'I'll be home for Christmas' - Perry Como

Last night as we sat down for dinner,
I couldn't help but think about next Sunday,
when all the chairs at our table will be full once again.

Only 3 more days!

'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' - Judy Garland

I spent this week-end decorating the house for Christmas.
It's the first time I've ever done it before Thanksgiving,
but I want our home to be ready for the return of our dear boys.
I want to stick to them like velcro
instead of going through boxes and untangling lights.

With the house fairly calm and Christmas music playing,
I can ponder and reflect as I arrange and re-arrange.
I am missing my Grandma Parks.
This will be the first Christmas without her.
I think one of the reasons I love Love LOVE
the Christmas season is because of her.
She seemed to start on December 26th, preparing for the next year.
She made everyone in her family a Christmas stocking
and Grandpa would hang them on their wall.
This is a picture of their wall I took one Christmas.
Now I have my family's stockings, handmade with love by her.

As I anticipate the arrival of our boys,
and the reunion of our family after so long,
I learn again what I already know.
Christmas is about family, and the little things.
I'll unwrap my gift this year as I wrap my arms around my boy
and the rest of my family at the SLC airport
on December 2nd at 4:45pm.
Baggage claim is sacred ground to me now.

The joy we will feel can be seen on the faces in this
Christmas picture of Gary's family taken so many years ago.
Gary's dad is the little tyke in front.
I never got to meet Gary's Grandpa Judd,
but I cherish this picture and the joy on their faces.
We have it in our kitchen year round.

This is a picture of Gary's Grandpa Okerlund
creating the perfect Christmas tree.
Sadly, I didn't get to meet him either.
But I hear wonderful stories about them both,
and get glimpses of them in my husband.

Joy to the World, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.

I sure hope the plane isn't late.

'I Like My Birthdays' - #283 LDS Children's Songbook

I don't remember how old Benji was when I took this
picture of him. He has always been a heart-breaker,
especially missing his two front teeth.
But his hairdo is the same...
spiked in the front with so much gel that
on Sundays he nearly pokes my eye out as he
lays his head on my shoulder at church.
Today he turned 13.
Good-bye baby boy.
Hello teenager? Really?
How did this happen?

'Feliz Cumpleaños' - #282 Children's Songbook

Today our Taylor,
Elder Judd to the Guatemalan people,
turns 21.
Happy birthday my son.
We're saving the celebrating until you return
IN 19 DAYS!

I've carried this picture of you and I
in my scriptures since you left.
I think I'll just leave it there.
You will never be this size again,
but you will always be my baby.

'Time in a Bottle' - Jim Croce'

I have been humming this tune in my head every time I think of my long lost blog. It's been three months since my last entry. We have been busy living life and I have neglected many projects. It's November and I feel like I'm barely getting my feet under me since the start of the school year! That's a new record for me. Nothing huge or different has happened in our family to blame it on. Maybe I've just been caught in the trap of thinking there's always more to do. Regardless of the reason, I know I will feel better as I catch up on a few things. It's been a fun few months, so in a nutshell and a few pictures, here's what we've been up to...

Catching up with a few Womens Conference Committee friends
before a religion class we enjoy together.
So fun!

Attending General Conference as a family.
A few of my favorites were this and this and this.
But seriously, how can you choose a favorite?
So grateful!

Enjoyed Lion King as a family.
So creative!

Recorded a song for this wonderful lady for her new CD.
What a blessing to finally work with this
humble, talented, witty woman.
So honored!

Loved every minute of a Judd family reunion,
in celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary
of Gary's parents. We spent a fun week-end in Midway...
...then we surprised them by attending the session
they were officiating in at the Manti temple on their exact anniversary.
Every child and their spouse.
That's the wish of my heart.
To have all of my children and their spouses,
hugging each other in the celestial room.
So blessed.

Now for a quick update on the kids...

King Benjamin started 7th grade.
My baby in junior high!
I've been a little more traumatized than him.

He'll be a teenager next week and seems to be adjusting JUST fine.
So adorable.

Parker is a sophomore, made the golf team,
and is our first Eagle Scout.

So proud!

Sarah is a junior and she and Parker are best friends.
They enjoy going to school events (like this pep rally) together.

Oh, and he got his learner's permit.
So dangerous.

On the same day, Sarah got her license.
So expensive.
The insurance, that is.

Sarah is having fun dating and went to Homecoming
with a big group of her good friends.
So happy.

Which brings us to our oldest two.
Spencer has been in Paris this semester on BYU study abroad
and seems to be loving every single minute.
He comes home in 26 days.
The day BEFORE...

Elder Taylor Judd returns from serving in Guatemala!
27 days!
His heart is breaking at the thought of leaving,
while mine is ready to burst with anticipation
and the joy I feel at the thought of having us all finally
back together again after three years.

Well, there you go.
Time in a bottle.
Wish it would keep.
Life is wonderful.

So, so grateful.