Monday, January 25, 2010

Private

If you made it here ... sorry to be a pain and make you sign in every time. I just felt like I needed to make my blog private. I had a creepy feeling after checking my recent "visitor paths." Thanks for being my blogging buddies!

Love ya!

Nana's Big Day!

This past weekend was a special occasion for our family, especially my mom ... SHE GOT MARRIED! We've had a good time teasing them about "dating" and "young love," but we really do love Jim and know that they are great together. It's great to see my mom so happy and she and Jim truly deserve each other.

I mean it when I say I was born to good parents. I love them both and appreciate all that they have taught me. It feels good to know that they have both found someone to share their lives with. I may not tell them this enough but ... I love you Mom and Dad and I wish you both a life full of happiness!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Special Day

Today is a very special day for Greg and I. On this day, 10 years ago, we received one of the greatest letters of our lives. It started off with 3 simple little words ... "It's a girl!"

Just weeks before we had all anxiously held our breath as we entered a new millennium. Remember all the hype over Y2K? What I remember most was wondering if I would ever be a mom and I specifically remember thinking, "Wow! What will my life be like 10 years from now?" And then, just like that my life was changed forever!

I think that the Lord knew that I was at the end of my rope. He knew that I was really doubting whether or not he was listening to my prayers for all of those years. But in reality, he was just telling me to wait. It wasn't the right time ... until January 20, 2000 - the day I learned that I would in fact be a mom.

The very next week we met an amazing young woman and we instantly loved her. I don't think that I have ever been as nervous as I was that day, but as soon as I saw her I felt calm and peaceful. And then a week after that I held my baby girl for the first time. That's right ... all in two weeks I went from utter despair to complete joy!

I love this little girl, or "tween" as she now refers to herself, beyond description. From the moment she entered my life, I KNEW that we were meant to be a family! She has always been loving, funny, smart, stubborn, happy and a ton of fun to be around. I truly cannot imagine my life without her.


So Sis ... I'm thinking about you today and I'm counting my blessings that we were blessed to get a letter 10 years ago with those simple words ... "It's a girl." Here's a few other simple words ... WE LOVE YOU!

Friday, January 8, 2010

The perfect way to start a new year!

This past weekend was one of the greatest experiences that I have ever had or will ever have in my life. We took Emersyn to the temple to have her sealed to our family for eternity.

I can hardly express how I felt when I saw my three little kids come into the sealing room, all dressed in white. It was powerful and as Josh and Kate both said, "I felt warm and good inside." Truly, truly amazing! I am extremely grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with the opportunity to be a mom and especially for being THEIR mom! I wouldn't change anything about how they each came to our family and I love them beyond words!

Thanks to all of our family and friends who were able to join us. It was fun to have you here for this very important occasion. We are grateful for all of your love and prayers.

To Greg, Kate, Josh and Eme ... I love you and I'm grateful that you're mine forever!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Christmas Day 2009

This year for Christmas we had the special treat of having my Grandma with us on Christmas morning. She and Grandpa have always been such an important part of our lives and it was fun to share this day with her. We couldn't help but miss Grandpa, but we know he was there in spirit ... probably wondering when we would eat next or who could get him a Diet Coke.

Thankfully Santa still found us even though we were at Nana's house. The kids were super excited about all of their gifts and Eme liked the idea of being able to tear the paper. Later that day my siblings came over (minus Jeff and Mel - we missed you guys!) and we ate a TON, played games and opened presents. As usual it came and went too fast, but we had a great time. You know it's been a great day when everyone is exhausted and you don't hear any complaining about going to bed. However, it seems as though the 4 youngest grandkids didn't get the memo about sleeping through the night and their parents' need for much needed rest. Oh well! Thanks for a fun and Merry Day!

Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas Eve has evolved over the years from an evening event, to an afternoon and evening party, to an all day adventure! Chris and DeDee hosted this year's festivities (thanks guys!) and we began with a delicious brunch. Then the kids went wild and the grownups relaxed. With six kids under the age of 10, it isn't exactly quiet, but it was fun. As is tradition at this time of year, we ate again and again ... far more than is necessary, but hey ... it's what we do! And finally, the night ended with gifts, a story and loves for Grandpa and Grandma.

Busy, BUSY December!

I must admit that I'm a little glad that December is over. I feel bad saying that because it's such a great time of year. But this year was particularly busy. So, now that I have a moment to breath, I'm trying to update my blog purely for the sake of my journaling.

On the 9th of December, we headed to court and finalized Eme's adoption. Such a great day and though we didn't need paperwork to tell us that she's part of our family, it felt good to get that done. You're officially stuck with us now Em!


Kate was especially busy in December with flutephone concerts at school, Nutcracker rehearsals and performances and a piano recital. We're proud of you sis for working so hard and we loved watching you perform.



Somewhere in between performances, school, shopping, wrapping, etc. we did manage to stick with our tradition of making gingerbread houses. Thanks guys for reminding me to have FUN along the way!





And though December was busy, I did realize that I have been really blessed this year. I know that 2009 hasn't been good to a lot of people, but for us this was a good year ... no, it was a GREAT year! We feel incredibly thankful for our health, Greg's good job, the gospel and most importantly ... each other! Who wouldn't be happy if you could look into these 3 little faces every day?

Josh's 7th birthday!

Since Josh's birthday is so close to Christmas, we tend to celebrate all month long. First he had a basketball themed friend party at the Rec Center. Tons of fun, but VERY wild - 12 boys ages 5-8. What was I thinking?


Then he decided he'd rather have his birthday cake when we had family in town instead of on his actual birthday. And then finally his actual birthday arrived! Breakfast in bed, a night out on the town as a family and a new bike! Happy birthday buddy! We love you tons and hope you had a good day!