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. 

Nashville Predators and shopping

Monday afternoon after work, we headed to Nashville as a family to watch the Predators hockey game. We spent the night in Nashville and spent the day shopping on Tuesday.  The best part of the trip for me was that the family had arranged to all wear Christmas pajamas. Will forgot his but Jake had packed a pair for me, not knowing that I had packed a pair unknowing that was the plan. It made me smile.  I enjoyed making a couple memories with our crew over. We had many laughs. Christopher love being back in a hotel with his unlimited hot chocolate. 

Dinner after the game

Unmatching but mathing theme Christmas pajamas. 

God is good

 I feel His presence as I am doing my best to work through my feelings from the past few weeks.  I see His hand in my life. It has been most evident with conversations had with Jake as we go to bed.  Last week one evening, we were laying in bed talking and he expressed that being a bishop has been a blessing from God to him.  He elaborated and said the one weakness he felt would keep him from the celestial kingdom was selfishness (which is not what I would have thought) and that before he was called to be bishop in a meeting with President Canfield (previous stake president) he had expressed that.  Jake said that serving as bishop has made him more aware of others and less on himself.  Now, I firmly believe that he is a gift to others and has blessed others in so many ways. Then last night, he rolled over, hugged me, and expressed how blessed he felt to be married to me and that I bring the most joy to his life.  He said all he does that I am a part of. It makes me feel good to know he loves me. 

On a different note, Friday evening we attended an evening devotional with Elder Eric Bednar (Area Seventy), Elder Massimo De Feo (General Area Seventy) and Elder S. Mark Palmer (Presidency of the Seventy). I enjoyed the speakers but above all, I loved the songs sang- "Gethsemane" and "I will walk with Jesus".  Hearing the youth sing those filled my soul, especially to hear my Will singing them beside me. It was beautiful. After the meeting, we decided the next little bit, we will read a section of the For Strength of Youth pamphlet for family scripture as a reminder for the guidance for our day.   The weekend ended on a high note as well with my girls attending church with me, so we could go to Jackson after and see my brothers who are here for a few days. 

Stella Seaman and Ginny

My oh so handsome boys

Will held the baby goats (1-3 days old) for hours, literally like almost 4 hours he was with them.