Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and I

October 2007, Daniel and I had the privileged of attending the Saturday morning session of General Conference. There was one talk, that I still remember by Elder Spenser J. Condie.

He spoke about faith and the blessings of the Lord. He told a story about Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel that touched me so deeply, that I have never forgotten.

Sarah had prayed faithfully for a child. After 25 years, Sarah and Abraham were blessed with Isaac. Isaac grew up and married Rebekah, who too struggled with having children. 20 years later, and through their faith, they were blessed with Esau and Jacob. Jacob grew up to marry Leah and Rachel, the daughters of Laban. Leah bore 10 children, while Rachel's heart was broken, as she was barren and cried unto the Lord. “And God remembered Rachel” (Genesis 30:22). And she was blessed with the birth of Joseph and later the birth of Benjamin.

He finished his talk with:

'When heaven’s promises sometimes seem afar off, I pray that each of us will embrace these exceeding great and precious promises and never let go. And just as God remembered Rachel, God will remember you.'

I have thought about that last line a lot over the years. When Daniel and I first got married almost 7 years ago, we knew we wanted a family right away, and we wanted a big one. The more we struggled, the more my heart broke. This talk brought me comfort during those times, knowing that the Lord knew me. And just as He remembered Rachel, I prayed that He would one day remember me too.

And He has!!

4 Month Catch Up

I know that it has been a while since last posting, but I have noticed that I am not the only one who does 'catch up' posts, so I don't really feel too bad. 2011 was a really good year, and ended way too quick. But we welcome 2012 and the new surprises it'll bring.

This is how 2011 ended.

December

We celebrated our last Christmas in Memphis, and are so excited to be with family for future holidays. It's not easy celebrating with only 2 people.

November

Our awesome Thanksgiving turkey. Unfortunately we didn't get very many other pictures. As long as the turkey works out, that's usually all that counts. We also had stuffing, sauteed green beans and mushrooms, mashed sweet potatoes, rolls and plenty of pie. Enough food for a week of leftovers.

Walmart treated the 3rd years of Daniel's school to a river boat cruise along the Mississippi River. The point was to encourage students to work at Walmart and Sam's Club Vision Centers upon graduation, and the benefits they bring. The presentation wasn't exciting, but a free cruise, free food and dancing is hard to turn down. It was really cold though.

Daniel surprised me by celebrating my half birthday this year. Usually by birthday isn't really exciting, because it's right around Mother's Day, which has always been a really hard holiday for me (a reminder that another year has passed and I am still not one).

He had called my boss and requested the day off for me. He made me Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for breakfast. First time ever making them, and they were amazing.

After getting dressed, he took me to a day at the spa. Dropped me off for 4 hours, as I got treated to a facial, manicure, pedicure and lunch. It was a total afternoon of relaxation. I was just blown away that he had planned all of this without me knowing.
When I got home, Daniel had made a birthday carrot cake (from scratch) for me. It was seriously one of the best days I have ever had. I'm pretty sure I have the best husband ever!!