My heart has been full and I've been wanting for awhile now to write my thoughts down.
I am SO thankful for Aaron. How he pulls off everything that he's involved in, I don't know, but I'm grateful. I know how much is on his plate, but I never feel neglected or like he's not involved around home. He is always willing to help out and balances out everything he's doing well. The kids adore him and have so much fun with him. He's always happy to snuggle them to naps/bed, read them endless books, help Jaylen with homework, and is very involved with them. How lucky they are!! He's always supportive if I take off early for a run and helps me reach whatever goal I'm trying to achieve. He's always my best fan, helping me learn and grow into the person I want to become. Aaron is calm, playful, and funny. Oh, I love him. He makes life complete.
Jaylen. Oh, I'm so thankful for him. He's so loving, caring and just plain snuggly. He writes me cute notes, always is asking to be snuggled, and will say adorable things at random times like, "Mom, you're my best friend." "Mom, you take such good care of me." "What a beautiful day, Mom." "This is the best day EVER!" He's such a tender hearted, sweet boy. This morning I was asking the boys what they were thankful for. Jaylen said, "Mom, I wrote that I was thankful for home at school, but I'm really more thankful for my mom in my home. So I drew you in the window." Tears. He's so good at saying little things like that that fill my heart. He's helpful- helps unload the dishwasher, sweeps the floor before I get home from work, and helps take care of Gavin in such a gentle way in the mornings. He's always motivated to finish his homework and likes being smart. He loves making friends and being physically active. He gave his first talk in sacrament meeting two weeks ago. He read it all by himself so confident and proud and after him, I spoke. I could hardly pull myself together- I'm so proud of this little man. I love him dearly.
Gavin. What a bundle of craziness this little 2 1/2 year old is. He has the BEST cheesy grin. He loves constantly snacking, always wanting to do everything "by my own!" He's a teaser, an early morning riser, a talkative, very independent little boy. His little voice is so adorable, asking questions to figure out this world. He has the cutest little buns, which he loves to run around naked, yelling "NAKED BUNS-SIES!!!" He looks up to and love doing and saying all the things Jaylen says. Before he starts his prayer, first thing he says is, "Thankful for BUPPY! (brother)" He's much more snuggly at bedtime and loves to be read books and asks the cutest questions. He's such a cute boy. So grateful for my cute Gavin-weezie!
Where we live. I'm so grateful to be living in St. George, in our beautiful, new home. Our home is amazing, and we love our neighborhood and ward. We can decorate and fix up our home how we'd like to. I love being out by fields and country, yet nothing is that far away. The weather here is amazing. I'm truly elated every morning when I walk out to clear, sunny skies. The possibilities for the day seem endless. I'm able to run, hike, bike and play at the park any day I choose! People here are so active and that is the norm. I run into so many people in exercise clothes in the stores, see people out being active and doing what they love. On my run this morning with a few neighbors, they were saying how amazing a lot of the moms were here. There is truly NO excuse- mom or not, you can fit it in if its a priority. I love having people that share my same passion for health and wellness. I'm so thankful for my health and ability to move and do the things I love to do.
My work. I am so lucky to have such amazing jobs. Training at the Summit gives me so much flexibility and I love my clients there. The Biggest Loser is a whole different experience. I'm learning and growing in group teaching and overcoming a huge fear of mine. I feel so confident and proud of myself when I leave there and think about all the barriers of fear and doubt I'm overcoming by stretching myself to do uncomfortable things there. I'm inspired by the stories of the guests. I realize how blessed I am to be able to make decent money and support my family doing the things that I truly have a passion for.
Family. I'm glad to have family who loves and cares for us. Its been great to be by my brother's family. My nieces and nephew are so fun to be involved with. I couldn't have married into a better family. I'm fortunate to have a mother-in-law who feels like my own and is interested and involved in our life. Brother-in-laws that are Aaron's best friends and keep him supported. Sisters that call to check in and stay plugged into my life. So much extended family that I look up to and appreciate!
I look back at this year, and I can't believe how much life has changed. I'm in a much happier, fulfilled spot than I was 6 months ago. I have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and my heart is full of gratitude.
Now, off to tickle my kids till they cry! :)
