Christmas 2012

Christmas has come and gone already. This month is going by so fast! Earlier last week I wrapped up my third semester of the Nursing program with a strong grade on the Final Exam. I was determined to do well on the Final and the whole week before Fianls I studied for at least six hours every day. It paid off and I survived another semester. One more semester to go! On Friday afternoon I drove from Twin Falls to Boise for a doctor appointment and then I drove the rest of the way home to spend the holiday with my family. That night I went and helped Lila finish her Christmas shopping and I finished a few things as well while we were out and about. The stores were a little crazy but what can you expect on the Friday before Christmas? We spent the weekend preparing for Christmas and wrapping presents. On Sunday I was able to go to church with my family and hear them sing in the choir. Calvin even sang a solo which was great and his voice is coming along quite nicely! All of my siblings are growing up and each Christmas it is more evident. We were able to enjoy Christmas Eve with the West family and then spent Christmas Day with my parents and the three youngest kiddos. All in all it was great. I am so blessed with my family, friends, and the life that I have. I am so grateful for my education and for the gospel in my life. More news and Christmas pictures to come...

Gratitude

I was awakened at 5:45 this morning by a glowstick...but that is another story for another time. :) As I lay there in the early hours of the morning I was struck with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for my parents and the home that I was raised in. My family was and is no where near perfect...abd let's face it, I am the guinea pig child. My parents did their best though. We consistently had family scripture study, prayer, and Family Home Evening. I remember some of these would end with fighting and tears but my parents never ever gave up and with three children still living at home they still haven't stopped those habits that they began early on in their marriage. I am so grateful that I can say, like Nephi, that I was born of goodly parents. There have and will continue to be multiple times in my life where I stop and say a prayer of gratitude for the home that my parent's established. So Dad and Mom: thank you! Your work was not in vain.

This was the only halfway decent picture I could find with my parents...and of course Cameron and Lila. :)