Monday, March 22, 2010

Ready for March To Be OVER

As you can probably tell by the title of this post and the lack of posting over the last week, March has not been a very fun month for my family. However, we DO have one truly FABULOUS adventure on the horizon...

We leave this week to spend two weeks in sunny Florida and hope to spend some time with Tony while we are there. It is a much needed break and we look forward to being together as a family for a little while before Tony's 6-month deployment is over late next month. I made these little notebooks for the kids to gather autographs throughout the park during our Disney World visit. I love that the cards inside are blank so I can scrap them later with the pictures I took with the characters and the kids. But if I know my kid at all, Josh's will still be empty at the end of the trip. Although he is convinced that Pluto will be on our plane. Whatever.

Because we'll be getting back near the middle of April, I wanted to have our visiting teaching gifts done before we left. April is such a wonderful time with the beginnings of Spring and the chance to remember and appreciate the gift of our Savior. Here is the quote we used:

“Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, ‘I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].’ ” ~Jeffrey R. Holland

I attached it to a box of our very favorite Easter candy (ha ha!) and added "Happy Easter to one of our favorite "peeps."

As I've said before, this month has been a challenge for our family. We found out this week that my father is very ill. It would be inappropriate for me to say anything more...he is such a wonderful man and is fiercely private. But the thought of losing my father has brought our family to it's knees pleading for hope and strength. It has made us even more grateful for the loving Atonement of our Savior. 


Daddy...we love you to infinity and beyond.

22 comments:

Montay said...

You are one STRONG woman !! Enjoy your vacation. Best wishes for a peacefull heart concerning your father at this very important time in both of your lives.

Marisa said...

I LOVE that talk, it has given me great peace and strength in the last year. Every talk he gives is so incredibly strong. Hang in there, cry when you need to and find reasons to laugh!! I love you lady!

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

We'll be in DW next week, too! I can't wait.

MooreInterest said...

Oh, Amber. I have had this feeling for the past two weeks about YOU! It was the Holy Ghost wasn't it? I think, we went through a similar situation last year with my father? But I do KNOW the Comforter helps....I'll keep prayin' for all of you! If you need me......call.

Bonnie B. said...

So sorry to hear about your dad...praying that all goes well. And have sooooo much fun on your trip!

Eloise said...

I hope that you have a wonderful time in Florida and that you receive a good report on your dad. Praying for all of you!

Cherie said...

I am sorry to hear about your Dad! I know that in times of trail Heavenly Father really does bless us with what I call Tender Mercies. When things get so overwhelming somehow the small day to day things tend to work themselves out. We have seen this happen in our lives over the last few months with Kalani's cancer. I hope this will be true for you and that you will be able to enjoy a wonderful trip with your family!

Leenz said...

Great quote! Looking forward to seeing you and giving you a squeeze. I love peeps and your dad for that matter. We're thinking of you.

Jeni said...

I LOVE those fun and bright books you made for the kids!

The news about your dad is so sad. I owe him a big Thank You for having you! You are one of my favorite 'peeps'!

Have a dreamy time on your vacation...you can make lots of great memories for your 3 kids to last them hopefully more years than your dad is old.

Anonymous said...

Amber, my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending lots of love to your dad!
On a lighter note.... go and enjoy a much needed vacation with your family!

Anonymous said...

Oopps....
Chery

ejnorton said...

Thinking of you and wishing you much happiness in the happiest place on earth. You deserve it! May peace and comfort be with you while you deal with your dad's illness.

BeckyRuss said...

Hope you have fun in Florida. It will be so nice to have your family all back together again. I'm so sad to hear about your dad. It's a numbing, shocking feeling when you find out this kind of news. I hope you know that i love you and I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. If you ever need someone to talk to who knows what you're going through, I'm here. Love you!

becky said...

I'm thinking of you, Amber! Wishing you the best on your vacation and also for your dad's health.

Rosanne said...

I'm sorry for the news of your father. Be strong.

Also, love the autograph books! And once again the VT gifts. I'm excited to copy that too. ;) Have a super April - you deserve it! I admire you.

Much love!
rrh

Green Eyed Girl Crafts said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you! Huggies! Vicki

The FOUR M's... said...

Thank you so much for sharing that quote -- it's perfect for the RS lesson I get to teach this Sunday!

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family -- I hope your Dad will be okay, and pray the spirit will give you peace and comfort.

BERG said...

Amber, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Please have fun in DW. We are going down to Tampa next week Ed is flying down there. I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Love, Becce

Walker said...

Again, you are so creative! Sorry to hear about your father - you are in my prayers. Miss you!

Kyndra said...

Amber, thanks for this post. I'm sorry this has been a hard month and I'm sad to hear about your father. Enjoy your trip to Florida and I'm excited that you get to be with Tony!

Amy said...

I've been trying to get ahold of you and I must have the wrong number. You've been on my mind so much lately and now I know why. Call when you can and in the meantime know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending lots of love.....

Jenni said...

Amber, I am so sorry to hear that your dad is sick! I will be praying for him! I also hope you enjoy every single minute of your vacation, and that April is a much better month for you all than March!

Oh, and Happy Easter, a little bit early!