grateful

I'm always grateful for Thanksgiving time because, obviously, it's a time to reflect and think about everything I'm grateful for. my parents and quinn and caroline came which was exactly what i've needed. i think i've been waiting for that day since i drove away from my house in august. it was so much fun to see them and just spend time with my entire family. i have been so blessed with a family that loves me, puts up with me, and are my best friends. i was so sad to see them go but now it's less than three weeks until i go home so i'm going to be okay. 


unfortunately the week wasn't all laughs as my grandma wanda passed away on Friday. we all had known the time was coming soon as she had had a bad fall last year and her health was continuing to fail, but it was still difficult to hear that she had passed. since my grandma on my mom's side, leonora, had died a month before i was born, grandma wanda was the only grandma i knew on my mom's side. she was one of the most amazing women i have ever met. she had the sweetest heart, was so funny and sassy. i never heard her speak ill of anyone, always ate the most delicious food at her house, and always felt so loved. she was so good to my grandpa and i am so grateful for the wonderful example she set for me. i love you grandma and will miss you. 

Wanda Miller (Empey) Cannon 1926 ~ 2010 Wanda Miller Empey Cannon passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on November 26, 2010. Born July 3, 1926, in Mammoth, Utah, to Frederick LeRoy Miller and Edna Maria Brown. She graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. Married Clair B. Empey in 1946, and had seven children. In 1993, she married Emerson Cannon; they joined two families, sharing 15 children, 68 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren. Wanda earned an RN degree from Weber State College while raising her family. She was recognized for her distinguished service in her nursing career. It has been said by all that knew her that she served others with a genuine Christ like love and compassion. She used her many talents and gifts to lift and strengthen all those around her. She found joy in serving three full time LDS missions with Emerson; in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Nauvoo, Ill., and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Her family and friends have truly been blessed by her enduring love, her caring example, and her testimony. She spoiled her family with her chocolate eclairs, candy, and Christmas tea rings. Wanda had a great appreciation for the spirit and power of music, especially musicals including her favorite, "The Sound of Music". Her favorite Christmas movie was "Its A Wonderful Life". Thank you to our wife, mother, grandmother, and friend for a most Wonderful Life, lived in love and service to each of us. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, sister Edna, and Kevin Thygerson(grandson). She is survived by her husband Emerson Cannon, sister Evalyn Sandberg, and children Melanie Thygerson, Karen (Craig) Chambers, David (Lisa) Empey, Drew (Karen) Empey, Roger (Vickie) Empey, Chad (Nannette) Empey, Carl (Lisa) Empey, Tristan (Stephanie) Cannon, Nelson (Shirin) Cannon, Laura (Cordell) McCarrey, Rebecca (Richard) Bruggeman, Clinton (Diane) Cannon, Corinne (James) Jackson, Cynthia (Dan)Williams, Renee Cannon.