Now I Am Six

Happy, happy birthday to my wonderful, sweet, amazing, loving, kind, adorable little Bradley Shawn, who turned 6 on December 23. How grateful I am to have such an amazing son. He has been a true blessing in our lives.



I remember well the day he was born, the many, many hours of labor through the night before, and the joy I felt when he was first placed in my arms. Bradley gave us all a little scare, not breathing for a few minutes after his arrival. The NICU team came rushing in, and soon all was well. I'll never forget seeing him after his first bath, when the nurse brought him to me in a stocking -- he was the best Christmas gift I've ever received.

Bradley, I love you with all my heart. I am so thankful to a loving, kind Heavenly Father for sending you to bless our family. I love your smiles, your hugs and kisses, and your sweet dispostion. I love the funny things you say and how you keep us laughing. I love that you are the sweetest brother and that you care so deeply about the feelings of others.

I'm thankful for 6 wonderful years with you, and I look forward to eternity.

Since Bradley's birthday came during our trip to Georgia, he got to have a party with all of his cousins and other family members at Chuck E. Cheese. I think he had a blast.

Cool, a train!

Happy birthday to the cutest, sweetest, funniest, most amazing Bradley ever!!!!! I love you, son!

Home For Christmas

It was great to be with family at Christmas time. I'm so thankful to my Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son, who came to earth to live and die for all of us. I love to feel that special Spirit at Christmastime and to share that with my family is a wonderful blessing.

We tried to focus more on the Savior this year, and even though the kids were quite blessed with gifts from so many loving family members, I hope the true meaning of this wonderful holiday was foremost in their hearts and minds.

Somehow we only managed to get a few shots of Christmas morning, which I suppose was as it should be.

Being with our loved ones was a blast. The kids especially had fun with my brothers, Adam and Matt, and my cousin Clayton.

Lindsey and Clayton formed an extra special bond -- it was adorable to watch them together.

Everyone on Chris' side of the family was able to gather for the first time in a long time. Here are all of his parents' grandchildren.

Joseph and Kaitlyn.

This is one expression of his that just melts me.

Lindsey and McKenzie.

Sadly, our great uncle Doyle Cruce passed away while we were home. He has always been such a wonderful man, a delight to be with. I will always remember him dancing at our wedding reception -- I heard he would take any opportunity to dance, and we was a great dancer! Though his passing is sad for those left behind, I know he will be reunited with family on the other side, including his dear wife, Aunt Bowdre.

This is a shot of all the grandchildren gathered outside the funeral home.

Four generations.

My kids with my grandmother, Mable Adora Price.

Looking for trouble at Marmee's house.

Mmmmm, candy canes...

Constructing a gingerbread house with great concentration.

My brothers got the kids started with skateboarding -- ugh! When I expressed concern about this, Adam reassured me with, "They're not gonna get extreme." Ok, I feel so much better.

They also played basketball together, which I felt much better about, for several reasons.



Joseph trying to wake up Uncle Adam.



Hanging out with Aunt Karol.



Lindsey couldn't resist helping Uncle Matt blow out his birthday candles.

Bradley's thinking, "Man, this is the life."

Helping Pa out with some chores on the farm.