Christmas!

This year has been a rough ride for our family. Job loss rocked our "stable" world and shook us up - looking back, 2009 taught us about how uncertain life is and to appreciate the many blessings we receive everyday from a loving Heavenly Father. We have learned to hold tight to our faith and to one another - for our families are forever. Even though things will come and go - a house is just some sticks bound together - our home with one another cannot be taken from us, if our hearts are bound together in faith, love and hope. The blessings of temple covenants are most precious - as it means I can keep my most precious gifts (my companion and children) with me forever.

We had no means to provide any gifts for one another or our children this year - but Santa found us! Our children were given an abundant Christmas thanks to a "secret" Santa who asked us if they could give Christmas gifts to our kids. We were touched and grateful - we thank you. Our children had really great attitudes this whole year. When they asked for "this" or "that" or even asking to go out to eat, they would listen as we explained that we could not afford to since all our resources were being used to pay for our house or the electric bill (etc.), and then they would accept the disappointments gracefully. Soon we didn't have to explain why we couldn't, the children would say they wished they could have "this" or "that", but knew that our money needed to be spent on necessities. No fits, tears or tantrums at all. The Spirit tempered our children and I am grateful.

My entries have been dominated by our newest addition, Julieanna, so here are some pics and tidbits about our other 3 miracles:

Okay, I had to include our pets in this blog entry too. I don't think I have ever done so yet, so for those of you who were unaware, yes, we have 3 labs, 1 cat and half a dozen fish... We are grateful that we haven't had to give up our pets with as hard as things have gotten. I have started to make dogfood for our dogs occasionally as commercial dog food is expensive (for the good stuff) and not all that good for them. (i.e. major dog food recalls)

Ella (yellow) is four and has become a very good hunter. She has replaced Drake as Jared's hunting companion - since Drake (black - in the center) is 12 years old, deaf and has major arthritis. He has also been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease, which there really is no cure for. He has been a beloved companion in all ways to us and we avoid thinking about the inevitable end to our journey together. Sage (black - right) is our 8 year old female. She is Mom to Ella and has the softest heart you can imagine. She was a great mom to two litters of pups - she has 18 kids out there! They are good dogs and keep great watch over us.


12-17-09
Emily is the 2nd mom around the house - in EVERY aspect. She really has a wonderful, helpful attitude and I rely upon her more than I realize. She "performs" under my expectations beautifully and is a loving daughter and sister.


Emily was super excited about yo-yo's this year after an assembly at school - Ned's yo-yo's were all the rage at school - and she was thrilled when she found a yo-yo in her stocking Christmas morning. 12-25-09


Emily just turned 9 - and we love our firstborn more and more as the years go on...


Grandpa Bob, Lindsey and Julieanna - 11-26-09
Lindsey loves having a new baby around and will "play" with Julieanna like she is a baby doll - dressing her up in all sorts of clothes and hauling her around. She is very good at consoling with soothing words and "shhhh"s.


Here's Lindsey all GLAMED UP at age 6 and striking a pose! Quite the beauty, eh? - 12-22-09


Here's Tanner and Daddy - my two favorite boys! - along with Lindsey. Tan Man and Dad have become very good buddies this year... 11-26-09


I couldn't resist taking this shot. Tanner was digging in the cupboard to find a specific cup. There's my 4 year old son - well... his backside anyway.


Tanner is getting his hip hop style "on" and throwin' down some moves on the dance floor! This was his contribution to the dancing going on at Emily's 9th birthday party with 8 other 8-9yr. old girls - he got along beautifully with all those girls! I think he'll be pretty smooth with the ladies in his teen years... is that a good thing???


Here I am with "Little Miss" who keeps me busy - as if I weren't busy enough, right? Oh, I am so grateful for this family of mine - Yes, my hands are full and so is my heart...