December 18: William’s pretzels, James’ interview and Peter’s allergies

 A beautiful Sunday is so many guys dress of ways! The snow is still deep, and the icicles are hanging from everything. It is cold! And not wearing a coat outside means you can’t make it far without freezing. It just feels like Christmas weather wise in a way it hasn’t for a few years. Having lots of snow all December has been a blessing not to be taken for granted! I love our home and I love our ward. I love being able to drive around and see the snow and the cozy houses and at night all the lights. 

Today I had ward council, then church which was wonderful. Grateful for the sacrament. And then ward youth council. We have so many good things happening with our youth right now. And maybe 11 will be coming to Young Women’s after the new year! So exciting! We may split the classes, but we shall see. Sadly though I heard today that Ava, one of our new girls attempted suicide. That just breaks my heart. She’s so young and how hard for her mother.  I hope they can help her at the hospital and find some things that can keep her safe and recovering. And some long term solutions to her anxiety. Lots of prayers for her and her mom.  And Annie didn’t come today because she had nothing to wear. Probably because her mom doesn’t do laundry. My heart breaks for Annie too. She is so often neglected. I wish her parents would take care of her and help her be able to be clean and safe and have the things she needs. I know they have struggles too, but Annie never seems like the priority that she should be for them. I am taking some dresses over to her tomorrow. And dinner for Ava’s mom. I am inspired by the way William seeks out ways to serve on his own. Giving plates of treats to neighbors and friends with sweet handwritten notes. He is awesome and I’m so proud of him. And James will be getting the priesthood on New Year’s Day! He had his interview and was found worthy. He’s excited to serve Christ and get to know Him better and try and be more like Him. What a great kid! And Peter is amazing too. Had some good talks with him. I appreciate his candor and honesty and his willingness to work hard! I love him and am so grateful he’s made it to 16 with all his allergies! Seriously he has had a rough go lately. Yesterday he was allergic to some facial soap and at dinner at my moms he started reacting to something at her house. Probably the stolen from yesterday. Dinner was great and it was so good to hang out and play games with mom and Stan. But Peter needed two Benadryl. He’s doing g better now. Thank heavens. I am so thankful for him and the joy it has been being his mom!! I hope he knows and feels that. Just a beautiful good day and the Savior has felt close. His Grace is sufficient for all of us. And we can do all things through Him. He strengthens us. I am so thankful we can celebrate His love and birth. And thankful for His infinitive love.