In all things give thanks.

As I sit in Steve's hospital room at the close of 2015, I am reflecting on the past year. It seems appropriate to recognize all of the blessings in our life. And there are indeed many...Our first grandchild, Magnus turned 8 in February. In March we were able to watch as his dad brought him to the waters of baptism and witness Magnus make sacred covenants with his Father in Heaven. Later that same day, 3 generations of Chidester's stood before me as Steve and Matthew place hands on Magnus' head and Matthew confirmed Magnus a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was truly a joyous day!
 In April Stephanie graduated from BYU-I. While I was unable to attend due to a terrible kidney stone attack, through the magic of technology I was able to watch her walk across the stage as she received her diploma.
In early June we got to have the first of what I hope will be many visits from the Texas grand kids all by themselves. They stayed two weeks with us and it flew by much too fast. Looking forward to this summer with them again.
Later in June I was able to surprise my dad for his 80th birthday/Fathers Day. Jan and I had arranged it and the look on his face was priceless. We spent 5 relaxing days together with nothing planned but being together. It was the best visit ever. Of course I can't forget that my dad went out of his way to find us some dungeoness crab to cook. It s one of my all time favorites. Thanks dad!
July Sharon and I met up in Utah for a Stampin'Up! convention and some much needed sister time. My dear friend Patti for so many decades came and had dinner with us one night too, It was wonderful to catch up and sort of be a kid again.
August Steve and I belatedly celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary with a trip to Hawaii. It was the best vacation, the best time, the best weather, the best experience. It will be forever in my heart as truly a gift from God. I did not know it then but I would need that gift to carry me in the months to come.

With the exception of Magnus baptism, it would seem I have talked about a lot of temporal things but there is so much more. Steve firmly believes that we were being prepared for the challenges we are facing now, more than 23 years ago. Steve and I are native Californians and we had no reason to think that would ever change. God had a different plan that would put us right where we needed to be at this time in our lives.I am grateful for this knowledge and it is a comfort to me. I have also spent the past year serving with some amazing women in our ward Relief Society Presidency. We planned some fantastic service projects that really unified the sisters.I truly have a testimony that this was an inspired program for women. I have enjoyed this calling more than any other in my life (okay maybe equally with Young Women but who doesn't love serving with Young Women?). It has been a humbling and awe inspiring experience. I have been forever changed by it. I have also been able to observe the growth of Aaron on his mission.It never ceases to amaze me what the Lord can do with a 19 year old boy.
So what is in store for 2016? Well there are hopefully a college acceptance letter or two to come, babies to be born, graduations to attend, Priesthood ordinations to be performed, a missionary homecoming and maybe even a mission call or two...
What a loving Father in Heaven has in store for Steve - only he knows. I do know that he will be there for us every step of the way.Remember  Philipians 4:13