Father's

I spent yesterday up in Corrine my dads birth place at the Bradford Family Reunion. It happens every year and I did not go last year. My mom was busy so I said I would drive Dad up.
It was fun, I saw my aunt who I have always enjoyed and her kids. (She is 96)
We also went to the graveyard and then Dad drove me past his house where he was born. Still standing and being lived in.Not much changes in Corrine.
I am grateful for a great father. You have taught me so much.
Love ya Dad!

First time stink

Well last night at 4:30am we had our first time with Boo and throw up. I heard a noise that woke me up, then i hear her small voice say "Dadeeee" Not her normal tone ether. I went in and as I entered the room was greeted to the undeniable smell of throw up. Not a lot but enough to get on her and the bed as well as on me when i picked her up. She was a trooper. I changed her, made her smile then laugh and put her in bed with her mom. I then went back and cleaned it up and threw a load in the wash.
We have been lucky in that she has not gotten sick before, and even now really not more than that one mess. For that I am grateful!

Wait Guys!!!!

As I got home from a Church meeting this afternoon I went to give my darling wife a big hug. I took her in my arms only to hear "WAIT GUYS!!!!" as my 2 year old came running over reaching out to be picked up.
With one arm around me and the other around her mom we squeezed tightly. All the while she had a big grin on her face.
I am grateful for family hugs!

Simple word= Big Smile

For the past week as I have come in from work or doing stuff out side Boo has greeted me with two simple words. "Hi Dadeeee" It never fails to bring a smile to my heart and face.

As I hand her something or help her she says "Tank U Dadeeee" and I smile again.

As I see my wife and the joy (as well as the frustration) that is in her from being a mom I just get all smiling inside.

Besides having a major headache right now (and I never get headaches) My life is great and I can hardly wait to go home and hear those two words and see my wife.

Family

This past weekend Randall married the love of his life, Misty.
It was a great couple of days. The dinner was great the temple was fantastic and the reception was cool. All the family really put a lot of effort into it and it showed.
Boo was such a great kid all day.
I have had a sneak peak at the pictures Nat took and they are amazing!!! Of course I can't post any till she gets them edited but when they are done they will be legend...wait for it...dairy!

I am so grateful for Misty becoming part of our family

A Happy Life

Today I am over whelmed with gratitude for just daily things. I have a friend that lost her job because she could not get to work due to the storm, but she is staying positive. Another friend is so happy that she had the last chemo treatment.
I had the best time with Boo and Nat yesterday. We went to a family thing then home and had the afternoon and night to just hang out. Boo always makes me smile. There is something new everyday with her. I just love to hear her say "thank you daddy". I have a wonderful wife that is not only my best friend but the best step mom to my kids and the best mom to Boo.
I had to put in vacation time in June so I can use up the hours before July 1 or I lose them. We aren't going anywhere just the time to spend at home and do yard work and projects around the house.
My job is such that for the most part it is easy going and problems are fixed quickly.
I am very grateful for the help I get with ideas that are not mine to solve these problems.
I have such a happy life!!! It was not always so but I can't remember the bad times too well, guess I am getting old. Besides, holding on to hurt or bad experiences is a lot of work and I am pretty lazy.

Mothers

It is Mother's day. I am grateful for several mothers in my live. First my own mother who has put up with so much from me throughout the years. Her example of living her testimony has helped to form me into the man I am today.
I also remember my grandmother and great grandmother. I always smile when I think of summers in Fillmore and running between their houses. (they lived next door to each other.)
Music filled their homes as well as great food. Stringy mac n cheese, pancakes with corn in them
The scary basement and outside food cellar. (I only entered the outside cellar once I was a grown adult)
I smile when i look at pictures of my grandson and his mom. Jo is a great daugther and now a great mother. It is a joy to see their family growing.
I am grateful for our birth mother, She has made it possible for Nat to be a mother. She is always in our prayers and thoughts. During the years we were working and waiting for Boo Mother's day was a bit sad. Only those who have not been a mother but really want to be, or are still working on that miracle can truly understand. I admit that I don't even know fully the feeling that can be there. I will always maintain that birth mothers are true heroes.
Last of all my wife Nat, who is the most perfect mother to Boo. (Boo was so worth the heartache and wait we went through) As well as being the perfect step mom to my kids. The joy I feel as I come home from work and see the two of them involved in cooking dinner, a treat, doing housework or just having fun is priceless.
My life is complete when I hear them laugh.
So today being Mother's Day I am grateful for all the women in my life .