Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas. Full of smiles and joyful screams. There is nothing really like the awe of a little child. We loved watching them wake up with so much excitement that is was impossible to contain. We had my parents here and loved that just as much. With all the fun of the presents and goodies, what could be better. WELL, watching our children throughout the season and hearing them talk about the Savior and His life and sacrifice topped it hands down. I loved hearing the older ones tell the younger ones what CHRISTmas was really about. Sometimes, we have days that seem like our children never listen to anything we say and certainly don't care. Then, when we aren't ready for it, they blow us away with their beautiful testimonies. I am so grateful for my family. For the gospel of Jesus Christ that shows us the way to be together forever. As I look into the eyes of my Josh and realize that it is truly a miracle to have him here, I am so humbled to count that as a blessing. He is a wonderful peacemaker in our home and although he makes life exciting, to say the least, he reminds us what is really important.

Joshua

Well, I guess Josh doesn't like us to get too comfortable.  I am currently writing from our "hotel" room (Children's Mercy Hospital in downtown Kansas City.) Yesterday morning was apparently a little too mundane for him, so he decided to be completely lethargic and unresponsive.  Which in turn got him a ride in Mom's car to the ER and from there he got to have yet another ride in the ambulance downtown.  I think they must have better cartoons or something, because it wasn't until half way down here that he decided to wake up and "join us".  So for the mean time, he is hooked up to a dozen machines and hating every minute of it.  The room service is awful, the beds are lumpy, the sleeping arrangements horrid, and it is the noisiest place that I have ever stayed in.   Aside from that, with their prices, they are the best "5 star hotel" that we can find.  We are grateful that he gets good care here.  Hopefully, they will have some answers for us this morning.  The kids at home are worried, of course.  My parents are still here which is a huge blessing.  They have just taken over at home.  

I am going to have to have a chat with little Ruth when I get home.  As Josh and I were leaving yesterday to the "doctor", she decided that she needed to tell him, "Goodbye Josh, I will miss you!"  She said it so sad and forelorn that all I could do all day yesterday was hear that in my head.  Not my favorite "mantra".  There is just something about being in a hospital and feeling completely helpless in the situation that does not bring the happy thoughts to mind, so that did not help me much.

He is doing better today, sitting up in the chair right now pulling on all his cords and watching cartoons.  Meaner than Mean.  He will be happy when he can get down and walk around outside a 2 foot circle.  I will be happier when I can take a shower and breathe some fresh, crisp air.  

I continue to be overwhelmed by our blessings and the promptings of the spirit.  I am grateful that I acted on them yesterday and didn't wait to see if he was "just really tired".  Thank you for all the prayers and love.

Thanksgiving

What a wonderful time of year, when everyone turns their hearts and minds to service and love of their fellow beings.  When we are all counting our blessings.  We have seen so many blessings as of late that we continue to thank our Father in Heaven for his numerous tender mercies.  

We had a great time at our house with local cousins, Denver cousins and Grandpa and Grandma from California.  The kids loved all the playmates and the cousins loved helping with all the "farm chores."  (I suppose they are a bit more fun when it is not an every day thing that you do and it is a novelty:)  We all ate way to much food and loved every bite of it.  We were grateful to be able to count our blessings together and very sad to see it end.  I will have to post pictures later.  The kids are all back in school now and counting down the days until Christmas vacation.  Did I mention that I love this time of year?