Happy Holidays!

We have had a very busy holiday season, as I am sure you all have. Things didn't exactly go as planned. I bet you all have had those experiences. These things really cause me soooo much stress. I am such an anxious person & I really need to learn to relax because I have a feeling that I have a lot of excitement in my future.

Len was supposed to return from an interview in New York on the 19th of December. I was supposed to have everything packed & ready to go to Utah. We were planning on leaving the house around 4am on the 20th.

I was totally organized, or so I thought. Things were going as planned. I was doing some last minute errands when I got the call.

Len: "I am stuck in New York."

Me: "What do you mean you are stuck?"

Len: "It is really snowing, & all the flights are delayed because of the storm."

Me: total panic, my heart is racing & I am starting to sweat. "NO!"

Len: "I know, I am sorry, but there is nothing I can do. Let me talk to the agent & I will call you back."

*It was 1:45pm on the 19th when this conversation took place. I finished my errands & called everyone I knew to complain & panic. No one answered. Just when I really needed someone to feel sorry for me. Come on! I can't catch a break!


Len called me back to tell me that it looked like he wasn't going to be able to get to Arizona before the 21st or the 22nd. The tears came. I was sitting on the couch crying when Owen came over to me & put his arms around me & gave me the sweetest hug. He jumped up and got a washcloth to dry my tears. He is such an adorable son. I quickly stopped crying & took some deep breaths. I know I am totally dramatic, but I can't help it. I am trying to work on it. Not much progress yet, but I am trying.

then suddenly the clouds opened, & a small ray of light appeared.

My mother-in-law called to tell me that my father-in-law just booked himself on a flight to Arizona. He would be in at 9pm & he would drive to Utah with me. My first reaction was more anxiety. I didn't want to have to have him do all that for me. Then I got another call, my Mom said that she didn't want me to drive up alone, & that if I insisted on doing so my Dad was going to start driving right after work to meet me. I didn't want my Dad to have to do that! I started to cry again. Why was this happening to me? Boo hoo. I was feeling way too sorry for myself. I know what you are all thinking. Some people have REAL problems. My plans were being disrupted, big deal. Welcome to life.

I guess the point of this story is just to express how grateful I am for two wonderful families who truly care about Len & I.

My father-in-law ended up flying to AZ & driving ALL night with me & the kids just to make sure we made it without any problems. My Dad had even offered to drive the 600+ miles to pick us up. What wonderful examples of selflessness. To my Dad & Carl, we love you so much & appreciate all you do for us. Thank you!

We made it to Utah safely & in good time, but we were very sad it was without Len. He spent the night in New York & was able to get a flight to Chicago the next day. He then had to sleep all night in the Chicago airport. It was a very long, & miserable night for him. He then got a flight to Arizona & a connecting flight to Utah. He had to wear the same clothes for three days. I felt so bad for him. When he walked in the door to my parents house he gave me a big hug, & a short kiss, & headed straight for the shower. He went to bed that night at 7pm. He was exhausted!

We ended up having a terrific Christmas with both of our families. This was a very bittersweet holiday because we may not get to spend another Christmas with our families for a few years, depending on where Len gets his residency.

I feel so blessed to have so much. My Heavenly Father has truly given me more than I deserve. I felt such a wonderful spirit this holiday season. I hope I can keep it with me throughout this next year. I wish you all a happy New Year!

P.S. Good luck Lenny! We Love you & know you will do well.

-He is leaving us in the morning for another interview. This time he is flying to Maryland! We have our fingers crossed in hopes that they don't have any major snow storms until after he returns home.