Reflections

As we say goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011 it gives one time to reflect about the past year. As I've been thinking about this, I decided to come up with one word to describe the year. This year it would be family. Family is, of course, always going to be a big part of our year, but this year more than others. Why you ask? Well, let me tell you :)

In December, James arrived home from his deployment. He went back to work to complete upgrade training and establish himself in his new squadron. While this was going on, we were lucky enough to be together as a family for 11 months without even a TDY. It was wonderful and so weird. I didn't want to remark on it and jinx myself and have him go out the door. During this time, we really enjoying being able to spend time together. A trip to the Grand Canyon and Moab for Spring Break in March and a visit to Colorado at the end of May beginning of June (ran up for a surprise visit for the grandmas to have all the kids together - just for a night).

Another important fact about family is how wonderful it is to have family in the same town as you. We loved having Mike, Jesse, and their family live just up the road from us. We all felt so lucky to have the opportunity to overlap at a base together for almost a year. Jesse was a saint as she helped with Aurora while I taught. I can't tell you how much that meant and also how happy I was that she was willing to help. Another wonderful thing about that is that Aurora and Gabriel got to be really close. Those two are peas in a pod. Aurora really misses Gabriel and often thinks of things to tell him when we call to talk on the phone. It was sad to see them move onto their next base, but that is part of military life and like I said, we are so lucky that we were together in the first place.

In July, I took a quick trip down with the kids to Texas to visit Guy and Amanda. It had been a very long time since the cousins had seen each other and we had not met Lizzie yet. It was fun to see the kids all lined up. Jonny is almost as tall as Logan and he's only 4. The kids played well together and had a fun time. We went on walks, played at the park, went to the duck pond, went to church together, and just chatted. It was a nice visit and fun to see everyone.

In August, we had a family reunion here. It was rather warm, but we still enjoyed the time together. The majority of the siblings were here minus Guy and his family (they had just had the newest addition, David) and Tommy. We enjoyed camping, playing in Thunderbird Lake, racing turtles, talking, playing games, making crafts, etc.

For me the highlight was that Logan chose to get baptized and wanted to have everyone here. He even made invitations for the family to be sent out about the reunion to encourage all to come :) Logan asked Grandpa to baptize and confirm him, Grandma and Aunt L. Cathleen to give talks, and the uncles were able to stand in on the confirmation. Logan did wonderful and he seemed so peaceful. He listened well to the talks and took it all in.

October was another month with visiting family. We took two back to back trips out to New Mexico. We had gone for fall break to see my Grandpa, but he was called home to our Heavenly Father before we were able to see him. I feel so lucky that we were able to be with Mom because I feel having us there eased the pain. Logan and Aurora just put a smile on your face with their opinions and antics. We spent our time playing with the dogs, going up in the mountains and seeing the fall leaves, hiking, and having our fall picnic.

We headed back the following week for the funeral. Although it was for a somber get together, it was wonderful. We had all my siblings (minus Tommy - finishing his mission) and their significant others and the grandchildren. We saw some other cousins, Aunts and Uncles, and met some of my mom's cousins.

The end of the year was just enjoying time together as our little family. We love our house and our dogs. We have so much to be thankful and have been very blessed this year. Although it's had it's ups and downs, it has still been a wonderful year.

Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.

-- Brad Henry

The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.

-- Thomas Jefferson

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.

-- Desmond Tutu