We are alive and oh so well!!

It feels so wierd to be sitting here writing a post! It has been SOOO many months since I have done it. (Seriously 9!!) I have even had people ask me if I still blog anymore? My answer is YES…but the reality of life has not allowed me to like I desire!! I write so many things in my head in hopes to sit at the computer, to write them down so that the memories, the lessons, the inspiration isn’t lost…but then more time goes and then my mind has been SO flooded with SOOO many things left unwritten that the very thought of sitting down at the computer to write a post is overwhelming. So I just don’t!!

But today is a VERY significant day for me, my family, and our healing that I forced myself to sit here, forget about all that I haven’t written about and just write about today!

Why is today significant? Today Navy…this darling little heaven sent angel of a sister, is the EXACT age Dakota was on the day of his accident.

It may seem wierd that I calculated the exact day but it was so important to me because I feel like EVERY day after today is new. I feel like a first time mom in a way, experiencing things that I never had the chance to see, feel, and live. Time stood still for a LOOONG time after Dakota’s accident. He stayed 2 years, 2 months and 16 days to me…even while his body grew and time went on.

(Family picture taken the month of his accident)

I mourned a lot over those next few years each milestone the kids his age lived and got to experience. I will never forget the day the tears ran down my cheeks as I saw the kindergarten kids that were HIS age standing at the bus stop at the top of our neighborhood. Dakota was still going to school…he even had a REALLY convenient little bus that came right to my driveway so I didn’t have to rush to that bus stop in my pajamas and face all the other mom’s looking my worst…BUT I wanted THAT!! I was even JEALOUS of that chaos!!! I wanted to be normal and watch Dakota interact with those kids, go to the same school with those kids, play sports with those kids, and even become better friends with THOSE moms…but it wasn’t MY reality!!!

Obviously as time has passed I learned to accept MY reality! In fact I LOVE my reality now! Every day Zach or I tell each other how grateful we are for our family, our life!!! I feel blessed beyond measure to have learned all that I have over these difficult years, to know and FEEL what true happiness is, and to have Dakota’s sweetest, sweetest spirit and light in my home. I now feel like he is 8 (as he just had his big birthday this month!!!)

(His DARLING superhero cake made by our sweetest friend Rachel Bitton!!)


(It’s not a party without LOTS of food!!)

(Cousin party crew! I love how Dakota’s eyes are sneakily looking at the camera! )


(This was the first birthday that Dakota showed true reaction, expression, and excitement! Each present, each hand written birthday card from his cousins recieved a genuine smile and Dakota thank you!! It melted my heart to think back to all of his past birthdays and how far he has come!! He really is a superhero!)


(The cake didn’t just look good. It tasted good too!!)


(Our “SUPER” family!)

BUT I would be lying if I didn’t say how excited I am to get to know now what it is like to be a “normal” mom. I want to know the answers to all the questions I NEVER got to know for myself…Are the 2’s really THAT terrible?! What is it like to NOT have to change diapers?! Will potty training be hard?! What will be the first sport I put my Navy in?! Will she be good at it or will she hate it?! When will she not let me dress her anymore?! Can I even handle that?! LOL!! Who will be her best friend?! Will she cry on her first day of school?! Will she miss me?! Will she be kind to others?! When she learns to write will she write me love notes?! I wonder who her first crush will be?! How old will she be when she first tells me she hates me?! Will I cry? Where will HER choices in her life take her?!

The unknown is exciting but also scary!! Not knowing the answers to all of those questions and knowing who my little girl will become is a little nerve wracking. Their is a peace in knowing that Dakota is perfect. That he will NEVER make a wrong choice.

(I mean look at that perfect angelic little face!! He can do NO wrong!!)

I thought that him turning 8 and not being able to be baptized (since he has the trach) would be one of the “hard moments” that would bring me to tears…but it didn’t! I found SO much peace in knowing that he was already perfect, that he didn’t NEED baptism like the rest of us because he was unable to make a bad choice!! He gained his eternal reward at the age of 2 years, 2 months, and 16 days!!! THAT is remarkable!!!

It will be hard to let Navy go and be independant and make dicisions that will sometimes bring a lot of pain! I can’t have complete control over her little world like I have with Dakota but I am SOOOO excited to experience life with HER. To hopefully teach her the important things in life that really matter and HOPEFULLY get to watch her go out in the world and remember and apply them in her life!! I pray every day that she will have a good and kind heart! That she will LOVE unconditionally ALL people. That she will care more about others then herself…that she will live a Christ like life!! I don’t know how well I am teaching her but I know with ALL of my heart her precious brother is doing one heck of a job. As I watch their daily interactions I can’t help but melt! Their is no doubt in my mind our loving Heavenly Father hand picked this little girl to come to OUR family, to compliment our home, and be the sister her brother so desperately needed, and the daughter we craved!!!!!


So wish me luck as a first time mom!! I may have an 8 year old BUT I have NO idea how to be a mom to a 2 year, 2 month, and 16 day old child on up!! This is a new and exciting adventure for ALL of us!!!

(I might just need superpowers!!)

My “LITTLE” kid is now a kid

Dear Dakota,

I can’t believe today you turn SEVEN!!!! Whenever people used to tell me their kids were 7 or 8 I would always think wow that is old…and now YOU are MY 7 year old!! You are no longer a “little” kid you are an official KID!! It makes me kind of want to cry!!
  

I can physically see that you are growing up. You look like you are 7…except your feet! ;) (They haven’t grown much at all since your accident. Still wearing the same shoes you wore back then! Except of course I have had to buy you several more…not because you wear them out but because your mom likes shoes! ;))

But even though you look older, you feel bigger when I carry you, and officially you are now 7…I still am stuck at age 2! Time stopped for me the day of your accident and it has never quite been the same!


I sometimes let myself wonder what you would be interested in or what you would grab and throw in the cart at the store?? I wonder what your favorite food would be?? What kind of party you would want?? Or even what kind of presents you would ask for?? Who you would want to invite to a party?? Or what kind of party you would even want?? There are so many questions and things that I wish I knew. I wish I even knew what to get you!!!

But in reality…none of those things REALLY matter! None of those things are important! What makes me most happy on this day is that I get to celebrate YOU!!!



We get to celebrate 7 years of having you as our son and Navy’s brother!!

(see that sneaky hand)

You have earned those 7 years and deserve to be celebrated!! You have one of the hardest earthly lives of anyone I know!! I know every day is a challenge for you as you have to rely on me and others to get you EVERYTHING you need. Lots of times I don’t always know what you need or what you are wanting and you are loving and patient with me. I know it must be hard for you to watch your friends, classmates, and cousins running around doing what they please…all the while watching on, longing to run and play right along with them!! You sacrificed SO much to choose a life that is physically hard…to teach your mom, your dad, your sister, your family, your friends, and SO many strangers some of life’s greatest lessons! You have been MY greatest teacher and example in my life and for that I could never repay you! No birthday present could do you the justice you so deserve!!

You are my hero Dakota!! I sit by your side and watch you touch hearts and change lives…all without a single word!! You carry with you a spirit that is undeniable!!

A few months ago, a man I had never seen got up in church to bear his testimony. He started talking about how he hadn’t been to church in years and how one Sunday he decided to join his wife. As he got there he realized that it was the primary program that day and he doubted that he would learn anything or feel much from it. He then pointed to you and said…”As I watched that boy get carried up by that man (your primary teacher’s husband Brother Thackeray) my heart was touched and I knew this was where I was supposed to be.” As I watched this grown man in tears talk about YOU I couldn’t have been more proud to be your mom!! Dakota you are SO special!! I know that you know that!!

I hope as we celebrate YOU this day, week, and month (because that’s what we do!) I hope you know how grateful we are that you chose to STAY and celebrate these last 5 years with us when you could have gone back to your heavenly home, free from all the pain and physical struggles and had a much easier life!!

I love you more than words can say!!!

Happy Birthday my sparkly eyed, heavenly smile, angel face Dakota man!!!

(His FAVORITE present was flying home today and seeing his DAD!! He LIT UP when he saw him for the first time!!)

Mother’s Day…My favorite holiday!

I think Mother’s Day has most definitely become one of my top favorite holidays!! Motherhood should most definitely be celebrated because it truly is a gift!! To have a whole day devoted to celebrating MOTHERS…it is just freaking awesome!!!




As this special day comes to a close I am almost in tears at what a happy and incredible day it has been!! Not because we did anything fancy, or because my kids made me something awesome because they can’t…but because it was FILLED with SO much LOVE and HAPPINESS from my amazing husband and two beautiful kids!!!

Zach let me sleep in after I nursed Navy (which is ALWAYS amazing and a great way to start a day since it rarely happens). Then after I woke up I walked right into Dakota’s room where he was lying in bed and snuggled up next to him and was showered with smile after smile and giggle after giggle for it seemed like FOREVER!!! He has had the happiest last few days and today was one for the books!! He was SOOO happy and every time I would tell him, “Thank you SO much Dakota for all your smiles!! That is the best gift you could EVER give me for Mother’s Day!” he would just light up and giggle more!! I truly believe it was his special way to tell me Happy Mother’s Day and I will NEVER forget it!!! He brings SO much sunshine to my soul!!

On top of all of Dakota’s happiness…for the first Mother's Day since Dakota’s accident I got to hear “Mama” repeated all day today and fill Navy’s tiny little arms wrap around my neck!! Those simple gestures mean SO much to me and fill my heart with SO much joy!! It is the simple things like these that make being a mother SOOO rewarding!!!

Motherhood is not a glamorous job. Every night when I look in the mirror it is always a little scary! I have Dakota’s spit on my shoulder or in my hair. Navy’s food somewhere on my clothes. My makeup (if I even did it for the day) is smeared and scary. My messy bun is a little bit messier or if I actually did my hair then you can’t tell anymore BUT the best part about it all…I don’t even care!!! The mess, the craziness, the tiredness and exhaustion is ALL worth it!! It means I am a MOM and have one of the coolest jobs EVER!! Before Dakota’s accident I took motherhood for granted. It never occurred in my mind that it could end in an instant until that tragic day!! That dark feeling of realizing that I might not be a “mom” anymore was one of the worst feelings I have EVER felt and I can NEVER forget!! It is sad to say that something so tragic is what made me learn how sacred being a mom really was!! For the first time I realized that our children are a literal gift from God. We don’t get to choose how long they get to stay with us on this mortal journey or what their path will look like…so we MUST cherish EVERY day like it could be our last!! Don’t be the one like me who thought…that won’t happen to ME!

Dakota has taught me and many other mother’s out there to LOVE, APPRECIATE, ENJOY, and CHERISH each new day of motherhood and all that comes with it…the good and the bad days!! I can NEVER repay him for that!!! My heart always bursts when I get a comment or hear from someone I know or a stranger I bump into in the store who has read my blog or followed Dakota’s story and tells me that he has made them appreciate their kids or appreciate being a mom more. It makes all the heartache and pain worth it ALL and gives purpose to our trials!! So thank you to all who have shared that with us!!

Happy Mother’s Day to EVERY mother out there!! May you where your spit up stained, food covered clothes and messy bun spit covered hair with pride!! And if you are out of “that” stage…enjoy those emotional rollercoaster teenage years for they will be gone in an instant!! And if your kids are grown with families of their own…remember…motherhood NEVER ends!! As I look at all mine and Zach’s mom has had to endure watching and helping us and other siblings through trials..I kind of don’t want my kids to ever grow up!! I think I will take “these” sleepless nights over those! ;) Motherhood NEVER ends!! Enjoy each new stage, and each new challenge it will bring…because as we ALL know…our children teach us more then we teach them!!

Looking Back in the Rearview Mirror

Spring is here as we are all celebrating this warm weather! For our family…with my husband being a landscaper…spring means BUSY!!! Zach officially quite his sales job about a month ago when he realized after being there about 6 months the potential they had talked up in being there just wasn’t there…at least not for many, many years down the road. Even though he was doing very well there (not that he would EVER want me to brag about him…but he was and I’m his wife so I can ;)) he knew that the way the commissions and areas were set up that he would be there a long time before he would even be able to make a decent living. So…he has traded in his polos and slacks for his dirt stained, holy clothes for a another season of landscaping once again until he finds something else! ;)

So this means for me and Dakota…back in the “big” truck as Dakota once called it…hauling Zach, his trailers, and skidsteer to bids and jobs. We spend A LOT of time together in that truck! ;)

Zach went blind when Dakota was just turning 1. So from that point on, our life totally changed and we kicked into survival mode. I became a driver for Zach any time that was needed, to make this landscaping work…which meant Dakota became a passenger. He LOVED being able to ride in Zach’s truck and never minded spending hours a day in there.

This sounds really weird but one of my most FAVORITE views of Dakota was looking back at him in the rear view mirror...maybe because I did it so much!! I don’t know what it was about looking at him in that mirror but it was magical. Dakota ALWAYS looked SO dang cute in that mirror. I always wanted to capture a picture of the way he looked in that mirror but it would never turn out the way I saw him so I have kept that image in my head all these years!! When you looked back at him in that mirror all you could see was his cutest little face with his big eyes, little perfect nose, his blanket usually in his mouth cuz he liked to suck on it…it was just perfection!! When he would catch me looking at him you would see the corner of his little mouth come up along the sides of his blanket and his big eyes squint a little as he smiled…still with that blanket in his mouth! It melted my heart every time!!!! I could look at him all day in that mirror!

After his accident I remember looking back in my rear view mirror at him and just crying!! I didn’t recognize that same kid I once knew anymore. It was different. He looked different, his facial expression was different, his blanket was never in his mouth, he never smiled, he cried a lot in the car and I remember just missing that view SO badly it physically hurt! I still loved him but the view was different and I didn’t think I would ever get to see it again…and it was hard!!!

Well…this spring as we have again spent a lot of time in that big truck together…I now catch myself looking in that rear view mirror and miraculously that perfect view is back!!! When I look at Dakota now…31/2 years after his accident it brings back those same feelings I had before his accident. I see perfection in that face. He looks again like himself and even though he still doesn’t have a blanket in his mouth (which is good since he is 5 ;)) his big beautiful eyes are lit up just the same and his smile is even more magical to look at then it ever was before!!! He has that same happy and content look sitting in the “big” truck and he even smiles again when we ask him if he wants to ride in daddy’s big truck. He hardly ever cries and his face is just content and happy like he used to be riding in the truck. Zach and I both can’t believe how far he has come and how much he has made a full circle back to the boy we once knew!

The progress Dakota is making is still so small and slow and probably not even very noticeable to others but it is SOOOO big and so special to us!! To see even glimpses of his personality and character come back when once it was all lost, is truly a miracle for us and is our source of PURE joy!!!!

I have come to learn that sometimes it takes something being taken away from us to learn to appreciate and enjoy even the simplest and smallest of blessings in life!! I will never ever take that sweet little view for granted again! Thank you Dakota for teaching your mom to stop and take the time to appreciate these small and simple things in life…you are my greatest teacher!!!

Happy Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day to this incredible dad!!

Word’s can’t express how grateful I am to have married a guy that loves his son so dang much! Before you get married you hope and dream of marrying a guy that will be the best dad to your unborn children. You may watch him around kids and think he will be good…but it’s not until you have your own kid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that you see REALLY what kind of dad he really is! Let’s be honest…none of us have any clue what parenthood is REALLY like until you have one of your own, ;)
From the moment Dakota came into the world…Zach has loved him like crazy!!

 
He was his light when Zach’s world became dark.

He has ALWAYS been his workin buddy!
 
His snuggle buddy!

His best friend.

Zach ADORES EVERYTHING about Dakota. He literally EVERY single day always says to me, “Look Tessie, come look at his cute face/smile.”

He is OBSESSED with holding his hands ALL the time!! The only good thing about Dakota’s accident for Zach is that he can’t pull his hand away and run away like any other 4 year old would do anymore! ;)


He is not the perfect parent, nor am I. We have our differences in parenting (mine are right of course ;)). We both reach our limits and become impatient BUT his love for Dakota surpasses ALL of his imperfections as a parent. There is NO doubt in my mind OR Dakota’s that his dad loves him and would do ANYTHING for him!


Zach always says, the main reason he wants to have financial success is that he wants to give Dakota the best life possible! He wants to be able to build him a home that is convenient and comfortable for him. He wants to buy him EVERYTHING he can that would make his hard little life the best it could ever be.

He truly is the best and Dakota and I are SO SO grateful to have him in our lives!!!

On this Father’s Day we are of course also SO SO grateful for our dads as well. I couldn't have hand picked 2 better men to have in our lives! There love and willingness to give ALL that they have to us is quite outstanding.

My cute dad is more of the silent type but you can sit next to him, hold his hand, and feel his love through his body and face for you! He is there if you need to talk with words of encouragement and love! He will give you the shirt off his back ANY day! He was always the one growing up to go to if you needed any money. You just ask, “dad could I have some money?” He would whip out his wad of cash he always had and ask how much and give you a little extra of what you said. If mom said no, you could always count on a yes from him! He could never say no to his 5 girls then or now!! ;) He would stay out hours at a time with us to open the chutes for us to practice roping or throw balls for us to practice our hitting. He jumped at these opportunities but never forced us to do them. To this day I know I could call him and he would come running, even though he is 13 hours away!! His love radiates all the way from AZ to UT!!

I sure love you dad!!! Thanks for always loving, supporting, and believing in me!!
Zach’s dad is nothing short of amazing as well! Zach’s cute mom had little papers for each of us to write our favorite thing about Doug. It was hard to choose just one, but the one thing that I have always loved about him is his desire to just give and serve. He will drop ANYTHING at ANY time if you called him and even gave him the slightest clue that you might need some help. He would be right at your doorstep. When you go to their home the minute you walk in the door he is asking you if he can get you a drink, some food, watch Dakota while you go do something. He wants everyone to be comfortable and happy before himself. He is also one amazing Poppy to his grandkids. I still smile at the day not long after Dakota was born, he just left his job in Layton (45 minutes away) for lunch time to drive all the way up to our house just to hold Dakota for a few minutes. He just loves being a grandpa and the kids all love him. He takes Dakota right out of our arms the minute we walk in the door. He offers to babysit all the time. He is just one great man and I’m so grateful that he has came into my life.

Sure love you Doug!!

It is OFFICIAL...

Well...I haven't been on here in awhile for a lot of reasons...but mostly because of the mix of emotions that have been flooding over me the last couple of weeks. I have been unsure of how to express them. Even Zach has been able to tell that I have been a little uptight. For a girl, I would say I am pretty chill. I don't get super emotional over stuff and keep a pretty even temper. But lately things haven't been so even kill for me...and I know it's because so much has been weighing on my mind and heart and I haven't been able to blog and let it all out. (It really is therapy for me...to write it helps me to release it.) Zach will be happier after this I'm sure...hopefully writing about it will bring me back some peace! ;)

As of March 15th Dakota has been a brain injured child longer then he was my healthy little Dakota. He was 2 years, 3 months, and 16 days old when the accident happened. As of today it has been 2 years, 3 months and 34 days. I know to most of you that probably doesn't really matter...and you are probably thinking why would you keep track of THAT! But to me it has been tough to grasp!

Since Dakota's accident I have dreaded March 15th. When we got out of the hospital I had high hopes that he would be back to his old self before this day would come. I NEVER wanted it to come like this and I dreaded every day that it got closer. I often times would find myself counting the days down to know how much closer it was getting.

As I write the tears are flowing...it is SO hard to express what I am feeling inside. I feel like that now that it has been longer like this, that this is how everyone will remember him. I feel like my Dakota (the boy inside of that brain injured body) is going to be forgotten. I find myself forgetting things and that kills me!! Then when a memory comes back I am SO elated AND sad. Sad that that boy isn't with me anymore and probably never will be again in this life! I hate to sound ungrateful...because I love my brain injured child just as much as my healthy boy! But it doesn't mean that I don't long for my healthy boy. As I tucked Dakota in bed tonight and laid next to him...his angelic eyes and sweet smile melted my heart. There are SOOO many things I love about Dakota now that I never would have loved and appreciated had he not had a brain injury...but I long so deeply to hear his little words come out of his mouth again. To just hear the word "MOM" again would heal my broken heart. I miss it SO much!

As this Easter season approached I was so mixed with turmoil between gratitude and sorrow. My heart hurts so deeply that the little boy I once knew is gone but I have felt SO much gratitude for my Savior and my knowledge that this life is not the end. That because my Savior lived and died for me and was resurrected...I will get to see my perfect healthy boy again!

I know that this life is so short compared to the whole scheme of things but when your in the midst of it all...it is hard to comprehend. I AM SO grateful for my Savior and for the power the atonement has to heal my broken heart and to help me overcome the sorrow that has surrounded me the last couple of weeks...heck the last several years!! It is a daily struggle! I said it before in a blog post...I really don't think that "time heals"...it just helps. It is ONLY through our Savior that we can be healed. I'm not totally there yet OBVIOUSLY...but I am working every day to get there.

My cute little 17 year old friend Jessica whom I adore and let's me feel like a teenager again when I am with her ;) sent me this quote tonight as I sat here in tears (she must have been in tune to know I was in need)..."The greatest test of faith is when you don't get what you want, but still you are able to say THANK YOU LORD."
I most definitely didn't get what I wanted in life in many ways...but I am here tonight to say THANK YOU to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with many things...but mostly for the gift of having Dakota still here with me!
I love him deeply even though I miss him.

Thanksgiving/AZ Trip

So...I need time to freeze real quick so I can catch up with blogging!! I haven't even blogged about our Thanksgiving trip to AZ so how in the world can I blog about Christmas and it is already 2013 and more and more just keeps happening and I just am falling farther and farther behind.

So here it goes...mostly in pictures since my brain is gone because it was TOO long ago already. Luckily pictures tell great stories! ;)

First...Dakota got to ride his first airplane since his accident...the helicopter ride and private medical airplane don't count!!

Medical plane headed back to UT to go to Primary Children's after 3 weeks at Maricopa County Hospital

Any time I get to go to AZ I have to spend AT LEAST a week to fit everything in and to enjoy it. Zach doesn't like to go that long. Can't blame the guy since I am usually spending lots of girl time with friends and sisters. He kinda runs out of things to do. He is a homebody too so he likes to be home and have his space so it works out for both of us for me to go early and him to come a little later.

The problem with this was, I had to fly all by my big girl self with Dakota on the way down to AZ for this first plane ride. I'm not gonna lie...I was a little nervous about how this was gonna go down. When it was time to board...was I gonna hand my child to a stranger while I took the blue chair out of his stroller, strapped it to the plane seat, unloaded his food bag, suction, cooler bag, and diaper bag...then fold up the stroller and take my kid back. I literally didn't have enough hands to do it all?!

Luckily for me after getting through security with Dakota only screaming for a short while while they checked out his pimpin ride...I asked the check in desk if their was any help available. Southwest was SOOO accommodating. They let us on VERY first and we had like 3 people helping us get all of our stuff on board, strap his chair in for me, and everything was a breeze.

Now I just had to get through the hour and a half plane ride. ;) I had NO idea how Dakota would handle this ride. I didn't wanna sit next to a screaming 4 year old just as much as anyone else...I had no idea what I was getting into. BUT he was such a trooper!! He was SOOO good it was surprising. He smiled at take off and landing.

Take off!!

Half way through I turned his IPAD Toy Story movie on just because he was being so good.

My cute dad met me at the baggage claim and all was well.


We had the SOO much fun down there with cousins, nana and papa, aunts and uncles, friends, and horses I didn't want to leave!!! I really wouldn't mind living there all winter long! ;) Zach and I dream about it...one day when we are loaded! ;) Dakota was SUCH a good kid and was so happy too it made for an overall great trip! The weather was of course beautiful so that made it all the better...fun outside!!

One awesome thing we got to do while we were there was go to my cousin Gary's wedding reception. I lucked out that it was during my trip. We drove the 2 hours down with my parents and danced the freaking night away!! It was a blast!

Being a trooper...

while mommy sleeps. :)

I NEVER get to be the passenger in a car any more since Zach can't drive and it is SOOO hard! I have always slept so easily in cars and now I have to try so hard to stay awake at the wheel. I enjoyed this ride...if you can't tell! ;)

Me and my date since Zach wasn't there yet! :) He is a cute one!

(Funny story side note: as we were sitting at this table a little boy about 5 or 6 runs up to me and says, "you look like an Indian!" and then runs away. SOO hilarious. I love kids honesty. Thanks little boy...I always wanted to be an Indian!! ;) )

Can't tell but we are tearing it up on the dance floor! :)

My nephew Peyton and sisters Dawn and Annie

(Peyton had a little too much to drink ;) )

Me and my niece Trai cuttin a rug!!

My cousins sweet girl Niva and Trai...they were great dancers with me and Dakota...got me sweating out there!!

After the wedding we stayed the night in a hotel...also a first for Dakota since the accident. He did ok. :)

The next day we drove to my grandpa's before heading home. That is ALWAYS a special treat since he lives a couple of hours away from my parents. Does my heart SO good to see him and he just LOVES Dakota to pieces. He is so witty and so sweet. I love him dearly and wish we were closer so we could swing in and give him a hug and kiss more often!

Dakota and Papa Goodman

Both Papas!!

We had lots of family time which I LOVE!!! We had a Family Home Evening night that EVERYONE came over for. Kids all rode the magic carpet ride (4-wheeler with a carpet attached) in the arena.

Kids wrestled Uncle Riley

Girls sittin around the fire!

Papa reading a story to everyone.

One of our favorite things to do when we stay with Nana and Papa is to walk, ride bikes or the 4 wheeler to the park right by their house. When I grew up there it was ALL fields around the house. No parks, no stores. My friends all said I lived out in the boonies. Now it looks MUCH different!! Huge park, mall, stores, houses, and even the LDS temple going up ALL around!

We love the park though and Dakota especially loves the swing!!

Sutton and Evan

Zach winning Uncle of the year award with Sutton!

We climbed up the big rock...well I did and Zach handed him to me! ;) SCARY!! Not sure how the kids do it so calmly.

We got to go watch my niece Paige play softball...

and Shea and I decided to do the worm on the sidelines! I know I'm still such a kid!! ;)

Thanksgiving day was of course a blast! So thankful for my AMAZING family and the time we get to spend together!!

The kids rode this ramp like it was nobodies business....

So of course us adults had to get in on the action too! ;) 

Go Mom!! She didn't even fall off!

GO Dawn!!

Go Ty!

(They didn't capture my sweet jump but I probably got at least an inch off the ground! ;) )

We played a mean game of football...and yes tears were involved! ;)

Peyton and Evan

Even had some cheerleaders that showed up!

Not sure why but it keeps putting my pic upside down...I hate computers!!

Our little fam!

All the cousins play so good together and have so much fun.

Letting the steer (or Case) out of the shoot. He did a great job playing the part. Don't you love how it is all the girls running the chute and the boys have to be the steers?! Smart girls!! :)

(Just wish Dakota got to be a steer too :( )

The big boys trying to fix the 4 wheeler that the little boys tipped. Luckily no one got hurt!!

Dakota snuggling Aunt Katie

We had some fun sister time too of course...talking, eating, shopping, pedicures, movies! ;)

Shana and sister-in law Heather...this was Heather's very first...crazy girl...now she knows what she has been missing! ;)

Dawn and Katie

(annie and I are behind the scenes ;) )

Twighlight baby!!! LOVED! At the end of the movie someone in the theater shouted...Now what are we going to do with our lives?! I'm really not sure! ;) I will miss you sexy Jacob!

Dakota had A LOT of outside time riding horses, going for walks and riding the tractor. He loved every minute of it!!

Ridin the lawn mower...crazy daredevils I know!

Most of the cousins came to tell Dakota goodbye when it was time to leave. :( They are all so sweet to him and love him so much!! We miss them so much already!!!

Crazy bunch if I say so myself!

2012 Thankful list (in no particular order):

1. My boys!!!!

2. My testimony

3. My Savior!

4. AMAZING family and friends

5. Good health!!

6. A temple SO close!!

7. Words of prophets and apostles both old and new

8. Running and working out

9. Shopping ;)

10. Good music to sing and dance to...when I'm alone or at least at home! ;)

11. Dakota's AMAZING teachers, nurses, and of course friends that love him and help him

12. Respite hours and grammy and poppy times for Dakota

13. Sunday dinners with the Friedlis

14. GOOD food

15. Dakota's smile

16. Roof over my head and food on the table

17. Teaching Relief Society (teaches me more then anyone else)

18. and of course blogging...the good, the bad, and the ugly..and for all those that read and don't judge me for my insanity but pray for me to make it through another day! ;)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...only a month and a half late!!