Getting Back

Turns out trying to get a little boy back on schedule is not so fun.

Thanksgiving Holiday

We took advantage of the long weekend and had a little holiday in Anacortes. Our good friends Wade and Ellie joined us for the getaway. Spencer arranged for us to stay in a little cabin at Pioneer Trails RV Resort. The log cabins were, well, quaint.
On Thanksgiving day we drove to the top of Mt. Erie and visited Deception Pass State Park. The beach was very refreshing and provided beautiful panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On Friday we visited the lovely little town of La Conner. It's full of adorable shops, art galleries, and charming streets. We had a wonderful time strolling around. My favorite store was a children's boutique called Childhood Bliss. I found some great gift finds for Van.
Saturday we packed up our things and headed further north to Vancouver. That night we enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner courtesy of James. It was nice to gather with friends and family for the weekend.

11.21.08

11.19.08

Giving Thanks - Family

I am ending my week of thanks with family. I am so grateful for my wonderful family. I've been blessed with amazing siblings and fabulous parents; not to mention the great family I married into. I'm grateful for the love and support they have shown Spencer and I over the years. We have been showered with service, graciousness, and kindness. How lucky we are to be the recipients of so much love. Thank you so much to all of you. We love you very much.

Giving Thanks - Van

What can I say? I love this guy. I am so thankful for Van and all that he is. To me, he is perfect. He makes my life a little bit brighter each day. I'm grateful for his happy, fun personality; his love and his innocence. He's an adorable boy with a beautiful spirit. I have enjoyed watching him grow and change these last few months. He has learned so many new things. He laughs, rolls, puts himself to sleep, sucks on his toes, grasps things, and gets a kick out of other kids. My life is fuller because of him and I'm so grateful that he is mine.

Giving Thanks - Health

Today I am grateful for good health and well-being. I'm thankful for the body I've been blessed with and that I have the energy to accomplish all of my daily responsibilities; to care for my son and laugh with my husband. I'm grateful that Van and Spencer are both happy and healthy as well. How lucky we are to have our health.

Giving Thanks - Education

I've been thinking a lot lately about how blessed I am to have a college education. I'm grateful for the knowledge I received while attending university, as well as the sense of security I feel knowing that I have a degree. I'm grateful for the education that Spencer has as well. I know that we are better off because of it and that our life is a little bit richer. Many thanks BYU-Hawaii.

Giving Thanks - The Restored Gospel

When I was walking the hall with Van during church today I stopped to look at this painting. Within moments Van looked up at the painting and began smiling. His eyes were bright and his face was beaming. He started to coo as well. My heart was filled with joy and love as I watched my little boy recognize our Savior. He knew him, in the same way that he knows me or Spencer. This was a testimony to me of the premortal life. I'm grateful I was able to have this little experience today, but even more grateful for the restored gospel.

Giving Thanks - Spencer

I am grateful for Spencer. Today he let me sleep in, took care of Van all morning, made me french toast for breakfast, arranged for an afternoon of shopping in Seattle and an evening out for dinner. He made me feel so special. He's the best dad and an amazing husband. He's thoughtful, kind, loving, and generous. (Not to mention intelligent, witty, and handsome). Because of him, I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with Van and I love that. He's my best friend and I love him. Thank you Bud for giving me this perfect day. It meant the world to me.