Thankful

Today I made a 2nd Thanksgiving Dinner for my family, as if making it once all by myself wasn't enough. But, we are so blessed and have so many things to be grateful for. We went around the table and said things we were thankful for. Here are few things:

Carson- Thankful for food, juice, family....
Austin - Thankful for our house, mom, plants, gospel....
Amanda - Thankful for ALL my boys, water to play in (I asked the boys what we do when we go to North Carolina and at the same time said "Jump off the dock!"), good friends....
Billy - Thankful for family, all our freedoms, gospel....

We are all very thankful to have Jackson in our family. He is still the best baby. Every time I look at his perfect little face, my heart swells. I just love him so much!!!!!! Too bad he couldn't have some yummy food on Thanksgiving!

Life is good

I just got the news that I have been dreading to hear since last night. My uncle Mike's plane was found and he did not make it. Since I use this blog as part of my journal, I thought I would write about it. Mike Loveless is the real person who coined the phrase "Life is Good". I would hear it dozons of times each time I was with him - way before all the t-shirts, hats, and coffee mugs had it printed on them. I am going to miss him so much, but I know this is exactly the way he would like to go, doing something he loved and living life to its fullest. I am amazed at the comfort I feel. I have been fasting and praying since I heard the news and I knew this would be the outcome and it will be ok. My heart goes out to my cousins Spencer and Mika, and my aunt Colleen, I have never seen a couple show affection so openly. They are like a couple of newly weds non-stop!
Mike has taught me many things like:
*how to waterskii
*that it is possible to eat food off a street corner in Mexico and not get sick
*that it is a lot more fun to hang out on a beach on Christmas instead of doing presents
*really take in the moments around you and live it up
*find the true beauty in Lake Powell
*that a 50 yr. old can do more back flips in a row on a wakeboard than his 20 yr old son just to prove he can - what is Mike's record 8 ?!?!
*and most importantly to live each moment to its fullest and show the ones that mean the most to you that you love them and love the time you get to spend with them. I know there isn't one person that he knew that doesn't know that he loved them, because I know he loved me. I love you Mike.

Dancing

I think in another life I must have been a dancer. I wish I could do it more and just LOVE watching REAL GOOD dancing like this. I was watching this and Carson started watching with me. He said "I like the mom best, because your a mom and your beautiful." OK, can you not just die when you have your best buddie tell you that!! I love you so much Carson! You are such a little sweetheart and made your mothers day!

Columbia River Temple

So guess who forgot about the time change on Sunday? Yes, you guessed it. US!!
When there were no cars in the church parking lot it dawned on us. So we went to the temple and for a drive to over look the city and see all the leaves changing colors. It's amazing what you can do with an extra hour!

Jackson's Blessing

I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband that is always worthy to bless our family! Babe you mean the world to me!

Billy gave a great blessing and we had fun having both our parents and our friends over to celebrate. Thank you everyone for coming!

My Aunt Carol and Uncle Lee made the trip down from Zillah. She made this beautiful cake. I really think it was the best cake I've ever had! Thanks Carol! So good to see you, Lee, and Becca!




Jackson, you will never understand how much you mean to me. I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life. Thank you for your sweet spirit and for being such a joy in our family. I lova lova you!!!!!!!!

You can't beat a good donut game! I was wondering why all the kids had white powder on their faces - too funny! Marshall ( a young man in our ward that my boys adore) had way too much fun teasing Austin and Carson!



Carson's 2nd attempt!
The little cheater!

Halloween!!!!!!

Stoneridge Resort

We went for a mini vacation in Oct. to Stoneridge in Idaho. It was last minute and we were only able to stay a day and a half, but it was wonderful every minute. Even the drive was pleasent. I never knew that having the 3rd row to seperate the kids would be so great! It was very secluded and beautiful there. We played wally ball, pickle ball, twister, mini-golf, and horse shoes. The kids were swimming most of the time, they also did a craft and played air hockey. We took a walk before we left. The trees were so beautiful. It was so fun hanging out with the Hansen's! Thanks for the invite guys! Can't wait for next time!