He'll Carry You

Well, There are some days that are harder then others in this life, and I am having one of the harder days. Owen had a job interview that seemed hopeful, but turned out to be just another so sorry, we loved you, but decided to hire someone else who better fits the job. This letter, like many others have crushed my heart over and over again. I know that things happen in the Lords time, but I have been praying so hard for that time to come before we lose are house. I love being here in my house so much, although it's not a big house, it's my house. Owen and I have worked so hard for what we have and when he was laid off, I would have never imagined it would be like this so many years later. We just thought things would get better, find another job and would pick ourselves back up again. That's not how things are working out. Year after year, it has become harder and harder. We have become so far away from where we were, that it's hard to remember what it was like to have stable jobs and income. I am good at acting like everything is great and dandy, while on the inside crying to myself in fear for what's to come. I know we should not live in fear, but have the faith we need in the Lord to carry us through our trials. The truth is when you have all these little lives you are in charge of looking to you for everything, it's really hard to smile and say every things going to be just fine, when your not sure yourself that they really are. I know we have trials in our lives to make us stronger, and that we go through them to learn the things we need to learn here on earth. I have begged God to just tell me what it is that we must learn, so we can move passed this point that we are stuck in. I have told him that I am kind of a blond, so maybe he needs to tell me straight up what it is we need to know and learn. I have come to the understanding that it doesn't work that way. I am ok with waiting for the Lord to answer our prayers and lead us to the place we need to be, but I am human. I live with doubt and fear at times, and sometimes wonder how strong I really am and how much I can handle. I am not sure where we will even end up moving, but Owen is bringing home boxes every week. The reality of our situation makes me sad, but I know that where ever we end up, is where we are meant to be. God has a plan for each of us, and sometimes that plan has lots of ups and downs. He gives us the strength to endure the downs so that we can be grateful for the ups. Even though, I feel as if we have more downs then ups lately, he has been there for us every step of the way. This is just a small glimpse into my life, but there are many others in the world, who are struggling to make it through this life the best they can. Many who are going through unthinkable trials, but I know one thing for sure. He will carry me, and he will carry you!

♬♪ The Spirit of Christ ♬♪

Dieter F. Uchtdorf: In our modern world, we often think of giving and receiving gifts when we think of Christmas. Although this can be part of a cherished tradition, it can also detract from the simple dignity of the season and distract us from celebrating the birth of our Savior in a meaningful way. It doesn't take expensive gifts to make Christmas meaningful. This year, we are probably in our most destitute situation we have ever been in, but through our trials we have learned a lot about the real reason we are here on this beautiful earth. This life is not about what we have, it's all about what we do. We have the chance in this life to serve others including our own children and families. When I look around me, I know that we have many who struggle. We struggle in different ways, but we go through a lot of the same feelings, emotions and hardships. We need to take what we learn from our trials, and help each other. The Christmas season should be a time of showing our love to those around us, giving to those less fortunate and giving service among our brothers and sisters here on earth. I have heard so many who are stressed and sad that they can not afford to give much to their children for Christmas, yet is that what Christmas is all about? I have seen my children go without many many times. Our Christmas has been small for many years. They know that what ever is on their wish list, if it's expensive, they won't be getting it. Even Santa has to spread his toys among many in the world, so we don't always get what we want. Yet, they are still so excited for Christmas to come every year. They love the special traditions we have and what they do receive. So if you are among the many who can't afford much, then I promise you, on the 25th when the children wake up and run to the tree, their will still be sparkles in their eyes and smiles on their little faces. Through our trials, we have learned that the spirit of Christmas is what you create. If you find yourself stressed, sad, mad, or even angry about your situation to the point where you cannot feel the spirit of Christmas within your heart, then I have something for you to try. Step back, and look at those around you. Find someone who you can see needs your love and service and act. Take it upon yourself to help that person, or family. Our Savior Jesus Christ was such a wonderful example to us through the love and service he did for his fellow men. He healed the sick, the dead he raised, the hungry he fed, and the children he loved. If we focus on what we can do for others, and put the things we can't control within our own lives on the back burner, I promise your trials won't seem so big, and you will begin to feel the true meaning of Christmas within your heart. No matter how big or small, your service for others can change the lives of the people around you. What will you give for Christmas? What will you give for Christ?

Our tough good bye

Wow, what a long and hard road life is(right). Knowing that we will have to move within the next few months, we decided to give our chickens away, and find our Irish Setter Alroy a new home. We knew with him being a big dog, it would be unlikely and probably impossible for us to find an apartment to rent and keep him. I didn't want to be doing these hard emotional things during the holidays, so we opted to go ahead and do it before. On Sunday a few weeks ago, I had a great family from Sandy Utah come meet Alroy. They were super excited to have him as the newest member of their family. I knew the day they came to meet him, they would take him home. Alroy has a personality that I have never seen in a dog before. I think he was almost human. That was a super hard day for us as a family. We love our animals, just as much as we love one another in this house. The chickens left to their new home that Tuesday. While we have shed many tears, we all know that the homes they now have, are just as good as ours. We as a family have gone through many tough times, and have always come through them ok. This is a finial good bye to our baby Alroy...

Saturday's Surprise Announcement

Saturday's surprise announcement was an amazing blessing to us and many other families. First of all, I am super excited for all those in the Tucson Arizona area for the future Temple that will be built within a few short years. What a blessing it is to have these marvelous temples so close to home, but my excitement today really comes from the announcement made by our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson, that all young men age 18, and young woman age 19, worthy and have graduated from high school can now (effective immediately) serve a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I was shocked, yet super excited for those this will effect. This is a life changing blessing for many to come. My son Mitchell, will now only have 2 years 8 months to prepare himself to send in his papers and dedicate his life unto the Lord as a full time missionary. I have always been worried for him, because he will only be 17 years old when he graduates from high school. 19 years old is a long time to wait. I feel as if this is a true blessing for him and all other future missionaries who are in the same situation. When he heard the news, he was so excited as was all my kids. What a blessing for us all. I am truly grateful! What a day to remember!