Hurts

Warning! This is not a funny post. I am not suicidal just pondering deep stuff. Bear with me.

I know that there is a purpose for us being on this earth. I know that we were thrilled at the prospect of coming to earth and proving ourselves. I know that we were not afraid of the trials we would face. I know this. But man, sometimes it hurts.

I have been thinking of how sometimes it is more difficult to watch people you love go through their trials. It is a helpless feeling to watch your sister go through a horrible and life altering betrayal and the divorce that followed. It is so difficult to understand why someone you care about is not able to have children. It is devastating thing to see someone that you love lose a child. It has been so so hard to see my mother struggling with being a widow. Then there are those that you love and care for who haven't had the chance to be married yet and sometimes feel a bit alone or left out. There are countless trials that I haven't mentioned like illness, abuse, depression, job losses, children who abandon their families values and many more. Sometimes it just makes me sad to see so many I love hurt.

I wish I could do something to help make things right. I really can't do much more than pray and let them know that I love them and listen when they want to talk. I can cry with them and laugh with them and love them. I do love them and I hope that they know that my heart hurts with them.

WinterMuck!

Several weeks ago Tricia had a dream about the most dreaded time of year! In her dream this time of year even recieved a new title. WinterMuck! WinterMuck is the period of time from Jan. 2 to March. Many people suffer from SAD or Seasonal Affection Disorder. SAD is basically winter depression. Tricia suffers from it. I think it is mainly because her legs have to remain covered for so long! We were actually trying to determine if it was the cold, the inversion or maybe the lack of sunshine or even outdoor time, or if it could be the fact there is nothing to look forward too. No holidays, no big family get togethers... Nothing. Lonliness as far as the eye can see... on the calender hanging in my kitchen. So to conquer this hard time of year we are going to do a big WinterMuck celebration. Tricia is in charge so I expect we will have some shoe modeling with lots of leg! Just teasing. I think we are going to go snowmobiling and have a bonfire and more sledding. It will break up the long winter months! So plan on seeing the WinterMuck merchandise on shelves soon!

Happy Birthday Mom!

This is the last of 6 posts in 24 hours! That has to be a record! I am all caught up! Today is actually a very wonderful day! Today is my Mom's birthday! She is the only one who I didn't highlight last year! Last the best of all the gang I guess! So let me tell you why I love my mom!

I love how Mom can find the gospel in regular life. Watch a movie, read a book or talk with mom and it will come around to the gospel. She lives it, she quotes it, she loves it. Many of my "Mom Memories" include finding her in her room on her knees or sitting at the kitchen table studying her scriptures. I love the example of goodness that she is. If it is good for her she tries to incorporate it into her life. This includes mental health, physical health, and spiritual health.

I love how Mom loves her family. She loves her parents, her siblings (and in-laws and all their children) and her children and grandchildren (and that includes all the in-laws) with all her heart! They are her treasure here on earth. My mom shows love by doing things for others. I love how she serves those around her. I love mom because she will defend her children at all costs. She will also laugh at all their jokes. Which of course is very important!

I love my Mom!

New Years Eve!

Happy New Years! I must admit that I think New Years Eve is my favorite holiday. Low stress, lots of fun, stay up late! Love it! We did the traditional fondue dinner! The kids really got into fonduing this year and they especially liked the mushrooms and squash but I think I love the cheese and bread although the shrimp that Brandon did were yummy! Then we played all the traditional games.... Thumper, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and some new favorites.... Dippity, Dippity Dip, and the Hand Game! Then came the big moment! We got out the chimes and ran to wake all the neighbors with our yelling and banging! Aaron especially enjoyed the screaming! Did I mention how much the neighbors love us!

Sara laughing! Glad she is feeling better! Joe and his amazing eye brow trick!Jenn and her lovely curly hair! My beautiful sister Alli! Thanks for all the great pictures Alli! Here is B. Rad! He was a bit upset by my outing him in his dodge ball outfit so he kept posing so that the next pictures I posted of him would be very GQ!

Fun was had by all! We laughed a lot and enjoyed being with one another. We toasted in the new year and finished with the chocolate and fruit fondue! What a great way to start the year!