Christmas 2013

It has been a while since I have updated the blog, then again it has been a crazy month for us here in Ohio.  We were truly blessed this Christmas by the generosity of others. It was a particular hard week, and I remember a good friend calling and saying that some people have gotten some gifts for our kids, not only 20 minutes later a different friend texted me and asked if I could come outside for a minute, she was in our driveway. I went out, already teary from my last conversation, and sat in her car and talked for a few minutes. She said that some people wanted to make our Christmas a little brighter, so she gave me an envelope. She made me promise we would do something fun, and not pay bills. I gladly accepted that!! I thanked her, went inside, still amazed by tender mercies and how without a doubt prayers are answered by those willing to accept the promptings. I came inside and opened the envelope and cried, Londyn asked why I was crying and I told her that someone gave us some money, and she said then why are you crying? I told her they were tears of joy! I counted the money and couldn't believe it, but it was literally 10 times what we had paid in tithing just two weeks before. I am amazed how things in our life can feel like such utter chaos, but yet feel so calm at the same time. I am grateful for peace, comfort, and the knowledge that Our Savior does know us, he does answer our prayers, and he is there to help us when we think we can't handle anymore.  I truly am grateful for the past year , yes it has been hard, yes it feels like it has been a million years, but I think it has been worth it. Our peace and comfort we are granted daily outweighs any anxiety we might have about our future.  Enjoy some pictures of our kids, in their new Christmas Jammies. Merry Christmas on January 24, 2013 Love the Hokanson's