Christmas in New Mexico

 What a blessing it is to know that our Savior was born and lives today. 

This season I am trying to focus more in His gifts to me and my family and the gifts we can offer him. 

I love the message that was shared from general young women’s presidency (Emily Belle Freeman, President). Dear friends, 

“Our Christmas wish for you is inspired from the holy story in Luke 2. 

May you have the heart of Mary and find the quiet courage of saying yes to God, even when you don’t know how everything will unfold.

May you stand steady like Joseph and protect goodness in all the places you are.

May you celebrate like the angels and find ways to rejoice in Christ this Christmas season.

May you run to Him like the shepherds, and then share your witness of His wonders with all you know.

May you seek like the Wise Men, with all your heart, trusting He will lead you exactly where you need to be.

May you make room like the innkeeper—room for kindness, for compassion, and for God to work miracles in unexpected places.

And as you remember the baby Himself, our wish is that you will feel His love this year in a way that is unmistakable.”

We are having a wonderful time in New Mexico with Jake’s family. We left Sunday (12/21) and drove to Abilene to stay with TW and Karen, and drove to Cloudcroft on 12/22. Megan and Jenny were also here a couple days but left the morning of 12/24.  Staying with tradition, we did Reindeer games on 12/23 and a Christmas concert 12/24 followed by reading the Christmas Story in Luke 2 and watching “The Other Wiseman”. The messages shared and testimonies bore were beautiful. I felt my Savior’s love. 

Christmas morning, the kids came to our room and received a small gift or 2 from Jake and I. I am so blessed to have the husband and children I do. 

Jake & his dad after Reindeer games (courtesy of Papa’s daughter & Will) 

Reindeer games 

Walked to the village together. 

Wherever the baby was, so was Ginny. 

Jake holding his great nephew (Brian & Maddie Langford’s son, TJ) 

And the journey begins 

Headed home from church to get ready to leave (Jake had to do a bishop thing or two). 

Lunch with my parents on 12/20 before leaving town. 

Christmas Festivities begin

 We are planning to go to new Mexico for Christmas, so we opened gifts early when we were all together. Sometimes finding the time when we are all home are far and between. I am naming this Christmas, the year of the boots. Jake has enjoyed his ever since Halloween, prompting Will to want some and Aubree got another pair. Aubree is healing okay but does not enjoy sitting around the house.  I am doing my best to make her comfortable and get her out of the house on occasion. 

St. Jude 1/2 and knee surgery

 It seems that all too often that December is full of hustle and bustle and thus far this December has proved to be no different.  Ginny ran the St Jude marathon this past weekend. She ran the 1/2 and shaved her time by 18 minutes compared to last year.  Sunday, Ginny and Aubree did a musical number at church and of course, my mama heart was in awe.  Aubree played and Ginny sang. My parents came up and had dinner with us Sunday too. I did not get to spend much time with them because I went to a memorial service with Jake and then to make a few visits with him.  I loved seeing pictures though of them all visiting with my mom and dad and then they waved them off as we always do. 

Tuesday, Aubree had an MRI on her knee that she hurt in late October and we found out Thursday that it needed surgery.  She had a bucket handle tear. Surgery was scheduled for the following Tuesday (12/9) and she has been in a lot of discomfort the past two days.  It makes me so sad to see her hurting.  

Thanksgiving Break and Fun

The night before Thanksgiving, Jake and I, had dinner and then went to part of a show at the Orpheum..our neighbors were out of town and gave us tickets.  We left at intermission because we felt it was inappropriate and did not align with values that we hold sacred.  I did enjoy being with him as always.  

It was an enjoyable Thanksgiving week overall. We made a few trips to Jackson and even one to Paris Tennessee on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.  Ginny woke up and ran a Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning.  Thanksgiving Day was an early lunch, so Michael and Amy could get on the road to beat some winter weather that was headed into Wyoming. After eating lunch, we all went to the church for Clark's baptism (Sandra and Brent's boy).  It was only our family there and hearing the opening song, although I do not recall the name, was beautiful.  There is just something so sweet about hearing kids king the songs of the gospel. Michael and Amy left from the church and the 25+ of us there, lined the sidewalk waving to bid them farewell. It was a fun memory. Later that evening, several of went to the movie before we headed back to Memphis.  

 

Amy & mom

 

Charlie, Miles, Brent, Julie (Brent's sister), & Dad

Elijah & Sandra

Claire & Eva

With this many people, you eat where you can. Ginny, Alexa (friend of girls), Sam, Amy, Seth, & Michael

  

Riley, Charity, Will, & Adam behind 

L-R Row 1: Nolan Adamson, Johnny Dilgard, Charlie Dilgard, Clark Adamson, Claire Eaton, & Miles Adamson.

 L-R standing: Madelynn Adamson, Will Farrell, & Izzy Dilgard

Mom & Aubree

Mom, Miles & Aubree, & Ginny

Will, Seth, Riley, & Johnny (front)

Sam Eaton & Will

Saturday the kids and I drove to Paris to be with my sisters at Sandra's house.  It was loads of fun from homemade pizzas to decorating cookies to making hats and or shirts. Jake did not come as he had a friend coming over to watch football and needed to go and extend some calling or a calling for church. 

This week the boys were able to go to baptisms at the temple, it made my heart happy that Will got his recommend back to do them.  I worry so much for that boy and his lack of motivation to do anything except try to watch videos and play games.  I do not know the best way to help and feel like I have pleaded with Heavenly Father for guidance.  He is not progressing towards education after high school or a mission, meaning in no way preparing for either. Jake and I have offered to help, tried to provide guidance, gave many suggestions, but ultimately Will has to be the one to decide to do things.  This morning I found out he has been staying in the car this week for seminary and not coming in. I love him so much and know he has struggles but also believe he is destined for so much good if he will get on that trajectory. Jake and I went to the temple for an endowment last night. We were able to sit in the celestial room with Aubree a few minutes. She loves the temple and is an example to us to keep going.  Aubree found out yesterday she has a "bucket handle tear" in her left knee and will require surgery.