Memories

An attitude of gratitude

I've thought a lot about gratitude lately and how much it is lacking in this world. So I've tried to take some time everyday and work on showing gratitude. Things I am grateful for today:
-my job
-sweet baby smiles
-my reliable vehicle
-good friends
-good family
-good health
-the person who allowed me to merge on Yellowstone
-txt messages and phone calls from my brothers

2010 in Review

What a year! Let's break it down:

January: Gained a testimony of fertility treatment (found out we were pregnant)
May: One more year of school done
July: Celebrated 6 years of marriage
August: I turned 26
October: Baby McKenna joined our family
December: Chris celebrated birthday #30 & our first Christmas as a little family

I can't express in words all of the many blessings we recieved in 2010. It was the greatest year of my life so far and I hope it is only the begining of many more to come. May 2011 bring joy to all of us and may we recognize tender mercies each day.

A few of my favorite things:

McKenna's smile
Sleeping 8-10 hours a night!
Playing with McKenna
Not working
Hanging out with my cute little family
Watching McKenna sleep
Chris being done with finals
Christmas trees
The wonder of Christmas renewed

Just to name a few of my favorite things! :)

she's here!

On October 1, 2010 at 9:16 am, McKenna Marie was born!! She weighed 7lbs 8 oz, 21 inches. So strange that this new little person exists and that she is my responsibility. She is a great baby; sleeps most of the time and is happy and alert when awake. I am looking forward to the day that she is on a schedule so I know what to expect every day though. She still has days and nights mixed up and that is really kicking my butt.
Overall, motherhood is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. Pictures will come soon!

Soon

According to the ticker we have less than 5 weeks before Miss McKenna graces us with her presence. Hooray for that! I'm huge!

Strength from without...

I want to take a moment and send a little tribute. A close friend of my family's passed yesterday. We have known him and his family for 20+ years...amazing people who I have the great privilege to call friends. His daughters and I have grown up together and although much time has passed since I have seen them, they are still forever part of my "in-dopted" family. The daughter who is my age recently posted on facebook some of her feelings about her father's passing and her unwaivering faith and strength gives me strength as well. She shared the peace she feels at this time and knows that this is all part of our Heavenly Father's plan. What an amazing woman, such a testament to the life her father lived and the principles he taught her.

Forever in our hearts, we love you James Duchene.