I know this is pathetic but this is the only picture I managed to have taken around Christmas time. Hopefully more will be taken over New Year's. Happy New Year everyone!!

The best Christmas ever!!

We had one of the best Christmas's ever. Sara really enjoyed all that she was given even though she wouldn't let Santa in the house. She made him leave all of her gifts outside on the front porch. We learned that Darrel did well enough in his classes last quarter to earn the HOPE scholarship which will be applied to his fees beginning in January and cover the entire time he is in his program. We were able to spend time with Darrel's family and my family and not be rushed by having to get back to work.

All in all we were blessed way more than we ever expected. I am grateful for this time of year. I have learned how to let offenses go and not allow myself to be offended when people wrong me (whether it is intentional or not). I have learned that family is family whether we like them or not and we have to set a good example for everyone. I wish I had pictures to publish and maybe some will come as time permits.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year as it approaches! God Bless

Learning how to teach a 4 year old about Christmas

Tonight I thought it would be good to teach Sara more about what Christmas is really about instead of Santa and presents. So I thought I would just read the story from the Bible and it would be that simple. Wrong! I had to translate as I was reading and then ask her questions about what I had said. All in all I think she got the basics about Joseph, Mary, Jesus and a barn (how else do you describe a manger without pictures??) She told me she didn't like the story because she didn't have any pictures to look at. Now I am on the hunt for a children's bible that may be a tad more interesting than just a bunch of black and white.

Merry Christmas to all!!

My night time ramblings

Ok...it's campout time for the scouts which means I am once again without a husband in my house. This equals me being overly aware of everything that may or may not be happening in or around my house.

This is how the evening begins...

Get dinner ready for me and Sara
We read books
We go through the rituals of going to bed, going to the bathroom, needing something to drink, going back to bed...and so on for at least 15 minutes.
Then the quiet sets in.
And then the dog ferociously barks at a stranger who dares to walk down the street during what we have termed the "drug parade" which begins shortly after sundown and doesn't cease until close to 2 or 3 in the morning.
In turn means that we shouldn't even begin to go to bed until around such time because you can hear every car travel up and down the road.

I have to constantly remind myself that if the dog isn't barking there isn't need for me to feel alarmed.

I know that our alarm system works as I have personally set it off more times than the robbers have.

I often wonder why I can get Sara to bed at a very decent time of the night when I am by myself yet ponder why it takes so much longer when Dad is home?

I am also very bored out of my mind because I don't want to read textbooks (although it would be advantageous at this point to get a head start since next semester only lasts three weeks) and I have no new books to read.

Why is the news boring? Maybe because they harp over things that the majority of people care less about and are unjust to the events that are actually news worthy?

Why is it so hard to follow the will of the Lord?? And why are men so much more stubborn and hard headed than women??

Why has Christ been taken out of everything this nation has been built upon? I wonder what the founding fathers are thinking at this time??

Enough stupid unanswerable questions...

I have much on my mind this evening. I am missing people that have been on the other side of the veil for the better part of my life. I have completed all of the preparatory work for them to receive the temple ordinances and have stalled on doing their work. Darrel and I have agreed to go to the temple more this upcoming year and I sincerely hope we stick to that commitment. I am struggling with the fact that school is coming to an end and I have much to prepare in order to do well with everything concerning exit exams and board exams. I have had confirmation from the Lord that all will be well; however the carnal person in me still worries needlessly because I know I still have to do my part and I am not sure if it will be enough. I wish we lived closer to our families. I know that for us to be able to be financially secure in the time we wish to do it in we will have to live farther away which means telephone calls and emails will be our lifelines.

I am wanting to have another child very badly and at the same time knowing that so much has to fall perfectly into place in order to support this new life. Which means this too has been given to the Lord and I pray that it will be His timing and not mine on these matters.

I know that my mind is full of twisted thoughts and concerns. I laugh over most of them because I know it doesn't do me any good to worry about them. We have been blessed more than I have ever dreamed imaginable just by being up here and following the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I know that I have much to work on in order to be a better follower and example of the gospel. I have been making a concerted effort to read my scriptures more and learn what the Lord would have me do as His servant. That is where I must go tonight in order to find comfort since my companion is gone to serve those whom he's been called to serve.

Goodnight.

Surprises...

I guess being an average student pays off! I just received my grades and actually ended up with 2 A's and a B! I don't know whether the system was manipulated or not, and this is one of the few times when I am not going to argue or bring it to their attention. HOORAY! Now if only July would get here and a phat paying job....;)

Let the Celebration Begin

I just finished my last exam for the year and I am so relieved. I didn't do as well as I could have but I have learned to except that average is ok and over-achieving is unnecessary. At any rate, now I can totally relax and get into the holiday spirit. I am looking forward to a visit in Atlanta this weekend that will be relaxing and fun.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

***I get to walk at graduation in May but I don't actually finish my clinical rotations until July 31! But I only have two final exams left for the rest of my life!!!

The fun of being a kid

As most of you know, Sara is not shy by any means. Until she has to be evaluated for basketball!! Oh my. I don't know what to do with a kid pulling on my pants! At any rate, she did come pretty close to getting the ball in the basket a couple of times. Drills are not her thing, and dribbling did get better after she warmed up to the guys helping us. We'll see how she improves over time.

As for my big kid, I think it is suffice to say that when you play with ducks around water you might get wet!!

Happy Holidays to all!

Excitement!!

I am really excited about this holiday season!

I can't exactly put my finger on it. Maybe it's because I'm less than two months away from the last final exam of my life. Maybe it's because we've been blessed so much this year and I have much thanks to give to others. Or maybe it's because I've grown this year in many ways and can truly appreciate the simple blessings that I have in my life every single day.

**I am able to wake up (even in a very bad mood) and see my best friend every single morning.
**I love the pitter patter of Sara's feet as she comes to get in our bed early in the morning.
**I love the fact that when I do get out of school I'll always be able to provide for my family.
**I cherish the fact that I'll be able to return my gratitude to Darrel by allowing him to go to school without having to work at the same time.
**I am looking forward to learning how to sew so I can make things for Sara like my mom made for me.
**I am looking forward to being completely out of debt in less than 10 years. Hooray!!
**I am very grateful for what the Lord has given me. Even when I just pray to Him I am able to understand a small portion of His will for me and my family. It warms my heart and humbles me to do better.
**As many people know I hate Augusta. But it has given me and my family the very best opportunity to earn our education and prepare ourselves for our future.
**I am grateful for the friends we have made in our ward and the examples they provide for me to follow.
**I am excited to graduate and finally get a job that is worth going to.

This season always brings me hope and encourages me to increase my faith and love for myself and others.