The family

 Lately I've been thinking a lot about how grateful I am.  I have never been happier.  It's funny because life is harder now than it's ever been.  I know that Heavenly Father is blessing me with a better attitude.  I feel the love and prayers from others during this time of my life.  Somedays I just get so tired but I still manage to do everything I need to, and I know that it is because Heavenly Father loves me and is blessing our family. 

Many of you know that I struggle with depression.  What a crazy thing that is!  Slightly obnoxious... :)  But I have to admit that the lessons I'm learning from this "trial" are unbelievable!  I have found a strength that I didn't know I possessed.  I feel more capable, more loved, more loving, more confident that I have ever in my life. I feel more in-tune with the spirit.  I have an empathy for others that I haven't had before.  When I find myself judging someone I'm able to see their point of view better.  Sure I'm definitely not perfect, all I'm saying is that this experience is teaching me a lot about myself. 

When Sean was going to start this last semester I was so sick worrying about it.  I was going to have Logan in what I though was a couple months (turned out to be a couple weeks) and I was overwhelmed at the thought of two kids!  Let alone basically doing it on my own since Sean would be gone so much.  I was stressing about it a ton, and worried that my depression would make me incapable of handling such a task.  I think it was the fast Sunday in August, I couldn't fast since I was pregnant with Logan, but I remember feeling this overwhelming sense that there were people out there praying and fasting for our family.  I have continued to feel those prayers ever since.  The first couple weeks of having 2 kids and no husband went so smoothly.  I couldn't believe how well I adapted.  I was always amazed at how hard Sean was working, and still managing to spend time with us and help out a ton!  I know I couldn't have done it without the help of a loving Heavenly Father.

I say it all the time, but Sean is my hero.  He is truly amazing.  He got straight A's this semester!  He never complained about his crazy schedule once.  He always kept a positive attitude.  On top of school and work he managed to still be an incredible husband and father.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I spend a lot of time at my parent's house.  I am so grateful to live so close to them.  They are a huge help!  Always willing to let my kiddlets come play, or babysit them.  I have such a close relationship with my own mom now that I'm a mom.  I look up to her so much!  I am so lucky to have such an awesome example.

I have never been so grateful that we have the opportunity to be together forever.  Being sealed in the temple was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  With all the crazy stuff going on in the world, I am so grateful to know that I can be with Heavenly Father again, that he has a plan for us, and that we can truly find joy.  Below I've copied the Family: A Proclamation To The World.  I know it to be true scripture.  You can find more information at www.lds.org, or at www.mormon.org.

 
The Family: A Proclamation To The World:
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.