A reason to rejoice

I know you've been hearing from me a lot, but I would feel too guilty if I didn't post my feelings about our dear Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley.  I started crying when I found out that he had died, but watching the coverage that was broadcast about his life and mission and all the people that loved and respected him made me realize that I didn't need to be sad because he has done so much for so many people that we should rejoice in the fact that he was our dear prophet.   I loved that man.  What an amazing person we all had the opportunity to be taught by on a regular basis.  I am so thankful, that we have prophets in these days.  I don't know where I would be in my life right now without the guidance of President Hinckley.  I was ten when he was called to be the prophet, so I feel like he could relate to me the best.  I know they all do, but seeing him be the leader of the church while I was growing up made it seem like he was "my" prophet.  I am so thankful to Joseph Smith for restoring the gospel.  I am so thankful to President Hinckley for building so many temples and truly making this a worldwide church. I am so thankful for the gospel in my life, and the opportunities it gives me everyday to bring the gospel to other peoples lives.  I am so grateful for the scriptures and the blessing they are to me.  Well this is a small insignificant thought, but I would be ungrateful if I didn't share how I felt. 

He Passed!!

Nick's test went very well. He passed, as did everyone, except for one guy in his class. They were all really sad that he didn't pass and felt bad for him. But, I am so happy that Nick was able to remember all the stuff he had learned over the past two years. It is such a blessing that he is so relaxed and unemotional, because even he was getting a little nervous and you know if Nick is nervous everyone else is freaking out. He did great and is really excited for the next phase in controlling. Houston, here we come!

A Big Milestone

Well Sydney finally did it. She hit 20 pounds. We took her to the doctor for her 15 month well visit even though it was almost two months late. The doctor came in and said wow 20 lbs 1 oz this girl is perfect. When I saw that she had finally his 20 pounds I shouted with joy. She is long and skinny. We love her and are so excited to see her grow and develop. This is not going to be a long post, because nothing in our lives has changed much. Nick is getting ready to take his final test tomorrow in Oklahoma and is pretty nervous. I'm extremely nervous because this is a make or break for his career. I know I'm probably worrying too much, but I do that, it's who I am. We will be moving in three weeks, and it is coming fast, but I think I'm getting a little more excited because I am going to be teaching dance, and scrapbooking again, which I have missed a ton. Well that's it from here. We love you and hope all is going well.

Inspiration

Well I have gotten a lot of inspiration from Christine's blog about blessings in her life. I haven't been very thankful lately, or aware of blessings in my own life. I don't know if it's because we have been so upside down and sideways since Nick has been in training, but I have been trying, like Elder Eyring, and my in-laws suggested, to write down the little blessings in my life each day. I haven't been consistent with everyday, but I've tried my hardest, and have become very aware of a lot of blessings in my life. A couple are extremely obvious and I'm going to state them any way. The gospel of course is a huge blessing but it is such a strength in my life and everyday I realize how true it is. I love my family. I am so thankful for Nick and the sacrifices that he is making being away from our family (mostly Sydney) for these three months. I am so thankful to be a mother to beautiful Sydney. She is a challenge some days, but without those challenges I don't think I would love her as much as I do. I'm so grateful to my sister Holly and her husband Cody for letting me live with them through November. I know that wasn't easy on them. I couldn't have gotten through this last year without my in-loves. They are so supportive and loving to me. I couldn't have asked for better in-laws. Your are the greatest. My mom is great. We have had our difficulties this year, but she is a wonderful woman and has allowed me to live with her through January. As has my sister April. April is a great sister, and Linden is so funny. They have opened their one bedroom apartment to Sydney and me and it has been crowded but a blast. Families are such a blessing because without them who could we turn to during our daily challenges? Christine, thank you for reminding me that I need to love the little things, and look for blessings in the little things. Love to you all

Well here we are trying to blog. We'll see how it goes. We are currently in the process of moving to Houston, and have been for three months. It's been stressful, terrifying, and a big pain to put it plainly, but it's coming in less than a month. Nick is still in Oklahoma training for ATC, and loves it. He has met many new friends that will be joining him in Houston at the end of all of this. He is excited to begin this next adventure, but feels it will be something he will love. I am just being a mom. I have many plans when we arrive in Houston, and hope to be able to achieve a couple of the plans and goals I have made for the new year. I love being a mom to Sydney (most days). She is a handful and a little firecracker. She is running all over the place, and learning a lot of new words. Her favorites right now are hot, hi, and nana for banana. She's pretty funny. We were at the grocery store the other day and saw the banana's and yelled at the top of her lungs NANA!!! It was pretty cute. We are loving her and love watching her grow into her own little personality, and she has a lot of it. Well we hope all of you are doing well we love you all.