Where has the time gone?

Well, I can't believe that it has been nearly a year since I posted last, but that is a pretty good indicator of my life right now. Working 2 jobs, taking care of 4 kids +1 fiancee and a husband, a house, 2 dogs, AND planning a wedding makes for a pretty crazy life. I am trying to think positive and count my blessings, but there have been a few times in the last few months where I truly felt like I was hanging by a very fine thread. I am so grateful that Jessica and Josh have decided to get married in the temple. I really do love Josh and think he is good for Jessica. I have seen a side of Jessica that I haven't before...and that is intense determination and the powerful ability to choose the right. I have always known she had it in her, but it has been a remarkable thing to observe. There are times when I add up all the bills and think that this is never going to work, but I have to believe that it will and that everything will be okay. I was extremely grateful to be able to watch and listen to General Conference this past weekend. It truly rejuvenates my spirit and brings peace to my soul. Every time they sing the closing song at the final session of Conference, I feel a sadness that it is over for another 6 months. These little things are the things that have kept me going the past few months when all I have wanted to do is crawl under the covers. As I get older I realize how fast time flies and as I watch my beautiful daughter prepare to go through the temple, I can't believe that it has been 19 years since I held my beautiful 4 pound baby girl. I am so grateful for everyone that has helped her get to this point in her life and I am grateful to have had her in my home for the last 19 years. I know this is just the beginning of seeing my kids leave home. Keaton will be leaving on his mission in less than 2 years and Carson will be just 2 years behind him. Thankfully, I will have my caboose for a few years longer, because I will try and cherish every moment I have left with these special spirits that are in our home.

Graduation Weekend

Well, the weekend was a success. After much planning and stressing, I think it went well. The graduation took longer than I thought it would, so we ate late, but there was plenty of food and a good turnout. My parents and Adam, Jana and girls all were able to come, so it was nice to have some of my family there as well as most of David's. (We missed you, everyone else:) So, a big thank you to everyone who helped and brought food. The wind was blowing like crazy, so we ended up moving the party to Dian and Byron's garage....so glad that was available! So...Jessica is finished! She is so relieved, and I have to admit, so are David and I. She looked beautiful (as always) and was able to have her friend, Hava May, come from Morgan, so that was fun for her. Adam made the most AMAZING video for her gift, so you have to watch it. Thank you, thank you Adam for making me cry and giving me moments to relive! It was fun to watch Adam's and Jana's girls with the chickens. They loved them! Melody wanted to keep an egg to take it home and let it hatch...lol. Jana put the kabosh on that pretty quickly:) It was fun to have little ones at the house, I forgot how busy 18 month old kids are..wow! Anyway, enough blabbing. Enjoy the pics and video. Congratulations Jessica!

Life Is Beautiful from Destin Media on Vimeo.

Reflections

Well, today has been one of those days that you wish you could rewind and start over. I woke up not feeling at all rested because I had stayed up late trying to clean and get ready for company coming today. Unfortunately, even after I went to bed at 1 am I laid in bed thinking of everything that I needed to do today and finally drifted off about 2:30 am. Yuck. Up by 6 to get everyone up and to work...Needless to say, I was tired and perhaps a bit cranky. Add that to the mix of all my emotions surfacing this week and it does not one happy woman make. The whole time I was at work I just wanted to be home and it was just not possible today. I kept thinking of Jessica at graduation practice and reflecting back on how it seems, truly, like I just graduated myself. It sounds cliche, but I do not know where the time went! It passes by in such small moments and we worry so much about the future, that before we know it the future is now and we are there. I am so proud of Jessica. This hasn't been an easy road for her and each heartache she felt brought heartache to me and each triumph, a bit of triumph for myself as well. I never realized that when I delivered this baby girl that a piece of my heart would forever be walking around outside of my body. While the past 18 years have been anything but easy, I wouldn't trade them for the world. Jessica Jill, I love you.

Prevention Run

Today was the first annual Prevention 5 mile run for Northeastern Counseling Center. My friend, Sandra, was in charge of this fun event. Several of us went today to help her out and also provided as an incentive to get us there, our job gave us all new Asics to run in. Sandra, myself and a few others from work knew we were going to be busy this am, so we ran it yesterday. I, personally, am sooo sore because I rarely run. I did 5 miles in 55 minutes which is by no means record breaking, but impressive for me since I haven't done any running in ages. I didn't accomplish much today because I have been so tired and sore, but it was fun to be part of this milestone event today.

First time blog...

Well, I thought it would be fun to try this out since everyone seems to be communicating through the internet these days. I am terrible at writing letters, even over e-mail vs. snail mail (my parents, in-laws and Ross (my most recently missionary family member) will all attest to that. Sorry all. I have such good intentions, but life takes over and before I know it I am trying to round kids up to head to bed. I figure this will be a good way to keep a semi-journal, as well.
This has been such a busy year, but today just happens to be the beginning of the end of Jessica's senior year. She had her final choir concert tonight and it was bittersweet. I was grateful for all those who came out to support her tonight....it meant alot to me and I know it did to her as well. Sunday is Seminary graduation and next Friday is graduation. I better get started drinking lots of water, because I have a feeling that I will be losing a lot of water via my tear ducts...(no, I never cry:P)
Let's give this a go...come join me on a crazy ride that I call my life!!