Thanksgiving in Phoenix

We were fortunate enough to take a trip to Phoenix to visit with Jayson's family for Thanksgiving. We had an awesome time. We were able to get together with his extended family for Thanksgiving dinner although our flight was 2 hours late. It was great to finally meet some of them.

Jayson's Grandparents live there as well as his mom and sister. We stayed at his Grandparents home and enjoyed visiting with them. His Grandma and Grandpa are 86 years old and you would never guess it by looking at them. They are the cutest couple. Jayson has always told me how much he admires their relationship. His Grandpa always opens the car door for his wife, it is the sweetest thing. You can tell how much they are still in love after all these years.

We spent one day at a ghost town with Layla's grandma and auntie Talitha. We went on a train ride and saw some horses... We also had a picnic by the lake. What a great trip. The 80 degree weather was heavenly.It is too bad they all live so far away.

She loved Talitha's gum!

Train ride

Ghost town

Cookin in the kitchen

Layla loved her Great Grandpa

Doesn't she look great?

A little game of Chicken Foot

Veterans Day

Every time I think about the sacrifice Jayson made for our country... I am humbled. I cannot imagine giving up everything in your life, being completely selfless and risking your life for something.
Jayson, thank you so much for your service. I know you think I am a cheese ball, but you really are my hero.

Thankful

One of the blogs I follow decided to write down 5 things each day she is thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. I thought this was a great idea. Although I am not motivated enough to do it each day... I thought this would be a great post. I have so many things to be thankful for, even though some days, it is hard to think of anything.

Things I am thankful for:
1. That Jayson and I both have wonderful jobs. The way things are right now really suck for most people. No matter how much we complain about our jobs, we are very lucky to have them.
2. My wonderful husband... no matter what I throw at him, after a bit of convincing, he always cooperates. He is such a supportive and involved husband/daddy. He is always willing to give me a break from the crazy baby and watch Layla all weekend when I have my inconvienient classes. (although he always says, "WHY do you have to take more classes, I don't understand!") He loves Layla more than anything and that just makes me love him more than I did, which seems impossible. I thank god daily that he led me to this wonderful man. I guess he really does have a master plan.
3. Buster and Oliver... even though they are mainly a big pain in my **s, I love their smashed faces. Jayson and I have felt so much sadness lately for our poor baby buster... she won't be with us much longer. But, I am thankful for everyday I have left with her poopy butt.(tear)
4. Layla... I cannot describe the love I have for this little monkey. She makes each day worth living. Anyone that knows me, knows how much I HATE mornings, but all the grumpiness goes away when her sweet smile is one inch away from my face, with an expression that says "wake up mommy lets play!" I am thankful that god gave me such a blessing. I cherish every moment I spend with her, she entertains me continually. I could go on for pages, but I guess what I am trying to say is...I love you little one.
5. Family. They say it takes a village... our village is absolutely the most wonderful in the world. I cannot express the gratitude I have for my support. So to you, wonderful family, a million thank you's aren't enough. I love you all so much and I don't know what I would do without you.

Happy Holidays and let's all be thankful for the wonderful blessings we have.

Halloween

We had fun on Halloween night. We went to my parents and showed off Layla's lady bug costume and then to hang out with Jesse, Erin and Xander. Layla played like crazy with Xander and his cousins Drew and JJ. She was the cutest lady bug around. She wasn't very happy about wearing it, but it was worth it.