My Joy is Full

I've heard it said that true joy is found in the family. I couldn't agree more! Every opportunity that I have to be surrounded by the family that I love reminds me of that joy. This Christmas was filled with joy, both girls and their husbands and their babies were home.

We had a family count down - Jordan - was going to come home from his mission in January. We had fun plans, Heather was going to stay for that event with Talmage (Jim needed to go back to NY and law school), Ashleigh and Logan and Kai couldn't stay (we were sad but understanding) and the rest of us were just waiting for the day.

The day finally came and this raucous group was at the airport to welcome Elder McKee (Jordan) home!

We sat/stood at the bottom of the escalator and waited "patiently" for him to come down!

Finally, he showed his sweet little face, and I felt joy!

All the boys got a chance to pose with him.

The girls grouped together and took their turn as well.

He was filling like a fish out of water after his formal release. We stopped by his all time favorite place to see if a few Jimboy tacos could cheer him up!

We had several parties and events planned after Jordan came home. One of the first events was "Thanksgiving take 2" Jordan's favorite holiday was brought back in January. Some very good friends of ours, Jim and Tracy Steed, surprised us with an extra side dish at our meal! Ashleigh, Logan and Kai! When they came in, it took me a few seconds to compute and then I started to scream and jump up and down. Heather was crying, babies were screaming (scared by MeMa's crazy reaction), the house was electric and I was full of joy!

The cousins got to get reacquainted in a shared bath. Look at the joy on their faces! They are already learning that family is the best blessing on earth!

Another event was held at Aunt Michelle's house. Two days after our Thanksgiving take 2 we had Christmas! This is an annual event that we have that is an all day celebration with the best food you can imagine! It was a beautiful January day and cousin Samantha was sweet enough to be our photographer. (missing is our Columbia boy Jim - we are going to work on photo shopping him in!) How could your joy not be full with a rare opportunity like this!

Sadly, the time came WAY TOO QUICK to start saying our good-bye's again. Logan, Ashleigh and sweet baby Kai had an early morning flight out. Kai had no idea at this point that he was going to be in airports and cars for the major part of the day! Poor baby! He got sick while in California and we felt bad for that cute little trio!

Uncle Jordan kept Talmage busy so his mom could pack for home after a 5 week visit. I love the imagination that is happening here!

The next good-bye came, Heather and sweet baby Talmage had a late night/early morning (whatever way you'd like to look at it) flight. I felt so bad for this poor baby, he was fast asleep in his stroller and once they got to security they told Heather that she needed to take him out of the stroller, remove his slippers and his coat to go through security! How happy would you be with a rude awakening like that! Honestly, do terrorist really wear Elmo slippers?

Heather got to spend the remainder of the night struggling with a two year old that couldn't figure out why he couldn't just go to his regular bed! Sorry Heath, thanks for making that sacrifice to be home with us!

That just leaves us with these two Monkey's for a few short months and then the good-byes will begin all over again! Ugh!

Even though my kids are scattered all over the place - my joy remains full! They are beautiful adults, inside and out, who are striving each day to follow our Savior and keep His commandments. Great joy is felt as I watch them raise their family in righteousness.

JOY - it's wonderful!