The Last Few Months

November 13, 2022

Well, it's been a long time since I've last written. Surprise, surprise -- I'm not very good that this regular journal-writing thing. I'll just try the best that I can to catch up. I know I end up missing a lot when I do this, which is a bummer, but it's better than nothing. I feel like I'm writing the book of Omni in the Book of Mormon -- giving a very short summary of things that happened, but adding no real depth or substance to the writing.

I've been busy with my Stake calling, but not too busy. I still miss the close association that I had with the YW in my ward when I served in the Ward YW presidency. The youth presented a sacrament meeting program a few weeks ago that left me in tears. I love the youth. They are so strong, spiritual, and talented and I know that they were saved for these last days because of the strength that they posess.

I contacted the High School District (AVUHSD) whom I worked for for two years before having Lizzie. Appartently, they told me that all that I need to do is take an English class and a U.S. Constitution class and they would be able to reccommend me to get my credential renewed. So I'm taking an English class right now, it will be finished in a few weeks. Next semester I'm going to take a consititution class at AVC. I'm hoping that I can get an credential so that I can be qualified to work from home. I really need to be more available for my family. Working from home would be ideal. The last few weeks the kids have been so sick with the flu. I have had to miss three days of work. The days that I went to work I was thinking about the kids. I'm doing what I can to get on the right path to work from home...the rest is in the Lord's hands. If I can get a credential and start working from home, it will also relieve the big stress that I have regarding what would I do if something happened to Jon and I would have to work. I'm just not ready to support a family at this point in time. However, if I get my credential, we would be okay.

Things haven't been going well for Craig. It really makes me sad. I have learned so much recently about the importance of getting on the covenant path and STAYING there. That's the hard part. Doing what it takes to STAY on the path. It's the only way that leads to true happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. Happiness can't be found in anything that the world has to offer.

I'm just going to upload a bunch of pictures that I have taken since I last wrote...

The kids' school pictures! Mason claims he doesn't know how to smile, ha ha. I love all of these kids so incredibly much! Can't believe they're mine!

Another beautiful image from the desert!

I am so incredibly impressed with Lizzie's ability to crochet whatever she wants now! She has has been taking customized orders and making a lot of money!

General Conference came the first weekend in October! One of my favorite weekends of the entire year! I gave the kids their general conference surprises and treats. I really love the general conference traditions that I started -- it's not only fun for the kids, but it's so fun for me!

Caitlyn and Lydia dressing up in Grandma's clothes!

This is how I decorated my classroom door in October! It's the only fall that I saw around here for a while, ha ha.

I threw a baby shower for one of my friends, Dawn. I think it turned out well!

I love these boys!!

We accidentally let Lizzie go on a date before she was 16. We thought we would just be driving her and Liam to hang out at a dance...but appartently it was more than that. He brought her flowers and chocolates, etc. Jon drove them to and from the dance, of course, but this night was the beginning of a few weeks of drama.

I took thek younger three kids to the pumpkin patch in Rosamond. They loved it!

William and Caitlyn both earned an award on the same day. I don't have any pictures of Caitlyn and her reward, unfortunately.

They are going to be building a house accross the street from us pretty soon. I'm trying to enjoy this beautiful view as long as I can. Before I know it, there will be a house there!

The kids' Halloween costumes this year!

The kids got sick on the week of Halloween! I had to take Mason to urgent care on Monday after work. It was Halloween and so I went to urgent care in my Ghostbusters costume, ha ha. The doctor told me that Mason had Covid...then he came back 20 minutes later and said, "Nevermind, I read it wrong. He has the flu.". I had already texted so many people letting them know that he had Covid!