Puppy Love

Posted on 8:22 PM
Just so you know - my little assortment of "thankful" posts are in no particular order - I haven't mentioned my children yet, but today, I'm posting about the dog! But when the kids are gone, and the house is quiet, I realize how much I appreciate her presence in our home. I have to admit, although you won't hear us gush about KC often, I am very thankful for her - she's a great, great dog.

Before I had kids, I was a dog lover. Now, post children, I'd have to say I like dogs as much as the next guy - as long as the next guy just kinda likes dogs. But I do love my KC. If you've met her, you know how awesome she is - and chances are you've complimented me on her sweet demeanor, her patience with children, or her obedience. In general, we get far more compliments on the dog than our children. :) Sad, but true.

Several years ago, Lily and I decided we'd really like to add a dog to the family. David, who isn't a dog lover - or a dog liker for that matter, wasn't budging. But when he was scheduled for night shift with the Sheriff's Office, we had him right where we wanted him. I played the "I'll feel better with a dog in the house since you'll be gone at night" card...but Lily, 3 at the time, trumped that when she played the "I'm praying for a dog" card. Nicely played, Lily, nicely played. We first thought we'd adopt from a local shelter, and we weren't too particular though I had 3 non-negotiables: I wanted a dog - not a puppy, I wanted a female, and she had to be great with kids. I prayed God would bring the right dog into our home - probably because I didn't want to hear an "I told you so" from my anti-dog hubby. Early in our search, my prayers were answered when we were offered a beautiful 2 year old Boxer from a family friend who's in-laws were breeders. After a google education on Boxers and a Boxers for Dummies book, we (I) were convinced she was the dog for us - and her birth date is our wedding anniversary, which had to be a sign, right?

Four years and no regrets later, KC is the kind of dog that will no doubt ruin us for any future dogs. I seriously doubt we will ever find another dog with the perfect blend of puppy playfulness mixed with patience and obedience - and best of all, she just came that way! Not one, not two, but three different families who've dog sat for us went out and got dogs after having KC in their home. She's just that lovable. And where do I begin with how amazing she is with kids - and not just my kids - all kids! She's been dressed up in feather boas, bitten by visiting toddlers, forced to be the caboose of many a conga line - without so much as a whimper or snarl. Her love for Lily and Luke is the kind of thing movies are made of, and I'm certain it's her obvious devotion to them that sealed her place in a home where the leader of our pack, Daddy, would prefer not to share his space with a snoring, death-breath, four-legged family member.
So as she squirms and snorts, dreaming away at my feet, I'm thankful for KC and the love and loyalty she's brought into our home.
Waiting at the door for Lily and Luke....















Best friends catching a nap on the floor...

















Enjoying a snow day...











BFF

Posted on 10:01 PM
Sunday, David and I headed to the mountains for a little day trip. We realized we haven't gone to the mountains together since our honeymoon - over 11 years ago! We now live only 2 hours from some of the most beautiful sights, I don't know why it's taken us 4 years to make the drive together!

We had a wonderful time. I am so very thankful for the relationship David and I have, so thankful for our friendship. He truly is my best friend.

On the lengthy drive, we talked when we felt like talking, but didn't when we didn't. With David, complete silence can be completely comfortable (those of you who know him well are nodding along!). We ate our picnic lunch on the tailgate of his truck rather than the crowded (but beautiful!) park, because he doesn't really like people - but he really likes me - and that mattered more than the picture I was hoping to take of us picnicking in the park.

The best part is, though days like Sunday are a treat, we don't really need a scenic drive or special destination to enjoy one another's company. We genuinely enjoy being together, and though I'd like to think that's the case with all married couples, sadly, I know it's not. As much as I love him, I'm so thankful I like him, too!

Saturdays and Cinnamon Rolls

Posted on 9:15 AM



Let's start simple. I am thankful for the weekend, and Saturday mornings in particular.



This week as I picked up a few groceries (key word - few, it's amazing how much less I need with the kids in Florida - I'm guessing my mom has realized quite the opposite about her own grocery bill!)...I grabbed can of cinnamon rolls with morning just like this in mind. Yesterday, each time I opened the refrigerator, that little Pillsbury Dough Boy gave me a smile and wave, and I could just hear his little hoohoo!

An unhurried Saturday morning, with a warm, gooey cinnamon roll and a hot cup of coffee with my favorite people in the world is heaven on earth. This particular Saturday, "people" is reduced to "person" but if I'm going to spend the morning with anyone, he's certainly my top pick. To top is off - today is our first day of sunshine in what feels like 40 days and 40 nights of rain, so the sun peeking through the blinds, as we sip our coffee and talk about the day ahead is icing. Icing on a warm, gooey cinnamon roll.

Thanks.

Posted on 12:04 PM
I've been struggling with consistent blogging for awhile now. But you already knew that, didn't you? The kids are in Florida right now, we created a new holiday break in the school calendar, something like "you never need a good reason to visit the grandparents" fall break. You might think that with no kids around, no "students" to teach, that I'd have all the time in the world to blog - I may have thought the same thing - but we were both wrong.

Regardless, I am here to force my own hand into blogging by saying that over the next few days, maybe even the remaining weeks of November, I am going to fill my blog with thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. All of us. You, too. Be it watching several families I love struggle through difficult times, or our church's amazing series on joy, or just opening my eyes to the things around me, I am sincerely full of gratitude and I'd be negligent not to share it, especially as the holiday season approaches.

So check back soon for installment one of a thankful heart's thankful blog.