Thankful

It was a cool 40ish degrees when I stepped out of the car last night, hearing the sounds and smells I’ve missed for the past few days. “Mom, mom, mommy!” I hear as I slowly ease my tired body out of the vehicle we had spent many hours in. In an instant the physical sickness I had felt for the past few days, subsided as four of the most beautiful faces I know came toward me, three of which were in a full run and in an instant their precious arms were wrapped around me. As I finished hugging the third I looked up to see the man that has stood beside me for what seems to be almost my entire life, my husband , my best friend, my comfort. Embracing me in a hug, I knew I had much to be thankful for. When we reached the comfort of our home and all was settled down and quiet, I felt a peace that I’ve been needing for many days, I felt an overwhelming feeling of love and thankfulness that I have felt only one other time in my life an ironic 11 years ago. It was then and there that I silently thanked the man above for all the many blessings that I have.


I am thankful for my Mom and Dad. For the strength of my father the love and kindness of my mother and the example of unity. I am thankful for the amazing grandparents they are to our children, for the unconditional love they have for all of us. I am thankful for the life lessons each has taught me to help me become the person I am today. I am thankful for the safety they provide, just knowing they are here gives me peace. I am thankful for all they are and for their patients to have seven children six of which that have given me more joy and happiness then I could ever in earthly words explain. Thankful for all they are and all their love.

I am thankful for my brother Troy. Just his presence in the room brings me comfort and makes me feel safe. The loyal and dependable big brother that he always is and has been to his brothers and sisters. Thankful that he came to our family first. I am thankful for his sensibility and good judgment. For his example and unconditional love for his family. I am thankful for the bond I have with him. I am thankful when people tell me I am like him. Thankful he is my hero.

I am thankful for my brother Grant. His attitude. In his mind there was never anything to big to tackle. Thankful for his words of advice especially as a little kid during the times I stressed about, in my time of trial Grant would always say “It might be hard but it’s good for you, it builds character.” I am thankful for this past summer. The time we spent together, to be able to confide in him as a big brother with no judgment being passed . To see his need to help whoever that would listen in this last few years. I am thankful I had the opportunity while life was still here to see and feel the power of love and change in us both.

I am thankful for my brother Scott. For the laughter he carried into every room he entered. Even for his silly hair plugs that cracked us up and still do. For the tender heart and huge smile. I’m thankful for the short years he lived on this earth , always giving me the feeling of joy. I am thankful for the past 11 years in in which I have had the ability to continue to get to know him even in death, to feel is love and light all around me. Thankful that his spirit has not left us.

I am thankful for my brother Eric. Oh where do I begin. This is a man that could make even Hitler laugh and take the day off. Eric is an inspiration to me and gives happiness to my soul. There has not been a time that tragedy or sadness has struck our family that Eric has not lightened up the room usually leaving us all rolling in laughter. I am thankful for his strength and devotion to his entire family. For his love and easiness of heart. I am thankful for his good nature and easy acceptance of this life. I just love him more than words can say.

I am thankful for my Brenty . For the power and strength I feel when he is around me. His life has indeed inspired me and has helped me to see the importance of faith. Thankful I can draw off of his faith in low times. I am thankful for his humble example of love. I am thankful for the closeness I feel toward him. He is and always has been my buddy, a big brother that was closer in age to me that I have always felt very connected to. I am thankful for his strength in the gospel. Thankful that he can provide me with answers that I don’t know on my own. He is a rock.



I am thankful for my sweet sister Kathy. Thankful that I was given a sister amongst all these big brothers. Thankful for our steadfast friendship and bond that only sisters know. I am thankful for her sweet disposition. I am thankful that she puts up with me and my severe unattractive attitude at times. I am thankful that I can sit here and write about her with a smile on my face, because I love her so much. I am thankful she is still here on this earth to help me through my life. I am thankful for all that she is. I love her

Above all,

I am thankful for my daughter Taylor. Thankful that I still have the memory of the day she was born hopefully always burned into my mind, a picture of her daddy holding her in his arms looking at this amazing little person that looks so much like him. I am thankful for her loyal nature. I am thankful for her love for her Dad and Mom and brother and sister. Thankful for her unbelievable intelligence and talents. Always armed with words of advice much older then her physical body. Thankful Heavenly Father sent us a wise soul with automatic faith and perseverance. I am thankful for our friendship and bond. I am thankful that she was sent to us. I love her so much.

I am thankful for my Tally bear. Her name in Irish means “morning dew”. Fitting for the spiritual, innocent little person that she is. What a beautiful, sweet, quiet soul we were given to care for. Kindness radiates out of our Tally. I am thankful for the peace she brings to our life. I am thankful that every time I see her I smile and feel like life is easy and wonderful. I am thankful for her kindness and love she always gives to her family. I am thankful for her easy going nature, and creative talents that often blow me away. I am thankful for her humble spirit and closeness to our Heavenly Father. Tally is our rainbow always bright and beautiful. Tally is our Saturdays Warrior.

I am thankful for my son Isaac Scott. Thankful for his namesake and his constant reminder that life goes on and is beautiful. I am thankful for his love for his mommy, his devotion to me and his desire to always want me to be happy. I am thankful for his youth and his wonderful attitude during times of trial. Thankful for his ability to move on quickly with life not looking back. I am thankful for his silliness and desire to make us laugh. Thankful for his darling little face that melts my heart. I am thankful he is our boy and although younger then his sisters still has that protective nature for them and loves them with all his sweet little heart. Thankful he is the perfect combination of two of the most wonderful men I know, his daddy and his Uncle. He has some big shoes to fill and I am thankful that he has the ability to fill them in his life.



So this leaves best for last. My sweet husband Isaac. Where do I begin? I have been blessed to have you in my life for so very long. I am thankful for the very first day I met you. I am thankful that you liked me. I am thankful for the strong family you come from. I am thankful for your smile, your eyes your strong and quiet sense of self. I am thankful for your patience. For your strength both physical and mental. I am thankful for your loyalty and gentleness. I am thankful for our children and the father your are. Thankful that you are the opposite of me and keep me in check. I am thankful for your constant desire to always do what’s best for your family. I am thankful for your unselfish personality and your ability to always make people feel at ease. I am thankful for your constant support and encouragement in every situation I come in contact with. I am thankful for your hands (I know its silly) but I love your hands the strength they have, your constant giving of yourself to others. I am thankful for the love we have, for all we have gone through together. Our's is indeed a true love story. I am thankful that you loved us enough to do all in your power to keep us together forever. I am thankful that we know each other so well, almost like a twin knows the other. Thankful for how calm you are, especially knowing how not calm I am. I am thankful that someone above thought I was good enough to have you as my eternal companion. Thankful he has blessed us with a perfect little family. Thankful you are the Priesthood holder in our home. Thankful for all you are and all your love. Thankful your always by my side holding my hand and loving me.



I have so many things to be thankful for that I have just begun to scratch the surface. For those of you I mentioned above I wanted to write it down so you will always know how I feel about you, and there will never be any question of my love for each one of you. You each mean the world to me.

I am thankful for this time in my life. I am thankful for times that are tough, thankful that hardships allow us to open our spiritual eyes reminding us of our short yet very important time on this earth. Thankful for life and death and the love I feel from both. Thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ for the knowledge I have and faith I continue to work on. Thankful for a loving and patient Father in Heaven. Thankful for my family and friends that love me and are always there for me. Thankful that at this time in my life I can hold in the very front of my mind all that I have been given. Thankful I can reflect on my brother Grant's incredible life well lived and smile knowing there will be one day a great reunion for us all. I’m in awe of this wonderful life I have, I am very, very blessed.