Beautiful things come from the ashes!

Wow has this year gone by super fast! I can't believe that it is already Dec. This year has defiantly been a long, rough, and challenging year, but I have made it through thanks to my family, friends, but most of all my Father in Heaven! As this year comes to a close I have pondered a lot on the things that I have been through and realized that I have become a much stronger person through all of this. Tho at times I still feel extremely alone I know that is not the case, because as long as I am living my life the way I should my Savior is always by my side! The past few months I have been very blessed in my habits of reading my scriptures and saying my personal prayers have most defiantly improved. I have grown so much closer to my Father through this. A few months ago going home and getting ready for bed almost always ended in tears now it still ends usually in tears, but this time they are tears of joy, the love I feel as I study my scriptures each night is overwhelming to the point my body is so full of joy I cry! I no longer dread the end of the day, I now look forward to my time i get to spend with my Father in Heaven! I love what the scriptures have to offer. If you can't find happiness in your life start by looking there! Yesterday after I left institute I read the chapters for our next class period it was in Alma 13 though 16 I took a lot from the reading, but something I would like to share came from Alma 14:26 And Alma cried saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ even unto deliverance. This really touched me because I know that asking him to take away our pain is only disabling us. We need to ask him to help us through the pain so that we can grow and become stronger. I know there are things in my life I wish I never had to go through, but I also know that my Father knows that I am struggling and he is there to pick me up when I fall :) it is truly a blessing! I have been blessed in so many ways this year, but the two that have meant the most to me have been the trials that have strengthened my relationship with my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ! The second one is the relationships I have with my family! I have such an amazing family and I don't think I could have made it through this year without the love and support they have shown for me! I am glad I have such a wonderful Dad who I know I can rely on no matter what! I know at times he disagrees with my choices, but he still supports me and then when they go bad he is there to pick up the mess I made! I love my talks that I get to have with him one on one they mean the world to me and I know they will always be the highlight of my trips home! I love my Momma what more can I say, she is such a beautiful woman and has taught me so much! I am so glad that she has taught me how to cook I really did learn from the best and not only has she taught me how to cook amazing meals, bu she has taught me how to do it on a budget as well as off my food storage! I don't think I could have gotten through these past few months if it weren't for her! My big sizzler Shay has been my best friend since I was little she helps me through so much she has taught me to be a strong confident women. She is an amazing example of the person I want to strive to become. I am also grateful for the little munchkins she has brought into our family with the help of her kind husband Arron-on CC is amazing I love watching her grow up and I am sure the little yokie on the way will bring just as much joy into my life as she does! I am so very happy to call Toe my baby sister I love this kid so much she has always been such a strong minded little bugger who knows what is right and is going to do what is right no matter what! I loved being home for thanksgiving break and getting to spend time with her and seeing what an amazing young woman she has become! I of course saved the best for last my wonderful Parker. This little boy truly touches my heart like nobody else can. He is my rock, I know that the love he has for me is bigger than anyone else! He makes my day when I walk into the house and he screams in his squeaky teen voice and yells my Kin oh I love my Kin! I loved being home at night and sitting in the family room and cuddling up with him he is so special to me and will always be my little man even though he is close to passing me. I have been born into a truly loving, kind, patient family that I wouldn't trade in for anything! I love you all! Have a safe time this holiday season! Remember the true meaning of Christmas as it is in the midst! Our Savior is to important to put to the wayside! Without him there would be no chance to Return to our Father in Heaven and live with our families for time and all eternity!

Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving break!

Me and Booda (Parker)

Toey (Tori) and Me

Me and my baby CC (Cecily)

Me and Shay Bird!

Me, Booda, and CC I love my cuddle bugs!