One More Post Before Printing...

 Another year has come and gone and it's time for me to again start transforming this years posts into my yearly blog book.  Before I do that though I figure I can end on How our New Years Eve was celebrated. First off the morning of New Years Eve was spent at Cecelia's younger brother Ben's funeral.  He passed away the day after Christmas after a life long battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  It was a wonderful service focused on the celebration of his life and him finally being able to fulfill his life long dream of serving a mission. His dad told a story that happened just 2 weeks prior to him passing that just amazed us all and tugged at your heart.

He said that one night around 10:30 Ben requested a blessing.  He made sure that Ben was aware of what time it was and wondered why it needed to be tonight.  Ben responded with, "Everyone keeps saying that I am perfect but I have my faults and struggles to.  I want a blessing to make sure that I can be forgiven."

It was one of the most touching stories I have ever heard, what an inspiration Ben is.  There are many lessons to be learned from his example.
That night we had our annual New Years Eve party at my parents.  We had delicious food and played games all night long.  I am so sad that the holidays have come to an end.  All of the parties and celebrations are over, well other than that today is Maddie's 21 Birthday.  So we still have one last party in us. With it being  Monday I read somewhere that they call it Blue Monday and that it is one of the most depressing days of the year, do to failed attempts at resolutions and the closing of the holidays.  We will try to make the best of it tonight though!

When Nic get's home we will have our family home evening and have it centered around goals and resolutions to work on.  Speaking of goals, this year I accomplished one that I am very happy about.  On December 16 I finished the Book Of Mormon and earned my young womanhood recognition as a leader.  It was a goal that I started working on in July.  I am so happy to have completed the Book Of Mormon but more happy about the habit of reading and studying that I have gained. One that I hope to never lose or break!