. There are times where I do not want to attend church and more so stake conference because it's a struggle with my sweet babies, yet, my Sunday auto pilot kicks in and I go anyway. Today, I am especially grateful that we went, not for the talks but for the music. As the choir sang "All creatures of our God and king", precious memories from the mission surfaced. However, the most powerful was the closing number by the choir "I believe in Christ", I felt the words pierced my heart and spoke directly to me, especially the verse about tribulations and that He is always there and we shall triumphantly overcome. A few tears rolled down my cheek and I know that he was and is there to wipe them away. The Spirit confirmed that again for me today. I know my Savior lives and knows me. The conference had an emphasis on sabbath day observance. I also took away to invite others to be in and a part of our lives. Invite people for dinner,  a drink, service, or anything really. Edifying one another (members and non members). 

A little Sunday shot

Here happens to be 4 of my absolute favorite people.....they are my motivation for so many things in life and make me better. 

Note from my boy

From Will

To mom

I love you now (no) matter what, even when you think it's me that made Chris cry. I will still love you even when you hurt me

Ginny's 1st cross country race

Ginny ran her first cross country race on 9/5. She was so nervous for it all day, worried she would place last. I felt like a broken record telling her repeatedly that just being able to finish would be a huge accomplishment. She was not first but she wasn't last either (towards the end part of the middle crew). Her time was 12:42 for 1.25 miles. Waiting on her to round the finish corner, my heart was bursting at the seams wanting her to feel accomplished and not discouraged. She was chipper at the end. We stayed to encourage the boys team and watched until the last one crossed the finish line. My heart was warned as I'd watch those exhausted young men approach so exhausted but somehow muster the energy to keep going when they heard others chant for them. Right then I decided that in life, we all need supporters and chanters....to some, that's what gives the extra ump to go one. 

Happy 11th Ms. Aubree!

Eleven years ago our lives became a little more enriched when a beautiful young lady joined out family. Aubree is our child who would rather give to others than receive. She's a gem. Aubree made the volleyball team this year at school and is enjoying Elmore Park. She's very excited to be in her dads STEM class and found out today she now qualifies for the gifted program. Her favorite places to eat right now are Chick-Fil-A and CiCi's pizza. She had a swim party and enjoyed herself. It warms my heart to see my babies happy.