The best Christmas ever

Did you ever get the feeling that no matter what you did it would never feel like Christmas? All this season I've tried to catch that Christmas feeling. Yet, as I sat at the doorway to Christmas, on the eve before the celebration of our saviors birth, and pondered what I was missing, I could not find a place within that could, nor would give me that peace that I have come to feel so many times past. There have been scant occasions where it may seem that it is Christmas. However, nothing really set the entire mood for me. To be sure, I did feel something of the season after watching the ritual Charley Brown special on TV. The "Hark the herald angels sing" and the jazzy "Peanuts " theme songs seem to lighten spirits. But nothing really helped that Christmas spirit to stick. This year even my voice rang silent from the choir. How sad is it that I don't even sing in the choir for Christmas because I feel not the spirit of Christmas?
Christmas morning rolled in early. And I wish that I was still in my "Gown and Cap" when All five children crowded round our bed. So at 5:30 our children dragged us out and down to the tree. As they get older there is less to put together late at night after all else has retired, and they seem to open the presents far to quickly to enjoy their faces. Later in the day Jonna takes me aside and tells me we need things from Walgreen's, which happens to be the only place open today except for QT. Seems she is in need of a DR. Pepper among other things, and that since we are both giving it up in seven days we need to go now. On the way we were able to stop and see several people in the ward and I was able express my love and appreciation to them and their family. As we drove to Walgreen's I felt a deep sense of love and comfort and felt the saviors deep and abiding love for myself and my family. It was at this time that I finally felt the love of Christmas. All this time I had been waiting for it to come to me. All that was required of me was to share with someone else, something that they may not be feeling either. Later that night as we were getting ready for bed and tucking them in all of our children expressed their love for us and the overwhelming unity that this was the BEST Christmas ever. As Emma called me into her bed she offered this insight; " I want next year to be just like this one!" and then something to the effect that every day should be Christmas. I then told her that it could be everyday as long as we remember Jesus.
So, this was our Christmas. Nothing extravagant. I think between us Jonna and I got Five books, a scrapbook that all the work had been done, a family Yahtzee game, and some clothes. It is one of the best on record. We are all alive. We are all healthy, with exception of a couple of sniffles here and there. We have a house to live in. We live in a nation that for the time, is still free. We know that the lord loves us for we see evidence of his miraculous love everyday.
My new goal for the new year is to learn something new every day...week...month...well every so often and then share what I've learned. The other day while reading from "To Draw Closer to God" by Henry B. Eyring in the opening pages of chapter two, it talks about accepting guidance and that as we sustain those that are called to lead us, we are in essence sustaing a calling to ourselves to listen to those individuals. "Why does every call to lead in fact call others to listen?" (p 10) I bear witness of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The heavens were opened and a young boy interacted with a supreme being we call our heavenly father. May you be lead to feel that feeling you desire most throughout this Christmas season and in turn carry it throughout the year and share it often. In the name of Jesus Christ my Savior Amen.

Macaroni and Cheese, Cottage Cheese and pink balloons!

When I asked Emma what she wanted for her birthday dinner her reply was macaroni and chesse and cottage cheese! "Oh and Mom I want pink balloons". How simple! I tried talking her out of the mac and cheese but as I thought about it this is what she wanted and so this is what she got!! You should have seen her face when I took 5 pink balloons into her classroom. It was priceless!! Happy Birthday Emma! Thanks for reminding me it is the little things that matter the most and you matter alot to me. I love you! MOM

And then there were none.

7 Aug 2009

Today Emma started school!
We learned on Thursday, that the school made an exception and Emma will be starting kindergarten early. Although she doesn't turn 5 until the 30th of September! She is so excited! she woke up earlier than usual, even though she doesn't start class until 11 am. Jonna did her hair before she went to work at the school, then left with the other kids. All morning, every 10-15 minutes she would say " Is it time to go dad?" and I would reply "not yet!" "OK dad you count and tell me when it's time." When it was time to go, she brought her shoes to me and ask that I put them on her. She doesn't even have Velcro on her shoes anymore, nothing to remind me of what she is giving up. She passes that invisible line in the sand, never to look back and always to remember. She looks into my eyes and tells me "Daddy, I'm scared!" Not timidly, but, more matter of fact than I care to admit. My throat catches, and a tear wells. What a statement of profound trust and honesty. We talked of her teacher, her new school, and the love of her family, parents and father in heaven, and his love for her. She likely will not remember beyond today what has transpired between herself and her father, but then again, this was meant for me, a lesson for my time not hers.
I took her to school and Jonna met us in the nurses office. We three walked to her classroom to meet the teacher before class starts. She gets to see the playground and mingles with the other children her age. The bell rings and she lines up and is in the hall before we know it. And then she is gone. Another moment has past, one that goes unnoticed by her, another growing pain for dad.
I cried in the hall! I've never cried for any of my children starting school. It's the total role reversal. When Jonna was staying at home raising the kids it was she that cried whenever the kids reached a milestone. when I cried in the hall she laughed at me. what a turn of events. Jonna laughing and me crying! My little baby is off and I feel somewhat like a mother bird pushing their young out of the nest. Either "Fly or Fall"...She flew!!!

But that's just the Dads perspective.

Kissing The Frog

There are times in a persons life that will try us to the point that we feel we are unable to bear. Those are the times that we find out just how blessed we really are to have such a strong person for a wife and mother. In just over a year since going back to school, and through this summer taking a pathophysiology course, we have learned to cut the fat in just about every area of our lives except around my waist (not gone yet). We are living with less, using less and relying heavily on the lord. Most importantly beyond that we are recognizing our own abilities more and leaning on each other for guidance and support. The Lord really does know what is most important to your family, and when the appropriate time to bring forth the blessings promised. Until then, it's kind of like kissing a frog and hoping he'll turn into a prince. We can only live by faith until the Lord sees fit to bless us with things promised. Until then we close our eyes and go for it, no matter how distasteful the task may be!

By the end of next semester in school I will have 94 credit hours and will continue toward a BS in Nursing unless a slot opens in the community college here, or a Banner Fellowship comes available. Until then I keep my shoulder to the wheel and push along. At any rate, my outlook for the future is always bright. If for only one reason........I'm not the one kissing the Frog!

On July 29, Jonna and I will celebrate our 16Th Anniversary together. How rewarding it is to have someone such as Jonna for my companion and Mother for our children. Her strength and willingness to "go and do", far exceeds the point that other women try to attain and fall short. Yet, every year Jonna kisses that same frog, with the hopes that someday......maybe this year the fog will make the transformation into the prince she deserves. I hope that I will not disappoint her.

I love you Babe!

Your prince of dreams
Your Frog at heart
Daryl

Is It Summer Yet?

It seems like we will be in school forever! Will it ever end? We are not out of school until June 9th. It is really hard to get up and go to school when everyone around you is already out of school. Brynley and the little girl next door were having a discussion about them already being out of school and how lucky they were. Brynley's response was "Well, we will be smarter than you." Hopefully this week will go by quickly because I need a break!!!! Thinking happy summer thoughts:)

Utah here we come!

Well it is the last Saturday before we hit the road for our road trip!! The kids are so excited to go to Utah! We have alot to get done today and Monday. We will leave on Wednesday morning around 3am!! We are excited to be able to go to conference, see Grandma and Grandpa, check out schools for Daryl and what ever else we can fit in. Packing and getting everything taken care of is the hardest part right? Or will it be the 13hours and 31min(according to map quest) drive not including all the stops in between for potty breaks and just getting out to stretch. Hopefully we will be there sometime on Wednesday evening!
See ya soon Mom!!

Spring Break Wish List!

Well we have been on Spring Break for one week now with one more to go! Wow the break has been great! So much fun with no structure!! So I had a list of things to do while on break and so far accomplished only a few on the list. So far I have slept in at least twice! Spent some time with my kids just relaxing and we finally had a family picture taken! Thanks to my friend Kathleen. Thank you so much for being patient with us Kathleen. We went out in the evening and ran out of day light and had to try again the next morning. If one day of getting 5 kids ready was not enough we had to do it again. We did have fun the second day and got alot of good pics. It's amazing to look at these pics and look at how big the kids are getting and wonder where the time is going. It has made me realize how fast time goes by and how we really need to spend time with those that matter most to us because soon the time will be gone and we will miss all the little things that matter most.

Chick Flicks

Alright all you manly men out there. Its time to strap on whatever you have to strap on, buckle up and make the stand that you usually come to terms with your manhood enough to get a grip and sit long enough with your wife to watch just one more chick flick. Tonight, while waiting to pick up Chelsie and friends from the youth dance, Jonna and I had a wonderful evening watching "Fireproof". For those husbands out there still waiting for a sign to think of someone else besides yourself this is the time! Get out of that comfort zone you have built around yourself and whatever has come between you and your wife. Watch the movie and understand inpart what we are dooing wrong! Now is the time to act and prove not your manhood, but rather your worthiness to be that companion and father the lord intended for his cherished sons and daughters in our care. And the next time we meet, may we look into each others eyes and have our Joy move us to tears that we are still the lords and he is ours.

Daryl

One Step Closer!!

Well today Daryl finally was able to get his application submitted for nursing school! He was waiting on his fingerprint clearance card and it finally arrived on Saturday. So he is officially on the waiting list! YEAH! So now what? He is taking classes for the bachelors program while waiting. Pray for us that something might happen so we don't have to wait for 18+ months to get into a program. He is also checking into a few different schools that might not have quite so long a waiting list. There is a light at the end of the dark tunnel. Daryl is working so hard in his classes and I am so proud of him. I'm sure the Lord will see his efforts and he will be blessed for all his hard work.

Happy Birthday Daryl!

Just wanted to tell my sweetheart Happy Birthday! I am married to the most amazing man! He is my best friend and a great dad to our children. He is always jumping in and helping me around the house and with the kids. We love him and appreciate all he does for our family. He is always trying so hard to make our lives easier. He shows unconditional love to everyone and is a great friend to many people. I want him to know how much I love him and what he means to me. Have a great day Honey! We LOVE You!!!

Friends

As Alma the younger traveled on his mission he came across the four sons of Mosiah. It states that these were the same that were with him at the time that he had seen and heard an angel, and become converted. He goes on to say that he rejoiced when he found that they were still his brethren in the gospel, and he exclaimed "and now behold my joy is full!" If you have ever had your joy full or even near to overflowing you will know that it compares to nothing and therefore lacks nothing. It was with this feeling that Alma is led to say "Oh that I were an angel", and for Ammon to proclaim that with God he can achieve anything. Like wise when Captain Helaman Called for a count of his 2000 Warriors, to find that not one was lost to battle, although many were wounded. The friends that we carry with us in this life have the greatest bearing on what the next life holds. No friends could be closer to the sons of Mosiah for me than my own brothers. They have been an inspiration in my life when no other could be found, nor even looked for. They never questioned my actions nor rebuked me for my decisions. while I was too busy trying to play the part of Laman and Lemuel together, they quietly played Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph. Though I was the eldest I must have acted as the youngest and they took the bigger part. For that I am eternally grateful, and my joy is indeed full. It has been my pleasure to sing with my brothers throughout the years, but nothing gives me more joy than that of singing with my brothers for my mother. Thanks for both the memories and the extreme example of faith and courage throughout the years.


My Brothers, My Strength, My Friends. I love you!

(left - Right) Daryl, Jared, Keith

Robert

There are times in my life when I feel as though I've finally got all the answers. Those are the times when I find that I couldn't be farther from home. It's an awe inspiring feeling when I find I've lost my way and don't feel like asking for directions, and I feel a little hand slip into mine and say "This way daddy!" Then I realize, if we don't listen to them now, they won't talk to us when they are older!

Visiting Grandma Elda

After our fun we had on Monday :( we never made it to see Grandma Elda so we went Tuesday morning before I had to be to work. So the kids missed the morning at school but thought this was something special for them. Chelsie had to be at school and was unable to go with us. Bummer! We had a great time. Grandma Elda is so special to me and she always makes you feel like you are the most special to her. I have many fond memories of growing up next door to her and baking and taking piano lessons from her (well we were supposed to be playing the piano but many times we just spent time talking or pretend baking in the kitchen). She is an example to me of unconditional love and has endured this life pleasing to those around her and to her Heavenly Father. I am so proud to be her granddaughter. I love you Grandma!

Recently, I traveled to snowflake to visit with grandma and grandpa wilhelm. I was also privileged to travel with my younger brother Robert, who is visiting from Nova Scotia, Canada. During the three hour trip up and then back again, we were able to open our hearts to each other and share the greatest insights of our lives. At a rest stop in salt river canyon about 7:30 pm we pulled over to stretch. At this point I happened to gaze into the heavens and wonder at gods glorious expansive creations. It was at this time my mind was opened to personal inspiration. I had been praying in earnest for an answer to a question. The answer came without drama nor the beat of a drum. Yet, profound to my spiritually naive mind, the answer.......as I am gazing heavenward, the lord does not want us to see everything all at once until we are ready. In the city at night we see only a fraction of the stars and planets. Out, away from the lights of the city our eyes are opened to the vast array of all that god has. so the answer to my prayer was this.......sometimes we must step back into the dark, let god take control, and put our faith in his hands. Isn't interesting that the very thing that allows us to see most things, is the one thing that we must give up to be able to see some things...........Light! Daryl

Catching the bad guys!

We finally have something to blog about!!! We had an eventful day yesterday. Started out good we went on a hike to the San Tan Regional Park near our home with the Reichle's and had a great time. We then came home and dropped off all the boys and headed with all the girls plus Kathleen and her daughter Nicole Reichle to go see Grandma Elda. We had just left our street and was waiting to make a left turn and was rear ended. Then they driver of the other vehicle took off!!! So we headed out and chased him thru the neighborhood but lost him, he was going so fast. We headed back to the scene of the accident and meet the cops there. Everyone is doing fine just a little sore. They did find the car and the plates had been taken off. It was a stolen car and was full of drugs. The men so kindly left their ID in the car so the police could find them! So we never got to go see Grandma but ended the day with a barbecue with the Reichle's. We are so blessed that everyone was OK and we helped them catch the bad guys!!!

Under Construction!

Well I have finally entered the world of blogging! It may take me a bit to figure everything out so bear with me. I had a goal of getting this set up before we went back to school from Christmas Break and I got it all set up(only with Becky's help) but just learning how to post. Hopefully I will figure everything out so it's not so boring. Love you all and hope all is well with everyone!