Wells/Corning Christmas

It came and went. Truly an amazing Christmas. We couldn't of had things of gone more smoothly. I love my sisters and spouses. Their children I love like my own. My Auntie and Uncle are nothing but good to us. Josh and I always enjoy being around everyone. They are kind, uplifting, happy, easy going, generous, honest and hilarious. Everyone always gets along beautifully. We are grateful to have such wonderful examples in our lives.  

My Mom did a wonderful job hosting and feeding. My Dad was the same. I wish every Christmas could be this great. The kids did wonderfully together!

Birthday Boy turns 8

With Liam getting baptized I wanted this years birthday to have traditions and memories he would never forget. I wanted to take him up to Temple square so he could really embrace our religion and the meaning. I wanted to show him the lights, go out to eat, stay in hotel and go swimming. Make it fun and exciting.  All the stars aligned. We went. To top it off it was Grandma Holly's 60th birthday so we combined the two. Everything was going perfect. After we ate at the Cheesecake Factory I started to feel Achey. Bad Achey. I thought I was just exhausted. We had, had a crazy week with class Christmas party's, last minute shopping, visitors, Josh was out of town, etc. Josh took the older two swimming and I decided to just lay there in the hotel. It was still beautiful the hotel slightly looked over temple square and all the lights. Just the feeling of getting away with my favorite people distracted me a bit. When they came back I wanted nothing more then to just go to sleep. So I did.  A couple hours later I was up sooo sick with a high fever and just terrible body aches. Josh was so sweet and kept going to get me ice and even went to the front desk to get NyQuil. I was up off and on the rest of the night with chills, hot sweats and body aches. We all know the drill. I wanted to go to temple square the next morning and show Liam the inside of the visitors center and just help him understand and appreciate our faith before he got baptized. Unfortunately I wasn't in any shape to do that. Josh took the kids swimming and I just waited. When they came back we left the hotel. On the way home I had him drop me off at instacare. I literlally curled up in a ball in the waiting room. Come to find out I had the real deal influenza a or b (I don't remember which one I tested positive for). It was awful! Several times I have told people when I was sick that I had the flu. Not realizing what it meant. What I experience that weekend is the true flu. The other times I haven't  felt well but this time I felt like I had been hit with truck. The doctor gave some medicine to help with the cough and a few other meds and sent me home. He had told me this is lasting a week to two weeks for most people. To take it very easy. I was disappointed. This would be the first Christmas in well over 10 years my sisters and I were all going to be together. To make matters worse, they were both pregnant (I did not want them around me with influenza). April had already arrived. I had so much coming up over those next few weeks starting with Liam's family birthday, his baptism, Christmas, hosting a Christmas Eve party, I was housing people. Auntie Elaine and Uncle Hobe were coming, the list continues. At the same time I felt so awful and had no energy I just wanted to go home and sleep. I needed a blessing.

I thought this is going to be a long week or two. Josh and Paul gave me a blessing and after  I feel asleep. For a long time. I never sleep in but the next morning I did not wake up until 10 when Liam came in a little sad. It was his actual Birthday and he knew the day before I had done nothing to prepare. He was so sweet and let me know he was sad but understood. He knew I didn't feel well and knew why I couldn't do anything. Grandma Holly was a hero and that Saturday had gotten everything together for a small little party (have I ever told you how amazing it is to now have family living close). Josh took the kids to church and I slept. When I woke up I felt sooooo much better. Fever was finally gone and the body aches were gone. I was still weak but could function. I have no doubt it was the blessing and an answer to prayers. I wanted nothing more than to spend a holiday with my sisters and Aunt and Uncle. I wanted my kids to have a Christmas with cousins. It truly was a miracle. I have several friends who also got the real influenza and they were out for well over a week. Not me. It was a rough day and half but it disappeared.

My point of sharing this is I wanted nothing more for Liam to realize how the gospel will bless his life. Logically, I wanted to take him to our faiths head quarters in Salt Lake. They have museums, the feeling there is so sweet and pure, it's just a good place. We did get to do that on a smaller scale then I was hoping. I do however want Liam to know that the gospel does bless you. I know that priesthood blessing helped me heal much quicker than normal. I know Heavenly Father knew the sincerity of my prayers. I know that having healthy family relationships where you can rely on each other is one of the most important things we can peruse in life after the gospel. Many people will say it wasn't a miracle it was a councidence. It was the power of positive thinking. Now I will say, Liam that is not true. There are parts of this life that require us to experience mortality. It is some of the realities of life. I personally believe through suffering we experience the most growth when we approach those struggles with the gospel as our foundation. I know we will become better. My point being, it is necessary. I think of Christ and all the criticism and even pain he endured in Calvary. I think of Joseph Smith and what he experienced as he brought forth The Book of Mormon. He was tarred and feathered, he was criticized, his family was ridiculed, he was eventually killed. 

That being said I also do believe there will be times in our life we will experience the Lords Tender Mercies. He wants to bless us. There are even a few times through out your life you will see divine interventions. Things you can't deny came from a higher power. Don't deny them. Record it. You will have times in your life Liam where you have questions about what you believe and why. Always remembers those tender mercies. They are real. 

I want you to know the gospel truly is a gift from God. It will bring peace and meaning to your life. Do not take it for granted. You are blessed to of been born into a family who wants to have the gospel as a foundation. We are far from perfect parents and spouses but this gospel has allowed us to overcome weaknesses. It has given us the motivation to try harder. You are surrounded by people for the most part that believe what you believe. It is a wonderful thing. At the same time don't take it for granted. Be respectfiul to the gospel Liam. It has blessed your life in your short 8 years far more then you will ever know. As your Mom I can promise you that. Our family is where it is today because of the gospel. Expose yourself to good and people that are good. Try to always be growing spiritually. Being a faithful member requires hard work. Hard work always pays off. It will bless you.

You are such a sweet boy. You desire nothing more than to be good and to be happy. You are sensitive to the needs of those around you. Many people spend a life time trying to figure out those things that come so naturally you. We all have our imperfect moments, we all get in a rutt, cling to The Lord in those moments. He wants to help you. Those are the times you are frustrated and maybe even ashamed. I promise you, turn to him. It's hard when life around you is hard. You can rise above. Go to your family that is grounded turn to The Lord. We can do anything with those solid family members suppirt and certainly our Heavenly Fathers. I love you sweet boy and your example. You are an inspiration to me and always will be no matter what. You have my whole heart and always will. I love you.

I am sorry to say I have misplaced my camera card. So for now this is our picture to remember that night. You lived your cheesecake. I love that about you. You always love a new and exciting flavor.