Family Christmas Parties and Resulting Sickness

We had the Keller family reunion over the holiday.  It was a lot of work and I hope my kids had fun.  I guess I need an attitude adjustment.  I'm not sure what good it did.  I would have enjoyed immediate family time a lot more.  Or maybe just one day with the extended family.  Multiple days seems to multiply the stress.  Some people say ornery things when they are tired and stressed, so I guess I need to be thicker skinned.  The human race is way too judgmental and gossipy!!!  I come away inspired and encouraged when I am around some people.  I feel like I encourage other people, which is nice too.  But this just seemed like a lot of work for neither to happen.  Maybe someone was encouraged or some good memory was formed or some relationship strengthened for the good.  I was not aware of this happening.  Somehow we need to improve reunions.  Somehow we need to improve relationships.  Watching movies together and eating together doesn't move us forward or together.  Let alone going forward together.  I pray we can figure this out and really become the family our Heavenly Father wants us to be and do what he wants us to do.

Here's my plan as of right now!  I am going to keep in closer contact with my family throughout the year.  I will make sure they know I respect, admire, and appreciate them.  I will continue to only speak good of them to everyone else.  I will not be hurt when the favor isn't returned.  I will live how I feel is right and not waste a second worrying about what other people feel or say about it.  I will imagine what good we could do as a family if we were united.  I will pray to know how to be a better daughter and sister.  I will follow the prompting I will receive. Then I won't fuss about it not being enough for my parents and siblings.

One little guy had the stomach flu while at the reunion.  Of course, that spreads like wildfire!!!  We are still in the middle of puking and aching.  Luckily, some of us are fine and can do laundry, scrub toilets, give massages, and such.  I'm so grateful for changes of clothes, washing machines, running water, a warm house, and days off.

Being the Grinch I can be, I am grateful we didn't have to go to the Butler family party because we were sick.  Obviously, I am missing some important principles here (namely--faith, hope, charity, and fun)! I will work on that!!!

Grateful for Repentance

I am so grateful that Jesus Christ made it possible for me to start over.  Everyday I fall short, lose my temper, speak sharply, etc.  I try not to, it really discourages me when I am not kind and patient yet again.  I could quit, but the Lord lets me try again.  He doesn't want me to loose hope. So I will resolve anew to keep my covenants and be more gentle and loving like my Savior and dear Father in Heaven.

Kitchen Fun

Today is our dear Natalie's birthday. She loves the kitchen-always has. So she is spending the day baking & cooking. I'm so grateful she has that passion. She is amazing and blesses our family so much! She will be an excellent wife and mother! Praise the Lord for sending us our dear, precious children!

Calming

As this evening wore on I became a bit disheartened. The stresses of the day, homeschool, finances, etc. piled up in my mind. I felt myself feeling negative and a bit ornery. So I hid in the basement for a minute. No, it was not quiet (there is no quiet place at 6 O'clock in this house), but I was alone. I asked Heavenly Father for a change of attitude and started thanking Him for all the good things that were happening right then instead of worrying about the ones that weren't. Heavenly Father answered my prayer and lifted my spirits. Later in Family Home Evening I felt the Spirit again encouraging me that we had a wonderful environment and family for our children even if the bathroom is a mess. The lesson was on personal revelation and how Heavenly Father will help us succeed in our callings. Surely He will! I just need to pay & study more & be grateful and less whiney. I know Heavenly Father answers my simple prayer this evening!

Schedule

I've been trying to keep a routine lately. Finally, Adelynn & the dogs are starting to feel the rhythm. They are not yet fully in it but getting there. Heavenly Father had blessed me with different ideas that have been helping us do the things that are important. I don't have time for much fluff, but I have a ton of eternally significant things to do. Quite often it is a bit daunting! But with the Lord's help I can do all things that He needs me to.

Heavenly Chaos

Wow! It can be loud and crazy around here. It its wonderful! But crazy! I love the constant whirlwind of children! However, it is nice to have a quiet moment during family home evening now & again. I need to help the kids understand & become more reverent. Noisy is fine most of the time, but I think our spiritually & love well increase as does our reverence. But I thank Heavenly Father for all the darlings humming about our dear cottage day and night. We are so blessed
to have the constant party, belonging, entertainment, & companionship a large family can bring. There is never a dull moment! Not only that, there aren't many meaningless ones either. Life us full of chances to nourish, train, testify, encourage, & really make a difference. I love this phase of life! It is rich & full! God is so very kind!

Priesthood Preview

This evening Moroni had a Priesthood Preview.  Jaremy was a bit under the weather and I didn't feel like leaving Adelynn to go.  But Benjamin gently persuaded me by telling me he enjoyed his and that he would be glad to go with Moroni.  So I got with the program and went.  I was glad I did.  I need to be better at fulfilling my duties and supporting my family in theirs.  I'm grateful Heavenly Father has sent me righteous sons to be wonderful examples.