I'm Back (or at least trying)

It has been a LONG hard 2008. You know, one of those years that has been so chaotic that I am glad to say goodbye and welcome a New Year. Our lives seem to have been in upheaval for the last year and I am ready to get things settled and stable.

With that said, I LOVE to read everyone's blog but rarely take the time to update ours. I guess I just don't feel like we are really ever doing anything interesting or have nothing of significance to post, but I am going to make more of an effort this year to update our blog.

Recently I have come to realize a few things (some I have known for a long time, but just needed reminding):

1. Life is always changing. Those of you who know me know that in most cases I HATE change, it is not a welcome part of life for me. I am one of those people that could do the same routine day in and day out almost every day and be fine with it. I don't need or thrive on the challenge of each day being different, never the same, a new adventure....you get the idea. I will do my best to embrace the changes that will come this year, good, bad, easy, hard, welcome, unwelcome.

2. Kids do absorb more than you realize. Friday Liam, Devan and I were all sick. Daniel was out of town, so thus, the early bedtimes. Saturday morning came and I woke up to the sounds of Liam running up and down the stairs and the washing machine turning on. He is such a HUGE helper for me. He knew that I was sick (must really be bad when I don't even mention chores) and so he took the clothes out of the dryer, folded them and started a new load. This is something that he has really enjoyed doing. It drives me crazy sometimes, because I completely DISLIKE doing laundry, so when he is doing loads of laundry throughout the week it can seem like that is all I am doing. BUT, I realized yesterday while laying on the couch, watching him scurry around the family room cleaning with a smile on his face, withoug having been asked, that he does GET IT. Makes all the hard work worth it.

3. Time goes by way to fast. Preston is no longer a brand new baby. He loves to play, especially with his brothers. He LOVES when Lance plays peek-a-boo with him. He gives those really deep belly laughs (the kind that MAKE you start laughing and smiling yourself). He is definitely our hardest baby, but such a blessing. The boys think he is the hottest thing since sliced bread. They can't stand it if Daniel and I don't help him right away.

4. Blessings are sometimes hard to recognize in the moment. Let's just say that in this past year we have had many instances where things have happened and we look back and see what a blessing the chain of events were.

5. TRUE friends are one in a million. I don't think it would be a surprise for me to say that I have really missed my friends since we moved. It has almost been a year and I still have not really found the "group" or even a single friend that I have "clicked" with and found that deep friendship. I am not one who has to have a LARGE group of friends, I have always been content on having a small group of friends and it has always been that way. So to all of you, where ever you may be, California, Utah, Nevada, I miss you and think of you often and the good times that we have had together. I love to read your blogs to feel that I am still at least in some small way in the loop of your life.

6. There is nothing like family. Since moving back to Utah, we have had the opportunity to spend more time with my family. The kids have loved being close to their cousins, Grandma Gerri and Grandpa Page and the cabin. This is something they have never had before, we have always lived far away from my family.

7. Sometimes a break is just what you need. I have not been given a calling since we moved here, but I am so grateful. Up until now I have been in primary for 9 years! It has been really good for me to be involved in adult conversations about the gospel. I think this is what I have needed for a while now, but didn't realize it.

8. Reading books to my kids brings me great enjoyment. I love when Lance brings me books and asks me to read. Who can resist a face like this?

I know this has been a big rambling post and maybe a little more information than you may have wanted to know, but I am very grateful despite how hard this year has been for everything. I am anxious to see what awaits us this year and will do my best to embrace those changes with a smile on my face and an optimistic outlook. Bring on 2009!