Amazing

Here is what I find amazing. My children are seeing what I have been saying for so many years. Families are the best. It seems like each of you in your own special way is finding out that not only your own mate and children are dear and near to you but you also love being with each other. I remember well when I wanted to spend time with my brothers and sister. We were married and all had our own families, but when someone couldn't come for a birthday or holiday, I was so sad...a part of me felt so lonely for that person. You are beginning to understand that. When I was home this summer, Uncle Steve had a cook out and Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Ted, Uncle Carl and Aunt Lynda all came. Of course, Uncle Dan is gone. That was the best night of my trip. All my siblings were there together. That may not happen again in my life time. We did not want to go home. We sat around and visited about the days as kids. We went over to an old farm house that we lived in growing up (Uncle Steve owns it now) and we talked about where our Christmas tree sat and what was each of our rooms. We have memories. great memories. I hope each of you have memories from your childhood and when I am gone you will still want to get together and talk about your family life growing up. Maybe your kids will talk about cousins and how they got together for family reunions. I still love getting together with my cousins when I go to the Hannum family reunion. And we are in our 60's and 70's. Mark, I, like Sherri, really enjoyed your blog. Thanks for sharing your feelings. I have been worried about Jeff working so many hours and I know they have sacrificed family time. Sometimes we all do what we have to do to survive. This economy has hurt every single one of my kids, but has been extremely difficult for Jeff. I am praying that we will be able to find a job he loves in the future but in the meantime I know he is grateful for a job that provides good insurance and some security for now. Rick and I are holding tight waiting for our mission call. Still no word so not sure what that means.We know a couple who put their papers in the same time as us and they heard 3 weeks ago. Is that a bad sign or good sign? Maybe we will end up with McKenna. Perhaps she was sent to lay the ground work for us. I am so proud of her. Sherri does cry a bit, but who wouldn't? I know they are tears of joy. As for Christmas music, Rick might be able to tell you a little about whether we listened to some while we traveled to Yellowstone this past weekend. It seemed fitting. cold, rainy, in the mood weather. I am not as sly as Sherri. I enjoyed it tremendously. Kayla would not be happy with us though, but it was great. I may have to make a pumpkin pie soon. Oh, yes, I have all my fall decorations out. Someone looked at my house last night to rent and they thought it looked beautiful with all the leaves and pumpkins out. Maybe they will want to rent it since it looked so pretty!! I love my family more than this old computer will express. Mom