Wednesday, December 23, 2009

It's about time

Howdy folks! Been a while since I've blogged, aye? We had a rough little patch there a while back and things haven't seemed to slow down. I kept thinking they would and that's when I would update the blog, but it looks like my life has a new speed and I'd better get used to it and learn to function or else. (yeah, good luck to me) It started back in September--I had a 7 week old baby and was trucking along pretty good and then got called as Young Woman president which absolutely floored me. I could compose a nice long blog about how much I have learned, how I love my dear counselors and the sweet girls in our program, how terrified I am to be working with teenagers, etc. But the crazy-life list isn't done--we're still in September when I get the awful news that my Dad has passed away. I can't even type that without getting sick to my stomach. It was...I don't know how to describe how it was (or is), my cursor has been blinking at me forever, I can't seem to find words. It sort of shook my world, it was most unexpected. I don't guess I'm ready to blog much about it, I haven't even been able to finish my journal entry yet. Those feelings are still very tender and I need to be able to function today so I'm not sure I'll take them out right now. I have discovered that deep grief is a little crippling for me and it's sort of scary, I never know when it's going to hit. On a more positive side, I have to say that I have never received so much love and compassion from my friends and family. I think the key word there is 'received' because the love has always been there, it's just that in a situation like this I am so much more aware of it and more welcoming of it. So, to all my sweet family and friends: thank you for always loving me and supporting me, in the past and especially at this time. Now to continue on (yes, there is more) in early November we got some more sad news that Jesse's grandpa (his dad's dad) had died. We felt relief for PaPa that he was finally free of pain and at peace, but also felt such sorrow for his sweet wife and those left behind. We went down to Carlsbad for the service and enjoyed visiting with that side of the family. Goo-oood people and as it turns out, the bunch of us sound really good when we sing together. I was grateful to be a part of the family singing in PaPa's service--it was really beautiful.
So, that's the past few months in a nut-shell. We're working on a Christmas/New Year letter that might actually get done and out to you all before Valentine's Day :) I'll put a few pics up to give some more little updates on our life of late. And before I go, I just have to say that although we've had some tough times lately, we are feeling more blessed than ever. I am so so so so grateful for my Heavenly Father and His Son who I know love me and it is through Their love and power that I am able to get through tough times. And not just 'get through'--I can get through peacefully, even joyfully and that's just what we're doing. So there.
Collin and I had eye exams--he was quite a trooper. I might be getting some glasses pretty soon here. We'll see. Ha! Get it? We'll SEE.

Little Noah-boy has begun rice cereal, he is 5 1/2 months already. Why is it going so fast!?


Thanksgiving kids table, boys: 9 girls: 1


Had Thanksgiving at Su's this year. My mom and her hubby came down because Samia, Su, and Lisa were all having babies in Nov/Dec (all 3 babies have arrived and are healthy, by the way)

4 comments:

Connie said...

Hey Anika, I still have those same feelings and my dad has been gone now for a year and a half. I know all too well what those feelings are and how hard some days can be. I haven't written in my journal since he was diagnosed with cancer. If you ever need to talk please let me know. I love you and am so sorry about your losses this year. You have a beautiful family.

bahecky said...

Love you, Nika! Glad you updated your blog! :)

Nate Kendra Olsen said...

It was great seeing you today. Too bad it never really goes how we would like huh? Thanks for making the effort. We just love you and your sweet family ;)

Mrs. H said...

Oh Nika, I'm so sorry about your dad and Jesse's grandfather. I'm so glad that you updated, but I'm sorry it was such a difficult fall that kept you occupied.