Thanksgiving 2019

Thanksgiving was yesterday and it was a wonderful day of celebration of all that we are grateful for...

I was so grateful for the time I spent with Kierra , Riley, and Easton, and that I was able to make it home safe and sound just in time for Thanksgiving with the rest of my family.

Despite winter storm warnings in both Colorado AND Utah, the busy airports were filled with smiling faces and people excited to make it to their loved ones.

I am so happy to be home. :)

 We woke early on Thanksgiving morning and worked together to get the house in order, then headed to the movie theater to see Frozen 2! Our family (especially the girls :) had been waiting a long time to see this movie and it was SO much fun!!!! I sat there in awe of the beautiful story line, sets, artistic design, the music, and characters...but my FAVORITE part of the entire movie was watching Kesslyn's face and hearing her little reactions all throughout the movie. :)

I would look over at her and she would be sitting on the edge of her chair with a huge smile, wide eyes, and then she would say something like..."I LOVE Elsa! She is so beautiful! She's the prettiest! This is the best movie ever!" ...and on and on and on...:)

What a FUN beginning to Thanksgiving morning. :)

 We came home to find an apple pie, a pumpkin pie, homemade rolls, and ice cream in the freezer too. :)

My sweet friend Emily is ALWAYS taking care of me and watching out for me! She wanted to spend the day before Thanksgiving with me making homemade pies, but when she learned that I would be in Colorado, she chimed right in and said, "Then I am making them for you!"

What an earth angel she is. I need to figure out how I can repay her because she is constantly serving me and my family this way...I just love her.

 Clint and I began working in the kitchen together while all of the kids played. The boys were having "male bonding time" playing Smash Bros with their Uncle Curt while Kambriella and Kesslyn said,

 "Do you want to build a snowman?" :)

(Totally in the mood for it after watching Frozen! :)

 Although there wasn't a ton of snow, it was great for packing and they were able to build the cutest little snowman! Or maybe I should say snow-woman. :)

Meet Olaf's girlfriend "Rosie"...;)

 Then, in typical Trickett fashion, the girls requested hot chocolate and hot apple cider to warm their tummies and hands and I was happy to assist. :)

 I had just as much fun watching the girls I think as they did actually building the snowman!

 They sat together talking and drinking their hot chocolate and cider admiring their fun creation. 

It was so sweet. to witness.

I just love when my children do kind things together. I feel like I can literally see and feel a little bit of heaven on earth, and I feel like I can actually SEE their love for one another growing...it is the best feeling...

 And then something so sad happened...Kesslyn began crying huge alligator tears because she dropped her hot chocolate mug spilling all over herself and breaking the mug. I smiled and told her it was OK and that we could clean it up and get a new mug. She felt so sad and my heart was touched at her tender little heart, but we quickly cleaned up, came inside, and then took a warm bath with her barbies.

 She felt so much better after that. )

 I snuggled on this sweetie while he closed his eyes for a few minutes waiting for the next thing to begin cooking...I loved being his partner in the kitchen and the way he "helps" me...;) His heart is so good and I love him so much. HE is one of my greatest blessings of all...where would I be without him??? I don't like to think about that...

 Around 6:00 we all sat down together at the dinner table and began sharing our bounteous meal and all of the things that we are thankful for...(and by the way...Dallin dyed his hair silver for Silver Rush that begins on Monday! Still trying to wash it enough to get all of the blue out...)

  We had a little Gratitude Tree that everyone wrote on leaves the things they were thankful for. We passed it around the table while we ate and shared the things we were grateful for...Everything from tigers and kangaroos to Jesus Christ and the Atonement...and that is pretty much the realm of our blessings...HUGE!!!

We are so blessed...even as I put extra food away in my fridge at the end of the night I thought about how many people didn't have a Thanksgiving meal at all let alone leftovers for the rest of the week...

 My heart was full as Kesslyn said that she was grateful for her nephew and EVERYONE.

Me too Kesslyn...me too.

It was a Happy Thanksgiving indeed ad my heart continues to grow and grow with my gratitude to my Heavenly parents who have given us all we have.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy weekend!

Enjoying My Time

This past few days here in Colorado with little Easton have been so enjoyable. Kierra and I have also really enjoyed experiencing new mother and grandmother things together - like taking little newborn baby photos!! 

It was SO much fun!!!

We may not be professionals, but we had fun pretending anyways!!!

AND I think the pictures turned out amazing for a couple of amateurs anyways... ;)

It also snowed a foot overnight and it was the perfect day to stay inside and cook. I spent some time gathering groceries and then making freezer meals for Kierra and Riley so they won't have to worry about making dinner for a little while. It was the perfect thing to do while Kierra took care of little Easton, Riley did his studies (since school got canceled because of the snow), and we all hunkered down staying warm and enjoying being together. 

I was also able to take Kierra and Easton to his first check up at the doctor's office where he amazed the nurses with his growth and progress. He is a happy,  healthy,  sweet little baby who is adapting to life beautifully. Him and his momma are making a great team figuring this nursing thing out,  and I am so proud of them both. I couldn't be happier for Kierra because she has everything that she had ever dreamed of... and she's so grateful.

She is already showing me what an amazing mother she will be. I always knew she would be, and I can't wait to watch this little family blossom and grow. 

I am really going to miss them when I go home today,  but with Thanksgiving tomorrow,  my list of gratitude is longer and longer each day. 

So grateful for this eternal family of mine,  and for little Easton who has joined us now!

I love you my little buddy!❤

Here In Colorado

 On Saturday morning I was at the airport at 3:00am ready to catch a flight to Colorado and soooo exited to see my new grand baby!

 Little Easton is just as sweet as you would imagine,  and so full of snuggles and cuddles and little baby sounds that are just so cute! (Even the loud ones where he fills his diaper while sitting on my lap!😊)

 Our time spent together here has been so simple and slow paced and perfect. I gave Kierra a pedicure,  did some laundry,  held the baby...:)... watched a movie,  played card games,  and held the baby some more. 

This morning I went grocery shopping for them so I can make freezer meals,  and this afternoon we are  going to the doctor for Easton's little check up. 

It's so good to be here with Kierra.

She is doing an amazing job already,  but I always knew that she would. She's a loving mother learning all about this new role and it's so fun to see her embrace this so naturally. 

I think the hope is that every generation gets a little better,  and I can see that is definitely the case here. Kierra and Riley make the best team and I'm so proud of them,  and HAPPY to be a grandma!❤

A Field Trip on the Farm

 On Wednesday I went on a field trip with Kesslyn on the farm and we got to explore the market!!!

We learned where all the food comes from, what's grown inside a greenhouse, or comes from somewhere else...

 ...we felt how warm it was inside the greenhouse even though it was chilly outside...and Kesslyn even got to try a fresh baby carrot (which she did NOT like, but was THRILLED with my idea to keep it and use it for a nose when she builds a baby Olaf snowman with Kambriella!)

(Can't WAIT to see Frozen 2!!!)

 We ate popcorn and looked around, and most definitely played with friends. :)

 When we were all done we headed outside to go to the car, and decided to stop and take a look at the Emu's...and we are glad we did!!!

 They were dancing around and acting VERY strange, when we noticed something green laying on the ground...it was an egg!!!

 I had never seen an emu egg before, but apparently, neither had the workers there. They had NEVER seen emu eggs there, and so they assumed they had 2 female emu's.

But now they know that is NOT the case!

It's bright green color was so fun to see, and it will be fun to see if we end up getting a baby emu soon!

 I really am so happy that Kesslyn is getting to have some of these amazing experiences here at the farm! I believe that a child can not only GROW, but THRIVE in experiencing the beauty and wonder of nature, and will develop an early love and appreciation for the things that God has made and given to us to enjoy here on earth. I LOVE these opportunities and I was so grateful to share this fun day with Kesslyn!!! :)

Lots of Good

 This is happening...

Lots of good going on! 

(But MAN am I tired!;)

Happy Birth Day Easton!

 Hi. You can call me Lolli. :)

I'm a GRANDMA!!!!! :)

This was literally my perma-grin face at 11:18 a.m. when I finally received word that our sweet little grandson was finally here. His journey to get here was a little longer than we had expected, and so there was so much joy, relief, and happiness that came along with that happy news!!!

Meet Easton Joseph Johnson!

Easton was born on November 20, 2019 at 10:28 a.m. and weighed 9 lbs. 5 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Easton baby, it is so nice to meet you and we are SOOO happy you are here!!!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!!

We love you already!!!!

A Happy "Birth" Day?

 Happy Birthday beautiful momma! :)

You just might get one of the BEST birthday presents EVER!!!!

A Great Grandson!!! :)

Kierra called me last night at about 10:40 p.m. when Gavin and I were in Wal Mart. She was giggling about how earlier yesterday while her and I were talking on the phone and she kept on saying she was peeing every  20 minutes, it was actually her water that broke!!!

I was giddy too...:) Sitting on a bench next to the toy isle in Wal Mart I kept on saying,
"Oh my gosh...oh my gosh...I don't know what to do!!!"

She was finally admitted last night around midnight and her and Riley were making plans to try to get some "rest" in the night and see how the progress goes. 

I personally don't think she probably got ANY rest, but maybe. :)

So... I am eagerly standing over my phone today waiting to hear ANY news!!!

We'll see what happens today!!!

Kierra, Riley, and Baby...we are praying for you!!!

 Meanwhile, back at the house we are continuing to try and get moved in and make our new home "look" like OUR home. :) Clint was so sweet to meticulously measure, hang, and re-hang some of my decorations...and now I owe him big time. ;)

 Friends have continued to shower me with get well wishes and home remedies to try and get me over this awful bug that I have had. I am on the homestretch though, and just in time! I HAVE to be better so I can go and see my new grandson as soon as he gets here!!!

Hopefully I will be traveling to Colorado in the next day or 2 depending on how things go.

This is an exciting time and I am once again so very grateful for every good gift and blessing from Heavenly Father. (Including a sickness that has given me gratitude for my health!)

Happy Tuesday and hopefully it will be a happy "Birth" day for my very first grand baby!!!

XOXOXOX

Becoming a Mother...

 My beautiful angel daughter Kierra is going to be a mom.

With her due date now 3 days past, we are literally expecting a sweet baby boy at ANY time!

I have loved enjoying this journey of pregnancy with Kierra and both listening to, and watching her grow and prepare for this new role of motherhood that she will be taking on...

She amazes me with her wisdom, care and concern, and her conviction in knowing that she is fulfilling the most sacred and important part in Heavenly Father's plan.

Kierra, YOU are going to be a wonderful mother!

 Kierra is beautiful both inside and out, and this sweet baby boy is going to be so blessed to be growing up in a family with such loving conditions, and in the safety and promise of an eternal family. 

Kierra and Riley are both so certain and sure of the path that they are on, and that path that they will be guiding their own family down...the path that leads back to our Heavenly Father...

 Kierra, YOU are going to be an amazing mother!!!

You will find joy in both the good and the bad...the hours of staring into that precious little face, and yet the hours of sleep that you will not get...:)

the bonding and nurturing that takes place in feeding and rocking and holding that little one, and yet the discomfort and pain that you will sacrifice for him...the giggles and smiles and newborn smells right along with the crying and burping and stinky smells too...;)

There are really no words to describe the love that you will feel, or the way that you will think that your heart can't be more full, or the way that you think your heart just might explode with love...and then somehow, your heart grows even more...

Kierra, I am so proud of you and everything that you have accomplished in your life.

 I am proud of the choices that you have made that have led you to where you are today, and I can't wait to see you with your sweet baby in your arms, and how the measure of your creation is beginning to be fulfilled in your partnership in this sacred work with God.

 Your divine potential will continue to increase as your ability to love and to give continues to grow... 

I know that you know these things, but as your mom, and the one who loved you first, I need you to know how much I love you.

My heart is at that "exploding" point because it is just so simply full of love!

You will learn and know just what I mean when I say, that as a mother, your capacity to love increases with the more and more love that you give...

Heavenly Father is good that way. :)

Good luck baby girl...

You've got this!

Hand Made With Love

This beautiful package is filled with love and was delivered with even more love...

As my friend, sister, neighbor, ward member, and Relief Society counselor, Joanne came to my home this morning and brought me this gift that she had hand made...a new temple apron.

As she gave me the gift her eyes filled with tears and her voice was shaky and she told me to not just think of "her" when I see it, but of all of the many people that I have served and loved in this calling together at this time...

This was a beautiful thought and I was instantly filled with gratitude for her, and for my Heavenly Father who has seen fit to give me these experiences and opportunities for learning and growth.

I was also completely overcome with love and a sustaining approval from my loving Father that He is indeed pleased with my efforts and that through me, the sisters I have charge over have been able to feel a portion of His love for them.

I am going to continue to work on helping them feel that love even more...

Thank you Joanne for the loving and priceless gift.

It will be a treasure forever.

Parent Led Conference at the Farm

 Last night I got to take this little sweetie to her parent led conference at the farm!

We entered the market to find tables and packets all set up and waiting for us...

 We worked our way through the book together seeing what things Kesslyn knows now, and then we will do this again at the end of the year to see the progress that she has made!

I love her letter "K" :)

 I loved sitting there one on one with Kesslyn and I also loved the fun atmosphere of the farm's market!

After we finished our packet together we both got a little bag of popcorn and wandered around looking at all of the fun things for sale...

 We ended up choosing a couple of little Christmas trees, a juice box for Kesslyn, and some homemade cinnamon rolls for the family. It was a fun night at the farm! :)

 (We also learned last night that Kesslyn is just like her momma and gets car sick in the car.;(

She was "reading" the American Girl Doll Christmas catalog in the car on the way and threw up! Luckily I had a plastic grocery sack that she made it into, but now we know...no more reading in the car!)

Grateful

 I'm so grateful for Kesslyn's amazing preschool, teachers, and friends...

Just another great example of why I believe it takes the village to raise the child! 

Especially when the momma is sick.