My Little Man

Today my little man turns 7 years old. I can hardly believe it! Where has the time gone? He's growing up WAY too fast and I know all too soon he'll be headed out on a mission. But for now, I'm just going to love my little boy! Here are just a few things that I love about my Josh man:


1. He is a mama's boy! He LOVES to hug and kiss me and tells me about 100 times a day that he loves me! What a sweetie! I ask him if he will always be my little man and he assures me he will.

2. He is a BUNDLE of energy. Sometimes he has a little TOO much energy, but then I stop and think how grateful I am that he's healthy and able to run around.

3. He has a VERY tender heart! He loves everyone and treats them with kindness. His teacher this year (Miss Webster, who is AMAZING!) tells me all the time how he's nice to the "not so popular" kids. She even tears up when she talks about Josh. I am so proud of him.

4. He is GOOD! Now, by NO means is he perfect! He does love to tease his big sister and cause mischief. But he is a great little helper, is obedient most of the time and tries to do what's right.

5. I love the way he prays. The past few months Greg and I have noticed that his prayers have started to be more meaningful. For example, the past 2 weeks he has prayed that Grandpa Wally and the twin brothers will be safe with Heavenly Father. How cute is that?

I could go on and on for days about him, but suffice it to say ... I LOVE MY JOSHY! He (and his sisters) are such a miracle in my life! When I saw his amazing little face 7 years ago on Christmas Eve, my heart melted! He was THE best Christmas gift that I have ever received! I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for helping him to come to our family and I thank him every day for the blessing of being Josh's mom.

I love you buddy! Happy birthday!

Mom

A Man Who I Love With All of My Heart

Today we lost a man who I love with all of my heart ... my Grandpa Wally. I am sad beyond words, but know that he is in a much better place and his suffering has come to an end.

My grandpa meant, and will always mean, the world to me. He lovingly gave all of us nicknames and mine were "Jilly Bean" and "light of my life." I can still hear him say, "Hello sweetheart!" every time we saw each other.

To list the hundreds of memories that I have with him would take days, but here are a few of my favorites:

- Camping at Wasatch
- Getting him a diet coke and having him offer me a sip for a kiss
- Spending one on one time with them in St. George
- Watching the way that he adored my Grandma
- Listening to him sing "Happy Birthday"
- Having sleepovers at their house when I was younger
- Having him "crack the egg" on my knee

and many, many more! He and Grandma have been a HUGE part of my life ... always making an effort to be at the important events, sending cards or making phone calls, and above all else ... showing unconditional and unending love for all of us AND for each other.

I am so grateful to have had him in my life for all of these years. I'm grateful that my kids got to know and love him as I do. I'm thankful for his incredible example of devotion and faith.

I love you Grandpa!

Neighbor Gifts 2009

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I'm shocked to realize that November has come and gone and here we are ... December 2nd already!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are grateful for all of the blessings that we have enjoyed in 2009! We were with my mom this year and she hosted 43 people for dinner! It was wild and crazy, but lots of fun and very delicious! Unfortunately I didn't really get any pictures, so the memories will just have to live on in my mind. Of course, what would Thanksgiving be without a little shopping on Friday. NO! We did NOT get up at the crack of dawn, but instead decided that we preferred sleep over sales this year! Then of course, the annual Family Christmas Party! It was a great weekend and fun to be in Salt Lake again.

Then it was back to reality - unpacking suitcases, 7 loads of laundry, dragging out the Christmas decor, school and homework, planning Josh's bday party, etc., etc. So, Monday night we let the kids have at the Christmas tree. (Shhh ... don't tell them, but I rearranged their work. I know, I know, I should have left it, but I couldn't sit and stare and 12 bells all clumped together in a 12 inch square. Children ... please forgive me if you are reading this someday!) It's so fun to have 3 stockings hanging from the mantle this year!



To really get us into the spirit of the holidays we had Greg's work party last night. I can't believe that he's already worked for SJ&R for almost 11 years! It's lots of fun to get together with everyone and see how their families have grown. The food was delish, the company great and the most exciting part ... SANTA made an appearance! Now ... some of you may not "believe" in Santa anymore, but I'm telling you what, this guy is the REAL deal! He comes every year, let's the kids AND adults answer questions and has THE most amazing costume and beard of any Santa around!

During Santa's question time, Josh raised his hand and humbly asked if he was on the good list or the bad list. (How cute is that?) Santa told him that he's mostly been on the good list and Josh's face lit up! Whew! Good news from the big man himself! Kate got to be Santa's helper and hand him the gifts. Everyone had a good chuckle when her gift was the 2nd one out of the bag! She was quick to point out that she didn't do it on purpose. Hmmm! And of course the highlight of the night was when Eme got to sit on Santa's lap for the first time. She immediately grabbed his beard and quickly found out that it was real AND attached! Sorry Santa!

Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy your holiday season!