Where has the time gone!!! I swear once December first hits, time just disappears. I have been so behind in blogging, checking email and anything that has to do with technology lately. It seems like any spare minute I have I would rather sit down and be lazy! This time of year is just go, go, go, and with all the events on the calender, I think I have just been exhausted before it even started.

Backing up a little, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was a Bailey year, and it was fun to get together with Kev's family especially since we were excited to get a surprise visit from his sister and our brother in law that are in dental school in LOO-ville, KY. The food was soooo tasty, and I still think I didn't eat enough of Kev's mom's awesome stuffing. It was so nice to just relax and visit. We didn't plan a whole lot for the day because we headed to Moab early the next morning. We contemplated running down to my parents house for a little bit since my mom hosted all her sibilings this year (why oh why does she do it on my off year), but we knew it would get late and would have a hard time being ready for the trip in the morning. So sad.

We had a great time in Moab. I am always taken back by its beauty when we are there, especially when we first arrive. Of course, I wimped out on all the bike rides and opted for walking, hiking, and tagging along in the car with the other girls. The weather was beautiful, and the kids had an absolute blast being outside so much. They also loved terrorizing the second floor of the motel we stayed in. Next time I think we need to request ALL our rooms to be next to eachother. I am sure our fellow occupants cheered when we checked out. We really appreciated Kevin's parents for doing this for us. We make such wonderful memories while we are there. It was especially wonderful to have them there because they left just a few days later to the D.R. Congo to work on a water project for a few months!

Life since Moab has been a blur. It seems as though the Christmas parties started even earlier this year and haven't stopped since. I am anticipating our Christmas break so we can just relax and enjoy time spent with family and no other obligations. I kept dragging my feet on decorating this year since I felt like we weren't even going to be here to enjoy it, but I finally got it all put up. I am so happy I did because it really helps to bring in some holiday cheer, which I desperatley needed. I have really been struggling with Spencer lately and have felt like I had reached my limits with him. The Lord must have known my breaking point and heard my prayers (as I bawled my eyes out in my car late one night), and I have been blessed to have an angel son the last two days. A Christmas miracle. It is amazing what one good day can do for a mothers morale.

The night I was in my car, I had to run a quick errand late at night and was listening to my Amy Grant Christmas album. As I was driving down the quiet snowy streets, Breath of Heaven began to play. My mind began to contemplate Mary's situation, and I was flooded with emotion. As I pondered her possible thougths and how difficult it must have been, I began replace the words of the song with myself and my temporary situation. I began to realize that even though I feel so inadequate as a mother at times, Heavenly Father knows me. He sees me. As He watches my face as I struggle, He still knows that I am the right mother for these children, and he also knows that I am offering all I have for them. Somedays I feel like I don't have much to give, but those simple tiny hugs and smiles, and "Yes Mom's" can give me all the validation I need.

I am so grateful for this time of year we have to reflect on the birth of our Savior. As hard as these economic times are, it is a wonderful chance to put aside our focus of worldly posessions and redirect us to what and who it is really about. I am so grateful for my amazing and loving husband and our beautiful children. I am also grateful we have such wonderfuly supportive families, friends and neighbors. We are blessed with great health, a warm home, and food on our table. Most of all we are blessed with the gospel in our lives. Is there really any greater gift? We wish you all a Merry Christmas and thank you for the part you play in our lives!