As I’ve sat down and thought about what I am grateful for this year, there have been so many things that have been swimming around in my head. Here are just a few of the things that I’m so grateful for this last year.

Brandon. This year has been tough physically for both of us. In the first few months of the year I was so miserable with morning sickness, and he was also sick during that time, but we really grew together and were able to feel the Lord’s hand in our life lifting us up and carrying us through the hard times. I’m thankful to have a husband who works so hard, and helps me with so many things.


Bennett. Having a new baby in my life again has been such a joy. I really struggled during my pregnancy with the idea of having another boy (not that I didn’t want a boy, but because I really, really wanted a daughter), but now that he is here I know without a doubt that he is supposed to be here in our family. And I’ve been given so many reminders to cherish every moment because you really don’t know the Lord’s plans and how long our loved ones have on this earth.

Kaden, Jamison, & Carter. I’m grateful to have these boys in my life to help me to learn, stretch and grow. Being a mom can be such a hard job as your kids are growing up and you are learning things right along with them, but there are so many wonderful moments. I’m grateful that kids are so forgiving and even when you make mistakes they still love you unconditionally.


Kate and Katie. These two ladies have been some of the best friends I’ve ever had. Going through this last year being pregnant together has been great. Katie helped me so much to know that having 4 boys was going to be ok, and made me feel like having that many boys doesn’t make you a freak (especially since she was on #5)! Kate spent the second half of her pregnancy walking on eggshells to try and not rub it in that she was having a girl, and even though I still knew she was excited it was so sweet to see her downplaying it to make me feel better. I also am just so grateful that I was able to be there for Elsa’s birth. It was an honor to be able to meet that sweet little angel. It has helped me to cherish every moment with Bennett and has helped to remind me that Heavenly Father has a plan for our lives. It’s not always the plan we would choose, but that trials do bring us closer to him if we let them. (oh and don't worry, after seeing this picture I will never wear that hat again!)

Amy. You are like a sister to me. I love knowing that I can talk to you about anything and you will be there. For me a perfect day is to get to come and hang out at your house and craft all day!!


My Sisters. Sherri and Brooke are truly the best sisters ever! I love that we talk on the phone almost every day (maybe not every day for Brooke since she has to go to stinkin work all the time ), and it’s great to have someone that you can call to just talk to about anything. a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9toN1jFZUbF_JHQwcrM0k527FUPWhzQ6aT4QAQSkRhTywn2Xrc-XTg9kv8wyJyg_PuTwsax5qyDMi73ETjIqV84YsyDqmjkNLL7B3KvJpHpAYHkfNV5uiN8Wxhc9UcQxDjsDXrUyboI/s1600-h/003.jpg">


My Parents. My mom has come up here twice in the last 3 months, and pretty much spent both times taking care of me and my family. She tries so hard to serve even when she doesn’t really feel well herself. And whenever my dad comes to visit he always finds some sort of project to work on and help me with. I’m very lucky to have such loving and involved parents. (This shot was taken at Yellowstone in 1982 when I was 1)


Nature. I have learned these last few years that I love to be outdoors. I just feel so much more happy and centered when I take the time to go out and enjoy nature. There so many amazing things to see and do, and I can’t wait for our next adventure as a family.




All the other wonderful people in my life. There are so many people in my life that I could list, but this list is getting pretty long. I’m grateful for all of the friends that I have, for Brandon’s family, and my other family. I’m grateful for the wonderful midwives who helped take care of me and Bennett through his pregnancy. They made it such an amazing journey. I’m grateful for the beautiful young women in my ward that I have the priveledge to work with, and for the women that I work with as well.

I could keep going, but I have too much laundry to do so I’ll stop now. Thanks to all of you who make my life better by being my friends.