Tyler had to work the entire week, including Thanksgiving day so we went up without him.
But, have no fear he still got to go to dinner with his family after work.
Kate and Darin were so nice to allow the craziness my family brings into their home for the 4 days we were there. Lets face it, when ever we're all together it's always crazy fun.
Kate had this huge 'Thankful Tree' on her wall and it was a hit. We all wrote on leaves things we were thankful for.
As the week progressed the tree filled in more and more. It was fun to take a break from all the bustlings of the day and read all the latest leaves.
The weather was nice enough to bundle kids up and send them outside to play and get their wiggles out. Have you ever realized that when it comes to playing outside, kids don't usually notice the cold.
Sawyer and Eli always have a blast together.
Dan and Jess,
we are seriously in for trouble when these two are teenagers.
They will go around in circles until the battery is completely run out.
Miss Lizzy.
Little Miss Daphne was very content to be inside tasting the whipcream.
On Thursday night Kate joined me in a little craziness of our own as we ventured out to Walmart to see what 'to good to pass up deals' they had going on. I had a purpose for going. I wanted to get a power ride on for Sawyer. It was a $250.00 four wheeler on sale for $99. I have wanted to get him for years but, the price was too much to justify on 1 toy for 1 kid. This sale price really was too good to be true. The other thing that made this trip a huge success, was seeing Kate go from having a mild panic attack to embracing the crowd and lines and enjoy herself.
When we first got there she about died with how crowded it was. She said at one point, "I need Darin to hold onto me so I don't get lost." By the end, she was heading off to the bathroom alone!
She and I both scored a few good deals. But, the bestest thing was seeing Dan there and joining him on his adventure to get the items on his list.
Yes, the lines were long. Yes, there a ton of people there. Yes, a lady totally passed out in the checkout line. Yes, we got good deals. And yes, I loved every minute of it being there with my sister and brother.
One of the other highlights of my weekend was being able to go to the temple with my sisters. It had been years since I had been to the temple and I couldn't imagine going back for the first time with anyone else.
My family means the world to me. We are closer now as adults than we ever were as kids. I will take any opportunity I can to be with them. If that means packing up 4 kids and driving 4 hours alone to play then bring it on. I'm in!
While sitting in the temple I felt a peace that I haven't felt in my life for a really long time. I knew that no matter how big my trial in life might be I was not alone. I have a Heavenly Father who knows exactly what I'm going through. He is aware of my situation. His heart breaks for me just as my own does. But, I also was given a confirmation that I will be OK. Will it be easy, no. Will I survive, yes. I am much stronger than I think. My testimony was strengthened and my spiritual bucket was once again filled. I also know without a doubt that no matter what, I will always have my family. I needed to be there that day with my sisters. They will never know the impact that trip had on my life. But, I will be forever indebted to them for their desire to attend the temple together as sisters.
Yes, things are hard. Yes, I am struggling with things in my life. Yes, I'm only human. But, Yes, I can do hard things. Yes, I do have the love and support of an amazing family. Yes, I know I am a Daughter of God! Yes, my testimony is stronger every day. Most importantly I have my own desire and determination to make things as great as I possibly can.
What does the future hold? Heaven only knows. I just know I'm going to trust in my Father above to help me make it the best future possible.
