30 Days of Thanks #10

Misspelled words.

Stick figure portraits.

The sound of paper crunching beneath my pillow.

The proud, heartfelt expression on my child's sweet face.

I am thankful for my children's homemade gifts.

Justin and I are both sentimental softies, so we have stacks of cards and drawings from across the years that we just can't bring ourselves to throw away. Here are a few of my favorites:

(From McKenna on Mother's Day a few years ago. Who else would call me a "Gentle flower?" Only McKenna!)

(Kyler's description of me in Kindergarten. I'm so thankful he wouldn't trade me for a dog.)

(From McKenna to her Dad on Father's Day.)

(Translation: "Cer" is "Care"!)

(Translation: "I love you Mom because you look pretty and bright with lipstick!")

(At school, McKenna can earn fake money for good behavior and grades. At the end of a quarter, she can use that money to buy a prize. She spent all of her money to buy me this gorilla for my last birthday. She made the heart sign herself.)

(McKenna also made me these dried salt dough... creations.)

(After McKenna ruined one of my decorative throws, she felt really bad. She cut out a photo of my face and taped it to a necklace to say, "Sorry.")

30 Days of Thanks #9

I'm thankful for many things, both large and small... butt, today I'm just thankful that this is not my last name.

30 Days of Thanks #8

"Ode to Justin"

On this day, so long ago

A babe was born in Idaho.

The choirs sang from up above.

A mom now had a son to love.

This boy was not like all the rest.

You see... He was the very best!

A witty mind, a heart of gold.

Dimples, brawn--Looks to behold!

He loved adventure, thrills, and speed.

In Grease, of course, he was the lead.

He made the ladies swoon and sigh.

Conceited? No! Just meek and shy.

What lucky gal would land this Gent?

A perfect angel--Heaven Sent!!

At Ricks the two would finally meet.

Their chemistry would put off heat!

The perfect husband, soon was he.

And then the two turned into three!

Wouldn't you know it? You should've guessed...

Of all the Dads, he was the best!

36 years, he's graced this Earth.

Perfection since the day of birth!

Let's celebrate this awesome Man!

Fireworks, parades... that's the plan!

I guess it's pretty plain to see...

A bigger fan, there'll never be.

His wife is simply drunk with love.

She thanks her lucky stars above.

Her "Thankful List" is so very tall...

But Justin--simply her best blessing of all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!!

30 Days of Thanks #7

Getting myself ready and on time for 9:00 a.m. church is hard.

What's even harder?

Getting myself and four little kids ready and on time to church.

What's even harder?

Substituting for the Ward Chorister and getting myself

and four little kids ready and EARLY to 9:00 a.m. church.

This morning, as I am

arguing with a 10-year-old who is refusing to wear tights,

pleading with a 7-year-old who (on Sundays only) want to sleep in,

and exasperating over a 4-year-old who can't decide which cereal to eat,

I'm

SO THANKFUL

to realize that today is Daylight Savings.

30 Days of Thanks #6

I am thankful for in-laws.

They say that when you marry someone, you marry their whole family. Boy that's the truth. Look what I inherited for all time and eternity when I said, "Yes":

And that's they best deal I ever made.

I was only 19 when I got married, and I marvel at the fantastic choice I made for being so young and blinded by love. But even as a young, immature college student, I recognized how special the Stevens family was.

They smiled all the time.

They hugged all the time.

They glowed.

But most importantly, it was apparent how much they loved their sons and how much their sons loved their family... and I wanted that for my own future family. The smiling and hugging and glowing... it was all real. It's still real.

The Stevens family is fun, talented, hard working, creative, happy, supportive, and so giving. I'm pretty sure any member of this family would give me a kidney if I needed one. They have taught me so much. It's impossible to not become a better person when you're around their constant goodness. Marrying into this family was the single best decision I have ever made, and I am so proud and THANKFUL to now share this name.

30 Days of Thanks #5

I'm searching my gratitude bank for something deep and inspiring... but tonight, all I can think about are these gorgeous cupcakes sitting on my counter... for which I am truly grateful! I am equally grateful for the one day a year that I can have a truly sublime chocolate experience without feeling guilty about it!

Guilt-free cupcakes, I am thankful for you!

30 Days of Thanks #4

Thirty-three years ago, a foxy, feisty mother of six headed to the hospital to deliver yet another Luke daughter. On my birthday, I give thanks to the most important woman in my life, my favorite girlfriend, and my most trusted confidant. My Mom.

My mom, Jacqueline Luke, is a woman you don't forget. She'll make you laugh, gasp, and blush within five minutes of meeting her. I've always wished that I had even just a quarter of her confidence and spunk! She can often be found shopping for her 43 grandchildren's birthdays, drinking Diet Pepsi and nibbling on dark chocolate, chasing rabbits out of her yard, practicing organ, reading, laughing on the phone with her daughters, and cuddling her dog! She's incredibly disciplined, dependable, observant, thoughtful, and fun.

How do you properly thank someone who has loved you from the moment you were born and shaped your entire life? I'm not sure how. But until I figure it out, I'll just say, "THANK YOU MOM" for being the first person to teach me about kindness, compassion, hard work, responsibility, traditions, respect, perseverance, and love.

I am thankful for you today, and always.