30 Days of Gratitude: Day 20 - Sugar Free Hot Cocoa

There are few concessions for a sugar-addict who chooses to "eat clean." It seems that almost every product at the grocery store contains, among other "toxins", sugar and/or refined wheat. And, as I've come to discover, most sugar-free or sugar-alternative products are better left alone. On a cold day, however, nothing quite hits the spot like a piping hot mug of sugar-free cocoa. Okay, so its not the same as a piping hot mug of the full sugar stuff, but for this girl, it hits the spot. So, as the days shorten and the nights wax cold, I am grateful for evenings spent cuddled by the fire with a steamy hot mug of sugar-free goodness. 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 19 - Music

Some people have been blessed with musical talents and abilities that are nothing short of extraordinary... and for their talents, I am grateful. My musical ability begins and ends with the ability to turn the stereo (or iPod) on. On the heals of the AMA's, I am reminded how much the musical talents of others shape my life. I love music... pop music, country music, inspirational music, and especially funny music. I like songs that have embedded humor as well as songs that motivate me to be a better person. On my current play list you will find: The Zac Brown Band, Pink, Maroon 5, Train, and Blake Shelton to name a few.

I like to sing loudly in my car. I like to dance crazily in my kitchen. But trust me, because I choose not to torture you, those performances are reserved for the eyes/ears of my family only.... Yes, you are welcome! :)

If you want to see someone who's qualified to do both, check this talent out: Pink's AMA performance of "Try"

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 18 - My Camera

I'm not really a "gadget" girl, per say, but there is one piece of technology that I pretty much couldn't live without.What can I say, I love my camera! We're pretty much attached at the hip... uh, errrr, neck-strap. There is a joy directly associated with capturing a moment in time. The balance of light, texture, color, and shape is a masterpiece waiting to be captured. Nature is the most beautiful canvas; human emotion the most masterful design.  - And the ability to capture it all... absolutely amazing! 

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 17 - Friends

When I was a kid I thought friends were the people who I hung out with every day. They were the girls who played barbies with me and  the boys who chased me in games of cops and robbers. "BFF" status was based solely on availability to hang-out with me after school.  - Then adult hood reared it's big ugly head and I began to realize what a real friend was.... And I have been blessed with some of the best friends on the planet!

I am grateful for all of the friends that have blessed my life - for those who have held my hand in tough times and for those who've held my heart despite separations of time or distance. I'm grateful for the ladies who keep me up laughing into the early morning hours. I am grateful for friends who offer me a hand when I need it (even when I think I don't!)  I am grateful for my scouting friends, my ward friends, and my long-time friends. For those who knew me "way back when" and those who've recently crossed my path.

Thanks to all my friends for not laughing (too hard) at me! Thanks for putting up with my blabber. And most of all, thank you for enriching my life!

Friendship Quotes

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 16 - Time

I, like most of you, find the hands of time spinning faster than I can keep up. From the moment my eyes open till the time I crash to bed, I am going... doing... living!

And, though I don't get to spend all of my time doing what I want to do, I am grateful for that moments that lend themselves to strengthening my family, expanding my knowledge, and continually moving towards becoming a better person.

So, here's to time! Time to read. Time to write. Time to play. And time to build memories with those that I love.

30 Days of Gratitude: Day 15 - A Miraculous Gift

It was the spring of 2009. My then six year old son was exercising his independence by helping make his lunch. He'd successfully maneuvered the opener around a can of applesauce. Reaching for the newly released lid, he grabbed the sharp edge and in a single clean swipe, took off the top of his thumb.

The following spring in an equally random event, he took off the top of one of his fingers.

Today my son has two complete hands. Why? Because the human body is a miraculous organism with incredible, intricate, and frankly, astonishing, healing abilities.

Like my son, I have had my share of injuries. I've had more incidents/traumas than I can possibly remember and more stitches than I could ever count. I've delivered four babies - each miracles of their own right!  I've had my share of aches and pains, bumps and bruises - and yet, day after day this perfectly imperfect, miraculous mechanism we call a body, continues to self-repair and recuperate.

I am grateful for a divinely designed body - complete with it's little idiosyncrasies and imperfections. I am grateful for it's power to heal and repair. Our bodies are truly a gifts from a miraculous, loving creator - Gifts that deserve our utmost care and respect, no doubt.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 14: Bright Futures

I have the privilege to rub shoulders with some of the most amazing young people on the planet. In a somewhat rare opportunity, I get to work both with the Young Women in my LDS congregation and the Boy Scouts of my community.... And I can say without a doubt, there is no place I'd rather be! These kids are remarkable. They bring me joy today and give me hope for our future.  I am grateful for the chance to witness their greatness in bloom.