The Black Family Blabber: Seasons Greetings

As the season and year draws to a close I can't help but reflect on the year and the most recent happenings. Seems like this year, for us, has been full of ups and downs. And is ending with an up. I can't deny the wonderful blessings my family has received as the result of the prayers and pleadings to the Lord made by us and our family and friends. I can't emphasize how truly blessed we are. This holiday season has been the most spiritual for me EVER. I can casually say that I felt the true meaning of Christmas. But I REALLY felt it. Every fiber in my being was touched by the miracles of this life. Christmas week started off with an amazing sacrament service full of music. I spent most of it in tears (from anxiety for leading the choir for the first time and the overwhelming feelings of the spirit) Later in the day I decided I'd follow through with a prompting I had had earlier in the month to volunteer to help a family in need this year. It was such a joyous service I had the opportunity to partake in. I spent a day and a half of shopping and trying to be open to the spirit as to what the family needed. I don't know if I succeeded in my gifts to them, but the feelings I had will never be forgotten. As we have struggled with various trials and tribulations this year (and the last couple)-it has been engraved into my head the real importances of life. And that is our family. We had the opportunity to have 5 family gatherings in 4 days. We spent Christmas Eve and Day with my parents, Christmas morning with Cody's mom's side and Saturday and Sunday with Cody's Dad's family. I might later recall this Christmas as my favorite ever.

So, on with the pictures.....

There is a crappy picture of the kids' loot.