May...

Sunday we ventured down to Nephi to introduce Maddy to her Great-Grandpa Bean. Maddy's middle name is Jane after my Grandma who passed away last year. She was the sweetest, most incredible person I've known and I miss her terribly! What an angel Maddy is. I tend to think that she's got a lot of my grandma in her. Grandpa loved her! (Of course.) Thank you to my husband who reminds me how lucky I am that I'm 37 (ouch, that's right 37) and still have grandparents. I love you honey!

In saying that, Maddy's grandpa, or poppa, to all the grandkids, loves her and you can see how taken she is with him. My parents have a way with the grandkids that has them in fits to leave their house. They LOVE them in a way that I think most, at one point or another, would rather live with them! They are so lucky!! We are so lucky!!

Most of all, I am so lucky!!! Seven years ago today, my younger brother Ryan passed away. Not a day goes by we don't think of or miss him. Anyone and everyone who knew him, was and is the better for it. That was the most heartwrenching time for my family. The positive of that is that the rest of us have gotten so much closer in these past 7 years. I'm closer to my sister, my brother, and my parents. We've had our ups and downs, but my parents, after having to endure what no parent should have to, have been the glue. I am so in awe of them and their strength. Their relationship with each other, their relationships with us, their kids, and with their grandkids. There is so much love that surrounds them and you feel that when with them. To my parents, I don't tell you nearly often enough, I love you. I respect you. I admire you. I look up to you. Thank you for your love, your support, your generosity, your caring, your kindness, your unselfishness in all you do. You two are truly the best parents on earth! I am so greatfull for you both!!