The Last Week of December 2023!

There were so many grateful moments of my life this year but I have to say that this past week was the best and a great ending to 2023! 

I had all my kids home together and not only did they all catch up on sleep but we also had fun playing lots of games and just spending quality time together. We did manage to eat at canes, play chess, take a lot of BeReals, and Noah played his new guitar for us. He's getting better and better. He's been wanting a new one since he started lessons three years ago and I'm so happy that his big sis Sierra & Sawyer gifted it to him. There are a few more moments that I captured as you read and I wish everyone a happy and healthy new year ahead! May 2024 bring you nothing but joy and happiness! 

Christmas Morning.

 

I’ve never been so at ease than today knowing that these kids are all here at home with us happy and safe! That we can all be less stressed and sleep soundly for at least 10 days without any worry. And that is the best gift ever! Hearing the laughter and joy from them. Having my girls especially my youngest run towards me as I opened the door only to receive the biggest hug mixed in with immediate tears. And I cried too. I love, love this times of year and appreciate all their hard work that they do while they are away at college. And that makes me one heck of a proud mom. I wish they can all go to school close to me and not on the other side of the country, but I'm grateful that they have opportunities to experience life out of their comfort zone. I am extremely grateful that they all arrived safe and that they are all for the rest of the holiday season. Truly one of the best Christmases ever.

Christmas Eve Sunday.

Christmas this year has indeed felt a little different. Bittersweet different. This past Sunday we had one kid with us at church. Our girls flew in on a redeye Sunday evening and arrived early on Christmas morning. It was a beautiful time in spite of missing our three girls but we still kept this tradition of going to the Washington D.C. temple to see the Christmas lights. And they were beautiful as always. I love that we have temples close by so that we can have opportunities like this. They are constant reminders of the Savior and a wonderful refresher as to how we can start out the new year. Going to the temple truly renews the soul and helps me to live my life a bit easier. The spirit is wonderful and I'm so grateful to Him that plays the main role during the holiday season. Jesus is the reason for the season! Here's hoping y'all had a wonderful Christmas with those you love.