Miracles that make our eyes open to the beauty of this life.

I think my journey at this point of my life is to make my eyes open that I might see the magnitude of blessings all around me.  The last few years have been very hard for our family. There were times that I wanted to give up and I had a hard time seeing the good that surrounded me.  I know because of the love that the Savior has for me that he sent people in my life to support me, to be my example, and to be my friends. Since the miracle of having my daughter, Grace, I can now see with a clearer view.  I know that both Bryleigh and Grace are my personal miracles.  Because of them I can find more beauty in each passing day and I am so much more thankful for the little moments in my life.  I relish in time that I get to spend with my family.  Most of all is the time spent snuggling together as a family.

Bryleigh has always had such a sweet spirit about her.  She can bring so much joy and laughter to all that are in her presence.  What a gift she is to our family and all who she surrounds herself with.

Grace is my gift of hope.  Her name was given to her for a special reason.  It was only by the "grace" of God that she came to our family.  Eight long years we awaited her arrival.  At last she came! The joy and the testament that prayers are answered, and that miracles due occur bore witness in my heart but also of those who shared in this journey with us.  She is still so brand new at 3 months that I know that she still isn't too far from Heaven and I feel such peace when she is in my arms.

Being a mother and wife is the greatest blessing that I could have ever dreamed possible.  A love so great that words could never do them justice.  A blessing so great that no money could ever buy.  Family is the most cherished blessing one could ever desire.  How very thankful I am for mine.  I am so thankful for my family both near or far.  Great is the love that is shared that miles can never surpass. I count myself as blessed to also have friends that have become as my family.  I know they were put into my life for reasons unseen upon first glace.  As time unfolds I count them as not only family but angels here on earth sent to help me on my journey.  There are so many things in this life that we can look at and see the bad.  I am thankful to be blessed to have my eyes opened to the truly great and marvelous things of this world in which I can find cause to rejoice.

Sister and Best of Friends

When Grace was born, Bryleigh was 9 years old (just a couple months short of 10 years old).  Many people asked if I thought Bryleigh would be jealous of her little sister.  Just as I predicted, Bryleigh has been nothing but happy to have her as a sister.  Bryleigh prayed so long for her that she couldn't be anything but thankful.  Not more than a few minutes can go my with out Bryleigh giving Grace kisses.  When Bryleigh gets home from school, Grace is the 1st person that she wants to see.  Bryleigh also likes to use this to her advantage.  Bryleigh will say that she can't clean because she has to feed Grace or Grace is crying so she has to get her.  It makes laugh.  Grace will never have to want for much in life with Bryleigh as her sister.  Bryleigh is always there to give her sister love, make her laugh, and cuddle with.  Bryleigh is so anxious for Grace to get bigger that she has been trying to teach her to walk since she was 3 weeks old.  I am happy with Grace staying as a baby, but I think that sisterly love will win out in the end.  Grace's shows amazing body strength.  She has for weeks know been putting her full weight on her legs and she is only 2 1/2 months old.  Now if she could just keep her little bobble head.

In July Bryleigh went to stay a few days at her Grandma's house.  I knew she was going to miss Grace, but was hoping that she would miss me as well.  Well when I went to pick her up Bryleigh literally pushed me out of the way and said, "Where is my Grace?"  I really couldn't have been happier to see that she loved her sister so much....although a quick hug or hello would have been nice too.  I know that as Grace gets older and gets more mobile that she might not as quick to want to spend time with her. For now I am going to cherish each and every moment that they spend absolutely adoring spending time together.  I feel so very blessed to have Bryleigh and Grace as daughters.  They both have such sweet spirits.  I know that they'll be a blessing to have in each others life just as by sisters and brother has been in mine.

Before Grace was born Bryleigh wanted to make big sis/lil sis shirts.  Bryleigh picked out the colors and  stamped them on.  As you can see they both looks adorable!