It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Yesterday we got a huge DUMPING of snow by our house. The thing is our house is in a cul-de-sac that sinks down like a bowl. Our truck is rear-wheel drive, which by the way does NOT work in Utah winters, and so sometimes has a hard time in the winter. The other night Micah and I couldn't even park in front of our house, but instead parked on the road 50 yards away because we couldn't get up the slight incline covered in snow due to sliding and eventually no momentum to move forward. The next day was when we got the majority of our snow and so we were stuck in our parking spot on the side of the road, but the day wore on, the snow wore down, and snow plows came to help and we were able to at least get our truck in front of our house. We then had to shovel our driveway that was covered in at least 8 inches of snow to get our truck up. It wasn't really too bad though because two of our neighbors helped and eventually some people brought their four-wheelers and got rid of the rest. I have to admit I forgot how hard it can be to shovel snow. Eventually though we got our truck up to our spot and there it is staying unless we have an emergency. You know as crazy as the day was and as frustrating as not being able to park in our spot was, it really was fun and felt good to be outside and working in the snow. I also can't complain too much because the snow looks beautiful and makes it feel more like Christmas. It's going to be a white Christmas after all.

Heartbeat

Yesterday was very difficult for our family as we learned that one of our dear sweet nephews passed away. There were complications requiring him to be born 4 months early. In the end the doctors simply could not save this dear baby's life. The only solace that we have been able to find at this time was that this spirit was so special and so pure that all he needed to do in this life was receive his body and then he was able to return to the outstretched arms of our loving Heavenly Father. This especially hit me hard as I knew that I was to have another appointment this morning and was worrying about my own child. A huge wave of relief and gratitude washed over me as I heard the joyous sound of my own baby's heartbeat. I then thought about the joy that I was feeling as it was going strong, while others were feeling pain as another one stopped. It really is something to be extremely grateful for and just really helps me to feel so blessed and I just wish I could help my brother and sister-in-law more. I will keep them in my prayers and I now that Heavenly Father is there for them. It's hard now to know when to let others in the family be aware of our progress, but I know that they love us and are very happy for us despite this tragedy.

I have to admit that I debated posting this as I have several friends that are pregnant. Please know that I don't do this to scare you it's just something that has happened in my life that I needed to share.

A little gift

Every Christmas the girls in my family get together and bake a bunch of treats that we then share around and just have a good time. Well, Micah went home teaching right before we were to head down to my parent's house. He happened to mention to them that we were going down so that I could bake with my sisters and the wife in their family told Micah that he needed to remind her that she was to give him something before he left. So as he headed toward the door, Micah didn't have to remind her because she remembered, she came to him with a beautiful apron that he was to give to me. She makes these aprons and sells them in the mall for $35.00 something that I would never be willing to pay, but which really is wonderful. Anyway, the pictures don't do it justice at all but I just wanted to share this little story with you. It really was just perfect timing for me and was a little boost that I needed. She really didn't have to offer this gift to Micah but I truly do appreciate it. It made me want to do a little something for someone, so we'll see what opportunities I come across. Anyway, MERRY CHRISTMAS! The spirit is here.

Christmas Cheer 2

This goes with the post before.

Christmas Cheer

Here are a few pictures of our Christmas decorations. Some pics are better than others and I took a close-up of some of my favorites. Also, Micah picked the decorations for our tree... didn't he do a great job? He surprised me with them. All we need now is a star for the top. :)

P.S. Sorry that there are so many pictures.