Joy in the Journey: December 2015

As I write I'm listening to Christmas music, sitting in our cozy living room, gazing upon our beautiful Christmas tree and the snowy scene outdoors. Oh how I love this time of year! There's something about it being so cold outside and so warm inside that's just special. More than the warmth of our home, its the warmth in my heart that means so much! I love all of the Christmas gatherings and festivities with the ones I love - church family, friends, and family. I could go on and on about why I love this season so much! This year is so very special because I get to spend it with my husband for the first time ever!! We get to create our own traditions and carry on ones from our families. My heart feels full with him by my side :)

Alex and I were so blessed to be able to go home to Idaho for the week of Thanksgiving. My parents were in Montana with all of our relatives so Alex and I spent the whole week at his family's home. While we were there I got to go to lunch with my long time friend Tierney, we visited Sierra and Danika's (two of Alex's sisters) home school co-op, had a triple date with Alex's parents/sister and her husband/and aunt and uncle, went on a double date with my oldest brother and his wife, had a game night with friends, and spent lots of time with family! Alex's siblings kept us busy, always ready to play something :) Of course a highlight was getting to cuddle with our adorable nephew. I enjoyed getting to help Alicia (Alex's mom) cook, bake, and prepare for hosting Thanksgiving and also tagged along with her for some Christmas shopping and errands. Speaking of Christmas shopping, Alex and I took Danika and we accomplished most of our Christmas shopping - yay! The week flew by!

We have so much to be thankful for this season: God has truly blessed us by preparing the way for us to be in Washington. I know without a doubt that we were meant to minister here. Our youth students mean so much to me and I've been so blessed to make dear friends here! God has blessed us with a beautiful home and life here. I'm constantly reminded of what amazing families we have! I can't wait to spend Christmas with them! Words can't describe how much I love my husband and how incredibly blessed I am to be married to him. Most of all, we have a Savior who loves us and daily shows us His grace - that is something to be very thankful about!

I pray you all enjoy this wonderful season of thankfulness, spending time with loved ones, and celebrating our Savior!