Ho Ho Ho... .Happy Helpers !

So, as most of you know, my FAVORITE time of the year is now. However, I have been in a slump or something because I haven't been happy about any of this. I'd been wishing that it was all ready over! I know that this will be my last Christmas wtih Jared for a couple of years and that has made me really sad. As the old addage goes, Tis better to give than to receive. So we put that into action. Our neighborhood has sponsored 3 families in our community to help out with Christmas, and our family was priviledged to get to fill stockings for 8 children. We had been buying necessities, toys, treats and little surprises for them. Last night, I spent 2 hours wrapping and filling the stockings. Gary sat across from me on the couch ( I was curled up by my favorite place.... the fireplace on the floor !! ) and as he watched me, he said... 'Thank you for doing this. It's such a good thing that you are doing. Your Mom and Dad would be proud of you!".... well, you know that the tears just streamed down my face as I expressed what helping out means to me. I can't stand to think of a child on Christmas morning being disappointed. It breaks my heart. We have this tradition each year since my kids were little and we always try to help out where we can and give back some of the blessings that have been given to us. I wanted to thank my friend Cherri at work who also helped me out ... she makes a great elf !!! I want you to know that this morning, I have the best Christmas spirit around and am so excited for the holidays. I'm excited to get to spend time with the loves of my life ~ my family, my Yaya's, my friends and those that I am priviledged to see each day. Merry Christmas to all of you !

Thanksgiving !

So, I know that it's been a little while since I've made a post. We've been getting our house ready for the holidays / Jared's farewell. We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner with my family as well as Christina and her mom, and Josh's gal pal, Jessica came as well. It was so nice to have everyone together. I wanted to take this opportunity to list some things that I am grateful for. Being married to my best friend... and how hard he works for our family.
Having 4 wonderful kids that I love with all of my heart.
Being a member of the Church with all of the blessings that that entales.
Having friends know when you need a hug. And be willing to just listen.
My Yaya's that are my sisters in my heart.... who needs blood????
Having wonderful jobs that enable us to take care of our family.
Being able to send Jared to Switzerland for 2 years... tears and all ~
Watching home movies and missing those tiny babies to hold in my arms.
Knowing that we are no farther away from our families than just a phone call.
This wonderful time of the year.
Well, those are a few things that I am totally grateful for... the list goes on and on. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and my love goes out to all of you.