I'm So Thankful to be a Mother and to Have a Mother!

This lake is the Blind Lake on the Boulder Mountain. My mom and Brother in law Dan hiked in with me in 2006. It had been 20 years since I had been there and was so happy when someone would go with me agan!

My mom and Shaylee the day Shaylee was born.

My mom is the best mom a girl could ever ask for! She has been such a source of comfort to me my whole life. I have learned so many life lessons from her. She has taught me that even when I'm feeling down to not give up, to keep busy, and to be in service to others and to our Heavenly Father. From her I got my love of sewing, and creating. I enjoy so much spending time with her! I am eternally grateful to her for all she has done for me and all she has taught me!

My mom and dad in Alaska.

My beautiful family. I am so proud of them! Being a mom is the best thing I have ever done!

My Cado Potato! He's a keeper! He is always so concerned about his little sister. He shows such compassion to everyone, and I love his creative nature. He takes after his uncle Dan and is a duct tape master, and creates awesome things with paper. He came into my life when I needed him most, and he is my miracle baby. I am so thankful to a Heavenly Father who heard and answered my prayers and sent me this precious little angel.

Alyssa, Caden, Shaylee, and me carving pumpkins at my brother in laws ranch in Provo.

Me and Alyssa at Blind Lake on the Boulder Mountain. I am so thankful for Alyssa. She is one of my best friends! I don't know what I'd do without her. I love to sit and talk to her and hang out with her. She is so talented! I am amazed at the beautiful things she can draw and paint. She has such a tender heart and is so thoughtful and kind, and she is truely an angel here on earth! I want so much for her to have joy in her life, and I love her with all of my heart!

Jeffrey is my oldest child, and I'm so thankful for him! I'm so thankful that he came into my life when he did, and that he taught me patience, because before he came along I didn't have any! When he was little people would ask me how many kids I had, we would say five...Jeff counted for 4 of them, and Alyssa was the other one. He has always had so much energy! I love him so much and want him to know how proud I am of him. He has always been such a respectful and kind son, and I wouldn't trade him for anyone!

This is my Shaylee bug. From the minute she was born, that is what we called her. She has these huge blue eyes that are so beautiful, so we nicknamed her bug. She has recently informed us that her new name is Princess Shaylee, and does not like to be called bug anymore. How blessed I am to have her for my daughter. Every day she gets older and every day I am sad that she is growing up. I would freeze her in time if I could! She brings so much joy and happiness to my life, and gives my life such purpose!

Missing You More and More Each Day...

My dad served in the Eastern States mission where the Sacred Grove is located. My parents were able to go back and visit that part of the country in 2003.

You were called home two weeks ago today, and I miss you so much. We went out to visit mom on Sunday and all went to visit your grave. It still seems so unreal that you are gone. It's so strange to go home and see your empty chair and your empty bed. Your things are all still there and I can still smell your scent on your special pillow. I'm so angry at times, and feel so cheated that you had to leave so early, and be so sick for so long. I hope you know that I love you. There were times during the last two years when it was hard to know what to say to you, or what to do for you. At other times I know that you were so thankful just to have me there with you, hold your hands or rub your feet, and words were not necessary. And other times when I was able to tell you just what you mean to me and how much I love you. But still there wasn't enough time... I wish I could have taken your suffering away, and I wish you were still here. I know you are happy now, and I am so happy for you. Just sad for myself! Sad that the grandkids will never know you the way I know you. You were the best dad a girl could ever hope for, I love you dad, thank you for everything!