I didn't realize that it has been almost a year since I've visited my own blog.
To recap our year - our son is serving in the Jackson Mississippi mission in Hodge, LA currently. He is loving it! While he is serving has given my husband and I moments to reflect on our own missionary service - one should be handed a degree in Sociology upon release. One learns so much about others, about self and about God while serving.
Oldest daughter now loves Alaska. She spent last summer there, as well as almost another six months away from home between Oregon and Alaska starting last December and coming home in time (barely) to attend Trek with her GA stake. (She attended Trek in Alaska the week before.) Yesterday, we just got the news that she will be allowed to start the Pathways program through BYU-I for her senior year of home school. She is also spending time with the sister missionaries in our ward and the Singles branch.
Middle daughter is determined that no one will leave home again. She has shackles hiding in the attic for brother and oldest sister to keep them home. ;o) She is coming to grips with being 16, learning to drive, and bossing everyone around. She loves her zebra prints and history.
Youngest daughter is the sunshine of our lives. She displays determination so effortlessly. She is trying out vegetarianism. She is making progress with her mathematic skills. She completed her Personal Progress.
I'm so blessed to have such wonderful children. Don't get me wrong, they make mistakes and have their quirks but they truly love God and try to serve well. The laughter is back in our lives with them home again (Son is not home of course, but we usually get a weekly letter that adds to the joy of our lives). Not many moms can come home to a home cooked meal every day after work. We are fortunate to be able to sit down to dinner almost every night together and talk about the day's happenings. I love watching my children grow into themselves and grow in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I also have the most wonderful husband. Youngest daughter gets her sunny personality from him. He is patient, kind, charitable, and a hard worker. He is so intelligent. I married the right man. Has our marriage been perfect? No. But one of us had to grow up (me). 22 years and counting. Oh, we went to Vienna, Austria together this year. Well sorta - he went for a conference and I went exploring.
We also have the best extended family. Husband's parents will begin serving as temple president and matron in November at the Spokane Washington temple. My parents pop in for visits here and there. My oldest middle brother and his delightful family came for a visit. Husband's younger middle sister and her husband came for a visit. Several of my siblings keep middle daughter in frequent flier miles as she travels around to help them out with their children.
"Ohana means family. And family means you are never alone." Lilo and Stitch. So true!
May you enjoy your family.
P.S. I have another blog about clothing - check it out Convertibles2Go.blogspot.com.
