Thanks

We had so much fun being able to spend more time with Grandma and Grandpa Crandell. We wish they lived closer so the visits could be more regular. Tayla loves them too! Usually Tayla is a bit shy and really reserved around people she isn't in regular contact with, she also usually freaks out if we leave her with them or even if we aren't right next to her. Not with Grandma and Grandpa! She loves them and had no problem with them holding her or anything. The first night we arrived only about 30 mins after getting there we went across the street and Tayla didn't even care! She stayed and played with Grandma and Grandpa. I loved watching them interact with each other. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for being so great and loving and "allowing" all 40ish of us invade your cabin for a wonderful holiday. You guys are the best we love you so much!







And with that I will kinda do the thanksgiving thing that I had planned for before I had left. Above everything, I am so eternally grateful for the opportunity I have to be a mother. I think my kids are the greatest and often wonder why Heavenly Father sent them to me. You don't appreciate things as much as when you're a parent. Especially now that I have my second I am really having my eyes opened as to how quickly it all passes. My little "baby" girl is only 4 short months away from being two! I'm so grateful for the joy and laughter that the kids bring into our home. They each have such special spirits and is easy to see how close to our Heavenly Father they really are. As strange as it is with how loud they make our house, they are the ones that always bring me peace. I'm grateful that I can "escape" from everything else to play pretend with Tayla and read her books 'til my voice is gone, or just sit and giggle or snuggle with Gavin. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to try to see some things from their eyes and point of view, such innocence. I am so grateful at how much she loves her baby brother, and how much he loves her; I know they are going to be the best of friends! I'm grateful for I am so grateful for my parents. They have taught me so much. They have stayed by my side even when I didn't want them to and they have truly loved me unconditionally. I would be so lost without them. They are definitely the two greatest and best influences in my life. I'm also grateful forhow much they love my kids and how close they are to them. I'm grateful for all my in-laws and the things they have taught me. I'm grateful for my grandparents on all sides that all seem to have the most amazing "old" wisdom to share. I'm grateful for my husband and the opportunity he has given me to be a stay at home mom. I couldn't ask for anything better. I'm so grateful for the simple things in life and the little moments that I'd miss if I wasn't paying attention. I'm grateful for the Church and it's teachings. I'm grateful I was raised with the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a very real thing n my life. I'm grateful for the comfort it gives me when things aren't always as they seem and I'm grateful for the knowledge that I always have someone on my side who I can always turn to. I'm grateful to be able to be teaching these things to my children. I'm grateful for my life; the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. It has made me who I am and brought me to this point in my life. Thanks to all of you who are a part of it!