On the twelfth Day of Christmas, my Heavenly Father gave me:
12 wonderful blesses throughout the year,
This year has been eventful for our little family with many changes and new experiences. There have been so many wonderful things among the struggles. These 12 are only a few and don't begin to count the many blessings we've been given.
1. New employment. We have been blessed with the job Spencer has in Marriott. It has provided us with many opportunities we never would have had. It's been good for Spencer to expand his abilities and push himself toward working up in the company. He started as a maintenance manager and has worked up to Asst. General Manager with goals to keep going.
2. A safe move across country. When we first contemplated moving our family from Utah, the thought of having to move everything we own, seemed daunting. We were very blessed to that the Marriott paid for our moving truck and expenses. And everything (and everyone) was moved from Utah to Alabama with very little trouble.
3. Family and friends we left. The hardest thing about moving so far away was leaving family and friends. We have lived close to Spencer's family our entire marriage and my family was only a 11 hour drive away. We've been with family at every holiday including birthdays. And my family has been able to come visit throughout the years. We took for granted the blessing it was to have family nearby. Our families have always supported us in our decisions (or kept their mouths shut when they didn't! ) and have helped us through many struggles. Our kids have never known a life without their extended family and that is such a blessing.
Friends. Our neighborhood in Utah was amazing and we had so many good friends. I was literally a wreck the day we left. I could not stop crying! We have grown so close with people there. Our children grew up with the kids next door (or a few houses down, or behind us, or across the street, or a street away). We were so blessed to have amazing neighbors who would look out for our family when we needed it. The Lord blessed us with truly amazing people.
4. Safety through tornadoes. Spencer left us in March to move to Alabama. And in the end of April was when the day of tornadoes hit. Spencer was a part of it, but only at a distance. He was kept safe while we were apart. And also our house we would be moving into. There was no damage to it. All would be well for us.
5. Happy children. Our 3 kids are amazing. A big move away from everything they knew could not bring them down. They have been so happy here. They grew closer over the summer months as they relied on each other for companionship and entertainment. They have comforted each other when one misses friends back home.
6. Wonderful new friends. Once again, the Lord has blessed us with wonderful people in our lives. The first Sunday we were all here, many people warmly invited us to the ward and asked if we needed anything. Only a week after being here, new friends started emailing information about good doctors, dentists, mechanics, hospitals. And anything else we asked for or about, friends stepped up to make us feel welcome. We have settled in to life here very well because of the blessing of good friends.
7. No broken bones. I know the year isn't quite over yet, but I'm claiming this one! For the past 5 years, one member of our family has broken a bone. We've had broken legs, wrists, collarbones, toes, and elbows. But not this year! I think the Lord knew we already had enough on our plate and gave us this blessing of health!
8. Skype. This has been a wonderful gift and blessing for us. My father in-law gave us the web-cam last year for our birthdays and also a matching one to my parents so we could talk to them. I don't think Steve knew how handy Skype would come in! Our kids love being able to see their grandparents and aunts/uncles and cousins. Helps us feel close to our family far away.
9. Good school/teacher. One of our biggest concerns was Ayden being in a new school. But his teacher has been great in helping him adjust. She says he was so shy (and even a little scared) the first few days, but he has opened up more. She says he will never be as loud or "obnoxious as some of my native Alabamans". She's very direct and upfront with what she says! All the kids have questions for Ayden about snow and mountains. And he's even been a good missionary.
10. Funny kids. Every day one or all of my kids will say or do something that is so off-the-wall and hilarious. I love that my Heavenly Father blessed me with these wonderful spirits. Sometimes I forget what a blessing they are and they will do something to remind me. They make our lives what they are: happy and full.
11. Christmas season. We have been so blessed this Christmas by family who have made our Christmas away so wonderful. Our kids have anxiously waited for packages from each grandparents and aunts/uncles. It's not just the present they are excited for but that their grandparents have thought of them. We have been blessed with wonderful music, movies, stories that have helped to bring the Christmas spirit in our home. We have felt the love of friends and family and it has made our Christmas happy.
12. The Gospel. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true and real. No matter where you are. Our testimonies have grown as we've been tested and tried this year. We know that each struggle or trial is given to help strengthen us and teach us. We have leaned on the Lord and his Spirit more than ever this year. We know our Heavenly Father is mindful of us and has watched over us. He has blessed us in so many ways.
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