A THANKFUL Heart

I LOVE this season of Thanksgiving, and of the CHRISTmas Spirit. At times like this it is easy to reflect on the good of your family, community, and all around as many truly engage in a Christ like attitude. This year is no different for me, except I have cause to truly be Thankful, not only for the blessings I receive, but for a Savior who sends miracles, love, kindness, tender mercies, and much more that now I can see with a different eye.
About 6 months ago, my life and those that I love most had a unforgettable life changing event. Carissa Gwen, my little 2 year, was killed in a tragic accident. Since that day, my life has not been the same. I may be the same on the outside, and in my mannerisms, but deep down my heart is different. Life is different. Nothing will be the same again, yet somehow, it will. My perspective on life is different...The most important things in life aren't THINGS. There are miracles that happen everyday; I have to choose to see the good, to see the miracles. This month of Thanksgiving, is also a time of reflection. So here goes:

Carissa's memory lives on, she is forever in our hearts. I reflect on her short life, the joy and happiness she brought us; we are eternally grateful of having the opportunity to have such a sweet, innocent, energetic, loving spirit in our home. I think of her everyday, and most often wish her here with me. But I know she is in Heaven, watching from above.

The life of my cousin Jeremy was one to be patterned after. He loved life, laughter, and lived everyday to the fullest. Although Jeremy left his mortal existence too soon, in our eyes,...heaven is blessed by his contagious happy go--lucky attitude, filled with determination to be a better person.

I am THANKFUL for
MY Family
MY Sweet(not so little, anymore)Girls
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Eternal Families
A husband who holds and honors the Priesthood
My home
My husbands job
Sisters & a Brother who are always there for me
Cousins, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts
TEMPLES
Parents who lovingly give, and always welcome everyone to their home
Memories of LOVED ones
A healthy body
My husbands family, who were strong enough to join the church, and help us in all we do, and in whatever we need
The chance to be a mother
The opportunity to reflect upon all that God has given me, and the opportunity to give THANKS to him.

I look forward to this season of THANKSGIVING, and of Christmas. I am thinking of something(any suggestions are welcomed) where we can remember Carissa in our home during this time, and would love for all to participate in her memory as well. She is our Angel, our guiding light, we will strive harder to obtain Celestial Glory because this is where she will be and we want to be with her!

In Memory of my cousin, JEREMY

 
Jeremy Bowles passed away peacefully in his sleep, November 3rd 2008, after a 14 year battle with Crohn's disease. Jeremy was known for his love of life and family. He had a contagious laugh, that he will be remembered for. Jeremy would often laugh so hard to the point of breathlessness. Jeremy was a great example to all and will be sorely missed. He left behind, his wife, Sara and 4 small children.

DAIRY QUEEN OF HEBER IS GRACIOUSLY DONATING ALL PROCEEDS TO HIS FAMILY ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12th, FROM 3-9 PM. WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE AS MANY SUPPORTERS AS POSSIBLE, SO PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD AND COME AND GET A TREAT! This will be a tremendous help to his family.

Halloween!

Cashlyn as a candy corn girl!


Courtney is a fifty's chick!



Chelsea as the witch. She won best costume
at the youth halloween dance! She looked great!

Halloween this year was bitter-sweet. I love to dress my girls up, and make sure they have cute costumes. Over and Over I kept thinking...what would I have dressed Carissa in, and then I decided I didn't know. Since she wasn't here, I don't know what she would have dressed up as, because I really didn't think about what she would have been, just that she would have looked so cute as a candy corn like her sister, a princess, or whatever the costume might have been. I still had fun and my girls were cute.