We just got back from a week in the frigid prairies, visiting my mom and dad in Regina. (I had forgotten how AWFUL the winters are there. Really, there are no words to describe the horror.)

It had been over three years since I went back to my hometown, and over seven years since we had been there as an entire family. My parents had built the home they’re in now over five years ago but the kids had never even seen it (except for when I took them there as infants)!  So when Steve had the chance to represent the Ambrosia apple at Agribition in Regina, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to hop on the plane with him and descend upon the grandparents house! And descend we did: the kids made themselves right at home and it looked like a tornado had whipped through their house in no time flat. My momma was so gracious though, letting the kids be kids, and having countless fun activities planned for them. They made pancakes, decorated cupcakes, worked on crafts, went to the museum and an indoor jungle gym, she bought them treats and took them shopping and just showered them with love for a whole week. Steve and I were able to carve out some time, just the two of us, which was long overdue and I had Starbucks everyday, so that’s nice.

I am just so darn thankful for my family. My momma, who is such a magnificent grandma and my dad, who connects with our girls in such a fun, unique way. My husband, for working so hard and loving so faithfully. My three wild girls, for being so creative and funny and kind. My brother, for liking the same dumb movies I do and for being a continual source of encouragement, even though we kind of hated each other for the first 18 years of our lives. And all my in-laws…who have welcomed me and our family into theirs with open arms. The list goes on and on…

The older I get, the more I realize the blessings.