"They will hold." What Aragon said when Gandolf told him he would find reinforcements on the 5th day. The people of Rohan were going to the fortress of Helms Deep to flee from the army of Saurumon. "The defenses will HAVE to hold."
"They will hold."
There was no doubt or question in his answer. "They will hold."
I have watched the 3 Lord of the Rings movies a lot the past few weeks. I know many people would not understand. But there are those who understand perfectly. That these movies, and the truths that are evidence in them are a source of strength. An analogy of all that is hopeful. Enduring to the end, never losing faith, and that THE SUN WILL RISE. If we can just hold on, as best we can, even though the enemy is beating down the gates, and the walls are caving in. Even if our courage hangs by a thread. If we can believe in eachother, and stand together, even though we think the night cannot possibly get blacker, and then it starts to rain. If we can gather our resources of strength about us and fall back when we have to, but still never surrender...the reinforcements will arrive.
I am waiting for the reinforcements. Struggling against everything that I feel is stacked against me. Being so depressed about the circumstances that I am currently in. Pretending to be happy and optimistic, when in reality I feel hopeless and scared about getting through the next couple of months. I try to live my life like nothing has changed. Trying to stay happy and make life fun for my kids, and myself. I try to find things to look forward to, but my schedule is starting to catch up with me. Between working extra hours whenever I can and taking classes to re-certify, I am getting pretty used up. Physically and emotionally. It's hard. And I have days when I am mad about the whole situation and start to place blame...on Jeff. Even though he is wonderful and I know he is trying, it's hard. But then I watch the Two Towers again, and I remember: My defenses will have to hold. I don't know how long this is going to take. The night is dark. The Orcs are pounding and chanting at the gates, and it is just about to rain. But I know if I can get through the night...if I can just continue to be in survival mode...if I can keep fulfilling my callings and keep my faith even when things are hard, the sun will rise.
I just hope it's soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQPFwgQi8z8
Jacquie and Hannah, my sweet BYU nieces came over to make cupcake pops
And being the creative geniuses that they are, they took cupcake pops to a whole new level. 
Even Bakerella herself would be proud. In fact I am going to have to send her a few photos of these. 
It started with Mario Mushrooms, and then each cupcake pop became more creative and elaborate than the last. 
Jacquie's pot of gold... 
The owl and the penguin... 
But I have to say...the winner of the night, was....HANNAH'S EVA!!!!!
But Jacquie, I love all of yours too!
He was even in the paper when he was in High School for making a huge Dragon out of snow with his friends. 
