The "countdown" continues...

7 days until I hear the voices of my two favorite missionaries!!!

Christmas is fast approaching and it seems like the only thing on my mind is talking to Jared and Josh. I am anxious to hear their voices. The last time we spoke was on Mother's Day and that was unbelievable. It is such a blessing to have two worthy sons serving the Lord. I sometimes have to pinch myself to make sure it is all real. The past year with the boys in the mission field has been a year of so many blessings, both personal and as a family. We see so much growth in each of them as we read their weekly email to us. They are truly becoming men.

We will be spending Christmas in Utah. Tara and Garret are in Virginia for the holidays with Garrett's family, so that means Rick and I are alone for the holidays. Well, after Thanksgiving without the kids, we decided that our Christmas gift to each other would be a trip to Utah to be with DeeDee and Mick and their kids and grandkids. I cannot bare being alone Christmas morning. We needs kids...and noise!

In addition, there has always been a special spirit at Aunt DeeDee's house. Some Christmas Eve traditions were created and began for us at DeeDee's home. I remember as a little girl (I was 5 when they got married) being in their home year after year and she always created the perfect Christmas atmosphere. It was like magic! I have very fond, warm memories of being with DeeDee at Christmas. Even after Rick and I were married and they were living here in Rohnert Park...we would spend the night Christmas Eve so we would not miss a thing Christmas morning. I love being with them at Christmas time and feel so blessed that we will be with them this Christmas.

My cup runneth over....

I remember almost 23 years ago, gazing down at our precious baby girl and wondering what life would bring her; trying to picture each milestone, each bump in the road and each

monumental triumph...

We have been privileged to be a part of it all... the fears, the laughter, the tears, the challenges and the sweet success! Our Tara began a life long journey of learning and despite many bumps and challenges became a college graduate from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, on December 12, 2008. She, along with her husband Garrett, were among 1,163 graduates and one of 42 couples graduating together. The evening was amazing as we listened to President Clark and President Uchtdorf deliver their remarks and give extremely wise and profoundly inspired counsel.

Words cannot adequately express how Rick and I felt (and continue to feel). Maybe these photos will be the pictures that are worth a million words...



CONGRATULATIONS TARA AND GARRETT
WE LOVE YOU BOTH!

December already???

Maybe I am crazy, but I could swear the calendar says it is December. Wow, December? What happened to the eleven other months this year? Well I am sure that I must have participated in them, but the question is....how was I a participant?

Seriously though, that is something to think about. In life...are we active participants, or are we bystanders watching the years, months, days and hours go by? When I truly ponder the events of the year, some of it is a blur and others not so pleasant. However the majority of this year, for me at least, has been an awakening of sorts. I have been given opportunities to grow and stretch beyond what I thought my capacity was (Okay "primary president" is definately in that category).

I have had my faith tested and refined. I was speaking to a friend just the other day concerning the opportunities given to us from the Lord to increase our faith. Case in point....MY HAND situation. (which is about 90% improved by the way) That situation was really tough on me. But looking at it now...I am glad I had an opportunity to have my faith tested. I think that sometimes we are living the Gospel out of habit; going through the motions because that is just our lifestyle. That was true in a way for me...I needed to be jerked back into earnestly seeking the Lord in my life on a daily basis(I don't think I am up to the calliber of Enos yet, but I am working on it). I needed to focus more intently on the Savior and Atonement. I needed to study with greater intent. The payoff is sweet and peaceful...I will keep this up.

For those who are interested...

8 DAYS UNTIL TARA AND GARRET GRADUATE

AND

21 DAYS UNTIL I HEAR THE VOICES OF MY TWO FAVORITE MISSIONARIES!