Update

Wow, life is happening so fast, I swear it was just August and now we are at the end of November! My little boy is going to be 4 on Monday, and it seems like he was a baby yesterday. It has been such a crazy year for us as many of you know...and I have to say I am grateful that this year is almost over. However, as crazy as it was I am grateful for all that has happened and all that we have gone through. It has brought many blessings upon us, and I know that many times our blessings come with the trials.

The holiday season is my favorite time of year. From the day after Halloween until New Years, I am listening to Christmas music, and it is the start of the holiday season. I have loved this time of the year for as long as I can remember, it seems there is just something different during this time. I feel especially grateful this year for all my blessings. So I just wanted to take a moment and express some of the things I am grateful for.

1. I am grateful for my Savior, and his love for me and my family. I am grateful for my testimony and understanding of His atonement, and how that applies to my daily life. I am grateful that he has been there to carry me, and encourage me, comfort and me and my family this past year.

2. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. It is what keeps me grounded and anchored when the rest of the world and even sometimes my own life is in chaos. It is where I can turn for peace and comfort and calm. I am grateful for my testimony in and knowledge that is is the true gospel, and for my understanding of how that applies to me.

3. I am grateful for an amazing husband. Who is patient, loving, understanding and kind, and above all who makes me laugh everyday. He is my best friend and is always there for me, and I am grateful for his being a worthy priesthood holder and such a good example to our boys. I love being married to him, and though some may think our life a little crazy, I wouldn't change a thing. It is so much more fun this way don't you think?

4. MY KIDS. How I love them! They may drive me to the brink of insanity sometimes, but it is all worth it. I wish I could just freeze time for a little bit, and not have them grow up right now. I love this phase of their lives, and especially love seeing them together. They are the best of friends and the greatest of brothers, and I truly hope and pray everyday that this bond they share now never changes. I feel so blessed to have been given these two sweet and crazy little boys to raise. Like most moms, feel though they are the ones I feel sometimes who do the teaching, it is amazing the simple things your children can remind you of, that sometimes you have forgotten.

5. My family, (extended Mom, Dad, brother sister aunts grandparents etc.) I love my family all of them. I truly feel blessed to have such a great family. I have wonderful parents, and grandparents who I am very close with and our always there for me and my kids. I am lucky to have siblings, (and now a new sister with nellie) who are my friends and I enjoy to spend time with and hangout with, and who love my kids. I married into an amazing family and gained two sisters who I love. (If Marilia ever moved back to brasil, I don't know what I would do, I think i would have to sink into a depression) And wonderful in-laws, who treat me as their daughter, and I can always count on. (Teresea please come home soon, we miss you! I MISS YOU). And last but not least my aunts and cousins. Who are truly more like Moms and Sisters. I thought everyone had the type of relationship I have with my aunts, but I have come to realize that they are truly unique. I call my aunts and talk to them often, and seek their advice, and they call me and see how life is. It is great it is like I have 3 other moms I can go to. I love them all and am grateful for all these family members who have supported me and loved me.

Okay well that is a way too long of post, but I just had to express some of the things I am so grateful for. I am going to truly try to get back on the blogging express. I am hoping that our lives will calm down and it will be easier to do.