Tis the season. Ah. Sometimes I wish we could just do November and December all year round. I love this season. A time to remember all our blessings and give thanks for all that we have. People are (usually) joyful, happy, and nice. A time to shop, eat good food, do service for others, and most importantly remember the reason for the season. Yes, I love this season. Although I probably couldn't do it all yearlong because I would miss spring, summer and a little more summer.This Thanksgiving as I looked around at our family, and the chaos of all the little kids running around, I couldn't help but be grateful for all my blessings. I am sure each of us could fill volumes with the things we are grateful for. Our families, our friends, our faith, the gift of life and freedom, and all the experiences we have had along our journey here. I am very grateful to know so many good people who have had a positive influence on my life even when they have not known it. I am grateful for the little everyday things as well. Like super hot showers, Sunday walks with the family, children's laughter, a good song, and a good DP :)

I had been thinking a lot about the gratitude I have for my family with our new little addition, but had an experience this past week that has made me all the more grateful for each on of them. Last week I lost Logan. Not to be over dramatic but probably the worst 5 minutes of my life. My family was at the mall having all 9 grand kids picture taken. Yes we are CRAZY! From 18 years to 2 months. After the pictures were taken I was talking to my sister Tammy and my sister-in -law Stefanie about who was going to take the kids for ice cream and who was going home. Maddy, Logan and their cousin Kaleigh were all playing pretty close to us. All of a sudden I didn't see Logan anymore. Maddy said something about he is gone. (We were at the JC penny's in the mall) I walk around the corner and figure he must be right there. He isn't. I start to call for him. Nothing. We walk a little further to the elevator and the bathrooms. I start to feel that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that I can't even begin to describe. Somewhat like the feeling when Logan hit his head only times 10. I check the bathrooms and Maddy says something about Logan maybe going on the elevator. We start calling for him and asking anyone in the area if they have seen him. Tammy stays with the kids and Stefanie heads through the store to look for him. I take the longest elevator ride up to the 2nd floor and ask a worker if she has seen a little boy. She gets on her walkie talkie and a minute or so later I hear Tammy yelling they had found him.  Once I got off the elevator I gave him a huge hug and started crying.I was pretty shaken up. When I told him he'd really scared me he responded in a very sad voice, "I was looking for the transformer cars." I didn't know weather I wanted to hug and kiss him forever,to ring his neck or both. He was not frightened or looking for me, just sad he couldn't find those cars.I am so grateful that Tammy and Stef were there. Thank you a million. The only thing that made the whole frightening experience a little easier was not being there alone. Having your help and support. I love you guys. It was a pretty emotional night. Maddy asked me several times why my eyes were watering. And just as my sister knew I would, I broke down crying on the way home and then again when I got home and told Dean the story about how I must be the worst mother ever. As unfortunate as the experience was I have a new gratitude for my family and my little ones. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving,is  giving their loved ones a few extra hugs and kisses and is enjoying this wonderful season of thanks.

          One of Dad's favorite past times                                Such hams                                    

Thanksgiving feast at Maddy's school                        Maddy and her BFF cousin Kaleigh

              Thanks for the adorable outfit Karli! Too cute. 

                Bug (or snail) hunting