Grateful for all my sister-in-laws...

I think that I am so lucky to have blessed with so many WONDERFUL sister-in-laws.  I have 8 in total (Karen, Joanna, Jaqui, Verla, Corie, Rachel, Kimberly, and Crystal) and I couldn't be more lucky.  These women are all such examples to me and oh, so talented.  Each one of them are unique and bring many qualities that have enriched my life in ways that they probably don't even realize.  They are all such great moms and each have their unique trials but move through those trials with grace demonstrating to me and those around them their courage and conviction to what they believe.  I consider them all to be my sisters and I am truly blessed to have them in my life. They are among my greatest treasures!

Grateful for my brothers - Brett, Scott and Jared

I am pretty lucky to have been a big sister to my brothers and sister.  I think that my brothers are awesome.  They are great examples to me and they exemplify what it means to be family.  We all live so close to one another so getting together is always fun.  They are all such great dads and I love watching them with their children.  It reminds me of growing up with them.  I love their sense of humors and they way they treat each other.  I love how strong they are in the church and their testimonies.  I am truly lucky to have great brothers and I consider them my greatest treasures. 

Grateful for the Blessings of the Temple...

Since being in my new calling as Primary chorister, one of my favorite songs is "I Love To See The Temple".  I learned the first verse but until this year never even heard the 2nd verse.  For those that don't know, the 2nd verse says:

I love to see the temple, I'll go inside someday

To covenant with my Father, To promise to obey

For the temple is a holy place, Where we are sealed together

As a child of God of I've learned this truth

A Family is Forever

What a truly beautiful message.  I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple.  I am grateful to be sealed to the love of my life and our beautiful children.  I am grateful to know that our family continues into the eternities.  I am grateful to attend the temple often and imagine what it will be like in the Celestial Kingdom.  It helps to motivate and recommit to be better. I am looking forward to going through with each of our sons...well sort of looking forward.  

I am ecstatic that a new temple is being built so close.  I love to see it going up and every time I see (on my way to Costco) the words to the Primary song always pop into my head.  I truly feel blessed to live in this time when so many temples are going up and access is readily available.  I am grateful for the blessings of the temple and I consider them one of my greatest treasures. 

Grateful for my dad, Dave

Every little girl should grow up with a dad like mine.  I saw a vinyl lettering sign the other day that was for a little girl's room that said "Prince Charming did come - it was Daddy!"  Growing up, that phrase is how I felt about my dad.  Too me, there was no one stronger, more handsome or more invincible than him.  I knew that when I was with him, he would protect me and keep me safe. 

One of my dad’s greatest traits is his selflessness – something I think that he inherited from his mother.  My dad is always giving of himself.  Growing up, he always put our needs and the needs of our mom ahead of his own.  Another trait is soft heart and the way he feels passionately about things.  Growing up, I saw him become very passionate about things that he believed strongly in or if any of us was taken advantage of.  He also can be very emotional, something that he inherited from his dad and I inherited him.  He often jokes that he can’t watch a greeting card commercial without getting teary eyed.  I love that about him – he taught me that it is okay to show emotion either passion or humility in any circumstances, no matter who you are.
    

My dad has a strong testimony of the gospel. Over a year ago, at Peyton's blessing, he bore his testimony so that his children and grandchildren would know of his love of the gospel.  I cannot express to you the Spirit that was felt not only by me but by my boys as well.  Recently, Bryson, who really struggles with bearing his testimony because he gets overcome with emotion and the Spirit, bore his testimony again.  I was very simple and sweet.  I told him later how proud I was of him – and he commented “I remembered what Grampy said about a testimony is the things you know to be true – not a whole long talk – just a simple testimony.  So that is what I focused on.”  I am so grateful for a father and Grampy to my boys who continues to teach them even though he many not know it.  They know without a doubt that their Grampy knows that the church is true and loves the gospel with all of his might.  What a gift he has given to his children and grandchildren! 

I am grateful for my mom, Dianna...

I am so thankful for a mom who is involved and wants to be a part of my life.  From a very early age, my mom was volunteering for all kinds of extra activities so that she could be a part of what I was doing.  Countless concerts, pageants, talent shows, classes and various other activities and the one thing you could be sure of was that my mom was right there supporting me and helping me.  She made countless sacrifices for me and on my behalf.

The greatest attribute about my mom is that she is almost always positive.  Where ever she is, that is the best place to be - no matter where it is.  She always tries to encourage us to not be discouraged and not give into the disappointments of the world.  Very rarely do you see her sad or discouraged.

Her grand kids all love her.  They love how fun and silly she can be as well as how loving and caring as well.  I love watching her as she interacts with my older boys as well as how she is with the babies.  I love her very much and I admire her greatly.  She is another one of my most prized treasures.

Grateful for Jobs

Today I am grateful for our jobs.  In a time when many people are without jobs, I am grateful for my job and for Brian's.  I remember that when Bryson was in the 1st grade (and the school said I couldn't sit outside his classroom everyday waiting for him/making sure he was okay) that I was bored.  I had never envisioned my life past being a mom and wife.  But there was only so many times I could clean the house and we were going broke with all my shopping so I started looking for a new opportunity.  I have always been really blessed to work the hours that my kids were at school so I was home when they got home and usually off when they are off.

Last year at this time, Brian started a new job with InData and he has loved every minute since.  He is a valued contributor and he is held in high regard.  His team depends on him and knows that he will do what he is asked to do. I am so proud of him and the accomplishments he has made and continues to make each day.

I have worked for The Boeing Company for the past 5 years and received a promotion this week.  The promotion is one that I have applied for countless times but I recognize that timing is everything and getting the right person in the right job is key so I feel that this new job is the right opportunity for me and that I will be successful in it.  I am super excited for the new adventure and I am grateful for the jobs that we have.  They are one of my treasures. 

Grateful for Tender Mercies

I am grateful for tender mercies and all that goesalong with them. Tender mercies are those moments that are mostly small and simple but can have profound impact. One of my most favorite sayings "when God closes a door, He opens a window" - to me...those are tender mercies. I have tender mercies in my life all the time. And when I realize that I have been given that gift, I try to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father. I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and blesses me with tender mercies every day - some big and so small but all of them... I am grateful for!

Grateful for Freedom...

With today being Veteran's Day, I am grateful for this country that I live in and for all of the freedoms we enjoy.  I am grateful that I am able to worship the way I want to worship, pursue the things that I want to pursue, love who I want to love and do what I want to do without fear or retribution.  I am grateful to all of those who have given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy.  I am grateful for this country and it is one of things I am most grateful for. 

I am grateful for Sonic and Diet Coke...

Anyone who knows us well knows that Diet Coke is one of our family's food groups.  I know it's terrible and awful but we all have our vices.  We also LOVE Sonic.  It is difficult to find pictures where a Sonic cup is not in the background.  I am grateful for Happy Hour in the mornings and in the afternoons.I am grateful to a son who consistently thinks of me and our friends as he is coming home from seminary and stops for a Sonic for me.

I don't like anything fancy - no add-ins or extras... just a Rt. 44 Diet Coke!  And I consider Sonic drinks one of my greatest treasures. 

And Peyton...

Well, you should have known that Peyton was going to be today's gift that I am grateful for.  From the moment that we found out that Kyle and Ally were going to have a baby, we loved her.  They had waited so long and had such a difficult fight with Chloe that we couldn't believe that she was finally on her way.  I remember being in the OB's when they found out that Chloe was going to have a sister which was a relief because she wanted nothing to do with the idea of having a brother.  Allyson encountered all of the difficulties with Peyton's pregnancy as she did with Chloe's EXCEPT that this time her OB was only concerned with Allyson so some of the issues were avoided. 

From the minute Peyton was born, she had our whole family hooked.  Our boys get to watch Ally's girls while she works since they are in online school and I will never, ever forget that first day of them watching - Peyton was just about 7 weeks old..  Brian had been laid off so he was home with the boys.   I walked in and all 4 of my boys were on the couch completely exhausted because they had spent the entire day catering to the needs of this little baby.  Countless times, I would be met with them "shushing" me as I walked in so not to wake her up.  In their eyes, she can do no wrong and they just love her.

Our family is so grateful for the opportunity to live close to Peyton and share in her life everyday.  She definitely has her own personality and knows exactly what she wants.  She says a few words now like puppy and Dada and she RUNS everywhere cuz she wants to stay up with the big kids.  I hope that Peyton knows how much I love her and that she is one of my greatest treasures. 

I am grateful for Chloe...

I am grateful for Chloe and for all the fun that she brings into our life.  From the minute she was born, we have loved her.  Her entrance into this world was filled with drama and craziness and my bond with her was instant because of all the time I had spent with her and her mommy before she was born.  She is full of life and brings so much to my life.  I love that she lives only 7 houses away and can pop over just to see what we are doing.  I love that she likes to snuggle with me.  I love the way her eyes light up when she walks into church and finds us and then rushes to sit with me.  I love the way that she is "all girl" - high heels, sparkly jewelry and anything blink.  She loves to look through my closet for any shoes or jewelry.  If it is sparkly, full of blink or gaudy, you can bet that Chloe is going to love it!!

Our family is so thankful that Chloe is in our life and we couldn't love her more.  The boys think that she is so much fun and love her like a sister - they argue and fight like brothers and sisters and it just makes us laugh because they are cousins that act like siblings.  I hope that Chloe knows how much I love her and that I think she is one of my greatest treasures.

I am grateful for my sister, Allyson...

When my mom was pregnant with my baby sister, Allyson, I remember praying so hard that she would be a girl.  My mom even had an ultrasound and confirmed that she was a boy but that didn't sway me - I continued to pray.  Everyone was shocked when she was born and was a girl - but I was thrilled to finally have a sister.  Even though there is a pretty good gap in between our ages and we never got to share clothes or secrets, I love, love, LOVE having a sister.  The best thing about my sister is that she is my best friend.  We have lived close to each other for 7 years now and I love it.  I love that she helps keep me grounded and reminds me to stay calm at certain circumstances.  I love that she let me be there when her daughters were born to share that.  I love that she is an example to me of patience and understanding as well as unconditional love. 
 
I am so grateful for my sister Allyson and hope that she knows how much I love her.  She is one of my greatest treasures!

Grateful for the Gospel

On this Fast Sunday, I am grateful for the gospel and the invaluable part that it plays in my life.  I am grateful for the opportunity to fast and excersise my faith when asking for special blessings.  I am grateful for the gift of the atonement and the gift of repentance.  I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of temple work, temple marriage and the gift that familes are together forever.  I am grateful for all of the teachers and leaders who have helped shape the lives of my children and my life as well.  I am grateful for the priesthood and for all the sacred, special blessings that go along with priesthood ordinances and blessings.  I am grateful for the sweet promptings of the Holy Ghost and the whisperings that we receive when we least expect it.  I am grateful for the Primary children that I have the privledge of getting to spend time with each Sunday.  I love my Heavenly Father and I recognize His hands in all things.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is very special to me and I consider it one of my most precious gifts.

I am grateful for Bryson Albertus…

What a blessing Bryson is to our family.  Hayden was only 20 months old when I found out that Bryson was coming to our family but we were just as thrilled. My pregnancy with Bryson was less than ideal but and I was hospitalized for the majority of my pregnancy but I bonded with Bryson and when he was born, we were more in love than we thought possible. We thought Bryson was going to be a girl so the name we had picked out would not work so Bryson is a combination of Brian’s son and Albertus is Brian’s grandpa Albert that he was very close too. Once we saw him and as his personality has developed we knew that the name for him was perfectly fitting.

As many of you know, Bryson has struggled through a multitude of health challenges and on more times than I would like to count, Bryson should no longer be with us which has convinced us that Bryson is a very special gift and his work on this Earth must be great. His physical challenges still hamper him today but through it all he is always has a positive attitude.

Bryson is a perfectionist and everything that he sets his mind too he accomplishes. One example is that he was recently awarded his scouting rank of Life. He had set a personal goal to have his Life rank by the time he was a teacher so with 4 days left, he coordinated and collaborated with all the merit badge counselors, convened a Board of Review and was awarded his Life rank at the Court of Honor. Brian and I were so impressed by his tenacity and drive.

Bryson loves with his whole heart and is always quick with words of encouragement, hugs, and loves. He walks Chloe to school every day as well as home and he watches over her. He makes sure she is to her class and settled before he heads home. He is great with Peyton and works really hard to keep her happy.

Bryson is truly a gift from our Heavenly Father and we love him more than he could ever possibly imagine. He is the perfect end to our family and makes our earthly family complete. He is truly one of my greatest treasures.

I am grateful for Hayden David...

One of my most special gifts from Heavenly Father is our son, Hayden David.  Hayden entered this world under crazy circumstances and he was in a huge hurry to join our family.  Hayden was born 7 week early and was placed on a respirator after he had stopped breathing twice on the way to the NICU.  He was born with a hole in his heart and a host of other issues.  We had a different name for Hayden picked out but met our pediatrician during those very difficult first days and ended up naming Hayden after him.  From the moment, he entered our lives, I was smitten.  He wrapped his way into my heart and became an integral part of our family.

Hayden also carries my dad's name as his middle name and to say that they are similar is an understatement.  Hayden was blessed with the Hadlock temper which when he was little caused us some interesting moments but one of the things that I most admire about Hayden is that in his short years, he has learned how to control his temper and not let it get the best of him.  Hayden is proud of the fact that both of his names have significant meaning but he is most proud of the fact that he is named after his Grampy.

Hayden is what we call the peacekeeper of our home.   Hayden is one of those very easy-going guys.  He loves his family and his family loves him more than he knows.  Chloe and Peyton love to play and just hang out with him and he is so great with them as well - always willing to color, jump on the tramp or watch Strawberry Shortcake so that they aren't watching alone.  He honors his priesthood and is usually the "go-to" guy when things need to be done because of his enormous respect for doing the right thing. 


We adore and love Hayden very much and I want him to know how grateful I am for the opportunity to be his mom.  He is truly one of my greatest treasures. 

I am grateful for Hunter Brian…

 

From the moment Hunter Brian entered our lives, I have been wrapped around his little finger.  I had never imagined being anything more than a mom and wife and the moment I held Hunter I knew that my number one priority was my baby boy.  He arrived into this world under a little duress but once he got her, he just looked around taking it all in. 

Hunter has always been very busy and active.  He is so funny and has a great ease about him.  He loves his family, especially his brothers.  He has always looked out for his little brothers.  He used to call them “the brothers” and if he got a treat or something special, he always made sure that “the brothers” got one too.  He is very protective of his brothers.  Last year, he single-handedly saved Bryson’s life by paying attention and realizing that Bryson was in pulmonary distress.  That is a lot of pressure for a young man to deal with but he was calm and collected the whole way through until Brian and I were able to get there and take over.  In that moment, I realized that he was not a child but becoming a man.  

He honors his priesthood and demonstrates to us how to choose the right at all times and in all places.  He is not perfect but he strives to be and what more can a mom ask for.  He has earned the Stake President’s Honor award for the past 3 years and on track to earn it this year as well.  Countless times I have come into a room and he will be on his knees saying a prayer or reading the scriptures in an effort to be in the right frame of mind.  

He loves his cousins even though there is a large age gap.  When they all get together, he heads up games and activities for them to do.  He has a very soft spot for Peyton and Peyton loves him.  He walks into the room and she lights up.  Her reaction is a direct result of knowing how much he cares about her. 

 Hunter is truly a gift from our Heavenly Father and I adore him.  I am not sure what I did to deserve him but I am sure glad I did.  I love you Hunter – you are one of my most special treasures. 

My Most Special Treasure - The Love of My Love

This is by far my favorite time of year and this month in particular I get to think about all the things that I am grateful for.  One of the most precious treasures is my husband, Brian.  I have known Brian since I was 18 years old and I adore him.  I can’t believe how lucky I am to have him in my life.  He loves me in spite of myself sometimes and all the things that are considered annoying or over the top are the things he loves about me.  He supports me in all the things that I decide to do and is always there to help me when I need it. 

Brian honors his priesthood and fulfills his calling which can be very demanding at times.  Sundays are not the same as they once were anymore but he does what is asked of him whenever it is asked.  He is an example to me and our boys. 

 

He is a great, GREAT dad.  My boys think of him like one of their best friends.  Brian has always tried to let the boys find the things that they are interested in and then whatever it was has supported them and encouraged them to find hidden talents or interests even if he wasn’t in particularly interested at the beginning.  Each one of our boys carry the best qualities of Brian and each time I see them together I am reminded again how lucky and blessed I am.  Brian has always treated me with the upmost respect – never has he raised his voice to me or said something that is demeaning or harmful.  Our boys now emulate some of those traits as well.  I cannot tell you how many times I have been out with just my boys and they have stopped to open my door to get me in the car or meet me in the garage to bring in the stuff from the car without being asked.   Those traits are learned and they learned them from their dad.   

I have loved Brian for over half of my life and I am continually surprised and grateful how the love he pours upon me and our boys.  He is truly a gift that I treasure and I love him more than he will ever know.