30 Days of Gratitude: Day 13 - My Shadow(s)

Someone once shared the thought that "there are people who love their families and there are people who love their dogs." To that I would respond, "I love my dogs because they are a part of my family!"

There's a certain companionship and love that can only come from a canine friend. As ridiculous as it may sound to some of you, I consider my "puppies" to be my non-complaining, ever-loving, always devoted children.

Lilah is my sweet little 120 pound "baby girl." It's hard to believe it's been almost five years since we brought home our clumsy, awkward, big-pawed puppy. And, while she's definitely grown into her paws, she's still just as clumsy and awkward as she was back then. I begin and end every day with her jowls rested on the edge of my bed and her sappy eyes beckoning for my attention. She is my constant companion in the very literal sense of the word. If I'm writing, she's by my side. If I'm cooking, she's by my side. If I pick up my car keys, she beats me to the door. If I'm watching TV, she's watching too. And if I sit on the floor... well, of course, she sits ON MY LAP!

About ten years ago we rescued Rocky. How someone could neglect, abuse, and abandon this loving little guy, I will never understand. Though we weren't in the market for another dog, the moment Rocky met my husband it was love. He jumped onto Ry's lap and nestled his nose dotingly into his neck. Of course, with a move like that we had we had to bring him home. Over the years he's successfully intertwined himself into each of our hearts, and in return we've sufficiently spoiled him.

I am grateful for these two little (okay, one's not so little!) shadows in my day. I am grateful for their sweet, adoring eyes that want nothing more than a little sliver of my love. I am grateful for their companionship and their non-judgmental, ever-accepting devotion.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 12 - Clean Closets

If you're unfamiliar with OCD, it comes in various forms. There are washers, doubters, checkers, counters, hoarders, and as is my case, arrangers. I don't like the word "arranger" though - it lacks that smooth-roll-off-ones-tongue ability. I prefer "organizer."

As you might imagine, in a house with six people, maintaining organization isn't an easy feat. There are moments when my obsessive need for order finds me fighting the compulsion to clean up everything.... the right way! (Which, FYI, is always my way!) I have to remind myself that it's okay for the cereal boxes to be out of order, for the dishwasher to be loaded chaotically, for the bath towels to be folded in halves (instead of thirds) and randomly sorted instead of color coded. These, I'm trying to convince myself, are normal habits of non-OCDer's and there's not harm in being NORMAL...

Or, is there?

Needless to say, I'm always grateful for any semblance of order I can find... and keep. Today that order exists in my closet. (Not the kids closets, mind you. Those you'd be good to sport a face mask before opening.) Their color-coded, equally spaced, neatly arranged order - while it may seem ridiculous to you - brings peace to my chaos and puts a smile on my face.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 11 - Heroes

In the early morning hours of Sept. 12, 2001, I restlessly lay in bed, angst ridden about the attacks on this land that I love. Never has my citizenship meant so much to me as it has since that now historic day. But it wasn't the images on TV or the influx of patriotism that touched me most...

As I prayed for peace and comfort in those quiet morning hours, reassurance swept over me in the form of a Black Hawk helicopter. Though they frequently fly over our area for training exercises, never before had one shaken our windows at 3:00 am. And, in those moments, that unexpected presences meant the world to me. I took comfort then - as I have every moment since - that I live in a country of freedom and security BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM.  Gratitude doesn't begin to encapsulate the feelings of debt and honor with which I have for our service men and women.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Ten - My Eldest

I don't know where the last eighteen years have gone, for surely it doesn't seem like my time with my first born has been that long. Even before he was born I knew that he was one of Heavenly Father's most special spirits. Little did I know, however, what a GIFT he would be in my life!

I've learned SO much from this kid! He's intelligent beyond his own comprehension, but even more than that he is KIND! Never in my life have a met someone with such a compassionate heart and an unquenchable desire to serve others. Not a day passes where he doesn't seek to lift someone's burden or brighten their day. He's such an example to me - and to his siblings. He's a wonderful big brother, cousin, and friend.

I'm grateful for this young man who calls me "mother" and am humbled to have him in my life. I look up to him and am excited at all the possibilities that await his future!

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Nine - Our Caboose

If I tried to claim that "I don't know where this kid came from," it would be a lie. This lively spirit that completes our family is, I'm sure, a clone of his father! From day one, "Boo" has been gracing our home with his smile, his energy, and quite frankly, his teasing antics. He's fearless, yet humble. Silly, yet compassionate. Smart, yet playful - a perfectly balanced bundle of delight.

And the best part is, although he's well on his way to being bigger than me (believe me, he compares our heights almost daily), he's content to be my LITTLE BUDDY. He graces me every morning with a kiss and a hug. He fills my day with smiles and is never afraid to let me know how much he loves me....  

I am so unbelievably grateful for this little guy. He truly lights up my world! - I love you, "Boo", and hope you never outgrow your mommy! 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Eight - My Awesome One

Last night, my daughter Talia received her Young Women's Recognition Award. For those of you unfamiliar with this program, I suppose it can be best described as the Eagle Scout equivalent for girls. At the culmination of three years worth of setting and achieving personal goals, providing many hours of service, and learning multiple life-long skills, she has certainly made her parents proud! 

I am grateful to be the mom of this wonderful, talented, fun young lady! Not only is she smart beyond belief and oozing with talent, she is also "wet-your-pants" funny and the stubborn equivalent of her mother! She fills our kitchen with the delightful smell of baked goods and my life with laughter. She gives me undeniable hope for the future of our society. I love you, "Awesome One", and am grateful every day that you chose me to be your mom! 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day Seven - My Lu

Last night I went to bed feeling the utmost gratitude for my daughter Olivia.Yesterday, in a culmination of many projects, Olivia helped me cross a major "to-do" off my ever growing list. Together we conquered the daunting task of cleaning out and reorganizing our laundry room cabinets. For this, I am grateful. But there are so many other reason's I thank my Heavenly Father for sending us this sweet girl.

(BTW: she penciled herself into my calendar for a "grateful post" later this month in correlation with her birthday.... silly girl thinks I can wait 30 days to express my gratitude for her!)

As a baby we coined her our "Angel." She was exactly the sweet, easy going, happy baby we needed in our home. With big brown eyes and an even bigger heart, she daily fills our home with joy. Her tender nature is a pleasant breeze in a home full of type-A personalities. She is helpful and kind and smart... and beautiful to the core. Thanks, "Lu", for simply being the wonderful you that you are!