I am thankful for...

Grandma and Tayla on her 6th Birthday ;)

I am thankful for Tayla and all the love she has brought to my life. 
What a beautiful little girl she is; yesterday was her 6th birthday, and I was able to spend the day with her.  It was so fun to see how happy she is and the loving family she belongs to.  Not all that long ago her life was full of uncertainty never knowing what tomorrow was going to bring.  I often wonder if she really remembers much about that part of her life.  I know she misses her little brother Camron, she told me that just yesterday; she said she loves him and wishes they could live next door to each other.  For that I am very sad for her.  I know she continues to love her biological father Jared, and what he represented in her life.  He was the one who tried to care for her, and show her happiness, but he was so very young.  Jared continues to love her, and loved her so much that he gave her, and her little brother up so they would have a better chance at a good life.  It's kind of ironic how Jared is the only one she ever mentions he really is still an important part of her life. 

Tayla and her mom Jana

I have to say I am so very grateful to the family that adopted her.  They love her so very much, and she is so happy.  They also have a lot of gratitude for her in their life.  I am sure this is just how God intended for it to be.   It's been about a year and a half since Tayla, and Camron have been adopted, and there have been some very difficult times for me.  I miss them terribly at times.  But it never fails, just when I was missing her the most.  Jana would write me an email giving me an update, and a little message from sweet little Tayla.  They have allowed me to be a part of her life, and to still be her grandma.   I never thought the day would come that I would be allowed to know where she lived, and visit her when I am in Logan.  But, that day has come.    Thank you cannot even begin to express the feelings I have for this family right now.  I am excited for Jared as well.  He will have his first visit since her adoption in early September.  

(((((((Hugs))))))

Tayla's 6th Birthday Party

What a darling smile ;)

She made me a Flower!!

What a beautiful Princess!

Hugs Forever GRANDMA!!!

                         

Life is about the moments.......

Jocelyn's first Sparklers!!!

  Life is not about the number of breaths you take; but about the moments that take your breath away!  By the time most people begin understanding that statement.  It's often very late in the game.  There is too much in life which we all take for granted.  This past weekend for instance.  In Utah we celebrate the 24th of July as the day our state was settled.  Several weeks ago I began helping with the planning of a Summer BBQ and social for the Single Hearts group.  As I was planning this I thought to myself; what a better time to have all my children come down for a visit.  Seth, Jamii and their kids could come, Zach, and Ethan as well.  I wish Jared could but he is unable to at the moment.  Anyway as the planning progressed we decided it would be fun to have the kids come down for the Summer BBQ and 24th celebration on Saturday, and stay through Sunday and go fishing for the day as well.  I was very excited as you might imagine.  We don't all get together all that often.  

 

No one can eat as much as AJ!!

Jocelyn and AJ with Grandma at the park July 24th 2010

So the day of the party came, and Jamii, Seth, and the kids came to visit.   But Zach was more concerned about what the people he lives with had planned; than spending time with his family.  And Ethan was more worried about his girlfriend; than taking some time out of his life to spend it with his family.  I hope someday my boys get it!  But for now I was very disappointed.  But in the end we had one of the best times; and one of the best weekends I think I have ever had with my daughter and her family.  I have to grateful to God for her family in my life.  She didn't always treat me well; and we have had our arguments, and long moments of silence.  But, she is growing into a very loving mother, wife, and of course daughter.  So my weekend was a success!

I just have one thing to say to my boys whom I love despite their selfishness. 

AJ Learning how to play with Sparklers!!!

AWW!  How Cute!  I think AJ likes Dave :)

Grandma, and Avah...I think the flash was a bit bright for Avah ;)

 

More Sparklers!!!

A day at the lake!!!!

Jocelyn was picking Wildflowers in her make believe garden

Picking Wildflowers

A beautiful Bouquet!!

Fishing isn't about how many fish you catch, but about people you spend the day with!!

A great end to a perfect weekend!!!

Boys just don't wait too LONG!!!  or It may be too late :(