30 Days of Thanks #17

If I could spend a day doing anything I wanted...

I wouldn't choose a shopping spree.

I wouldn't choose a spa treatment.

I wouldn't even choose a day spent reading in solitude while wrapped in my pink Snuggie.

I'd choose to sit around a table laughing with the funniest people I know.

I am thankful for best friends...

...And these are mine.

I am the youngest of seven children--all boys except for six.

(Sorry Dad! I couldn't resist!)

We look alike. Sound alike. Move alike. Think alike. Eat alike.

We even do our make-up alike!

I recently spent a few days alone with my sisters, and I was reminded of 'who I am' and how proud I am of that very thing! My family is faithful and close. What more could I ever want?

How very grateful I am for family... and to be linked to my very best friends for eternity.

30 Days of Thanks #16

I can't believe I'm actually going to admit this, but...

I am thankful for Star Wars.

As mentioned in previous posts, I had never even seen the show as a child. We did girl things at my house. But, as a mother of three boys, I have been baptized by fire with all things "BOY!" Kyler and Carson watch this strange show over and over... never tiring of it. I've seen enough of it to know that some pretty deep themes are going on. I'm sure my boys will catch the deeper meaning someday, but in the meantime, it's amazing how much a galaxy far, far away has already taught them. Tonight as I was tucking the boys in, we were talking about what it meant to be adopted. Carson wasn't quite getting it. Ky says, "It's like Luke and Leia." Done. No more further teaching from Mom required.

Here are a few more Star Wars life lessons that my boys have come to know so well:

* Good verses evil. Bad choices lead to suffering.

* It's okay to kiss your sister... if you don't know it's your sister.

* Death is a part of life.

* Your parents will love you no matter what. ("I will always love you son, even if you don't turn to the dark side!"

* Girls can be tough.

* Just because someone talks weird, doesn't mean they're dumb. (Yoda)

* Forgiveness is always possible... even if you've killed over 8 billion people like Anakin.

* There is a hero within us all!

30 Days of Thanks #15

I don't believe there's a person on Earth who doesn't love and respond to music. For me, music is more than something I love. It defines me. It connects me to family. It fills my heart and soul. I cherish music for its ability to teach, lift, comfort, and entertain. But most importantly, music enables me to feel my Heavenly Father's spirit. Nothing seems to bring that sweet feeling faster or clearer. I wish I could say that I've had a personal witness to every element of the Gospel. But I haven't--so I rely on faith. But I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that the music I sing each Sunday is inspired of God.

I am thankful for Hymns.

I was taught as a child to sing a hymn in my mind whenever I felt afraid. Years later, I still seek hymns for comfort. I'll never forget how sad and shaken I felt after the events of 9/11. All churches throughout the country were asked to have a prayer service in honor of the victims. As I entered my church, I could hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing prelude over the satellite. I can't remember which hymn it was, but it was familiar--one I had grown up singing. At once, my troubled heart was flooded with peace.

At a recent Luke family reunion, I was reminded of my gratitude of hymns. My family gathered together and took turns talking about their favorite hymn. We then sang them as a group. I was amazed at how enthusiastic the grandkids were to describe their personal favorites. I had no idea that McKenna's favorite hymn was "Be Still My Soul." She told the group that it made her feel closer to Jesus each time she heard it. The spirit was powerful... as it often is through music. I had a hard time singing, so I just stood in the back with my two month old baby, wiping tears and basking in the incredible feeling. I didn't take a turn that day... and I regretted it. So, I'm taking my turn now:

My favorite hymn is #221, Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd. It references the parable of the lost sheep--teaching us of our Savior's love and compassion. It's a beautiful message. However, the main reason that I love this hymn is because it reminds me of my Dad. When I was in high school, we sang in church together often. He will forever be my favorite duet partner. I felt proud standing next to him--and never nervous. We sang this hymn several times. No arrangement--Just dad's high tenor voice on the alto line while I sang the melody. It was simple and reverent. This hymn will always remind me of how very much I love my dad.

My heart just about leaped out of my chest when the Mormon Tab sang an arrangement of it at the last General Conference. Enjoy....

30 Days of Thanks #14

I am thankful for the Tiny Diner!

"What's that" you ask? Only the second best invention known to mom-kind!! (Runner up to Clorox Wipes, of course!) They are portable placemats! "What's so great about that" you ask? Let me explain.

My admiration of them began long ago when McKenna was just a baby... but I figured that I could get by with napkins. Well, three babies later, I bit the bullet and made the $10 investment. It was, without a doubt, one of my all-time greatest purchases.

You know that awful stage when your toddler insists on feeding themselves, but they're really terrible at it? Oh, you've forgotten? Let me remind you. It looks like this:

You see, this stage is extremely problematic--especially when dining out. Not to mention all those germ infested restaurant tables! Fear no more fellow germa-phobe Moms! The Tiny Diner saves the day!

It looks like this:

Suction cups on the bottom keep it from moving:

When you're finished, wipe it off, and roll it up:

Awesome, right?

Anything that makes an outing with the kids a LITTLE easier, is a BIG thing to be thankful about!

30 Days of Thanks #13

Ashton and I experienced a milestone last night. For the first time since he's been born, we slept in separate rooms. Oh... did I mention that he's 18 months old?

(Explanation: We live in a two story home, and I just couldn't imagine running all the way upstairs three times a night to stick his binki back in all these past months!)

The Result? He did great! And I got the best rest I've had in... well... 18 months! I can't believe how much better I slept without hearing his every whimper, toss, and turn.

Oh sleep! Glorious sleep! It's become a rarity in these child rearing years... which brings me to Gratitude Entry #13:

I am SO THANKFUL when all four of my children sleep through the night!

Bloody noses, potty dances, bad dreams, throw up, lost teeth... It's always something! Even my 10 year old has to trek all the way down the stairs to TELL ME that she has to use the bathroom!

BUT... not last night. Last night, I fell asleep and didn't wake up until morning, and I am truly, truly thankful. (Cue the "Hallelujah Chorus" now!)

30 Days of Thanks #12

I'll never forget something that Oprah Winfrey said during one of her shows about women around the globe. She said:

"If you are a woman living in America, you are one of the luckiest women in the world."

I, too often, forget how privileged and abundantly blessed my life truly is. Too often, I forget that the life that I enjoy each day was made possible by the thousands of men and women who sacrificed theirs. On the night of Veteran's Day, I give thanks to all those who have served this country... some giving a little and some giving all. I also give thanks to those not in uniform... the families of servicemen and women... whose sacrifice is equally as great.

I am forever indebted.

Kyler was so proud to honor his Grandfather, Dennis Stevens, in the Veteran's Day assembly today at his school. I, too, am so proud of my father-in-law's great example of service. His example continues 40 years later as he serves as a Stake President and in all other areas of his life. He is the most generous person I have ever known.

"Lest we forget..."

30 Days of Thanks #11

The kids are finally in bed... and I'm having a really hard time making myself sit in front of this computer tonight because a friend just lent me a fantastic book, and I really just want to curl up and read it! These quiet hours in my house don't last long! I must take advantage of this precious reading time... Which brings me to Gratitude Entry #11!

I am thankful for books.

And not just any books. The books that captivate! The books that keep me up until 1 a.m. The books that make me see life differently. The books that teach me about different kinds of people in different time periods and different lands. The books that provide a quick escape from Ammon, ID and life with four kids.

I am probably a little too thankful for books. I love them so much, that they can become problematic. One year for Valentines Day, Justin took me down to Barnes and Noble and let me pick out a book. Sound strange? Well, it was one of the most meaningful and romantic gifts ever--because Justin was truly making a sacrifice. He knows that when I fall in love with a book, I slack a little in my wife/mom duties.

Speaking of Barnes and Noble... it's hands-down my favorite store. My heart starts beating a little faster every time I walk through the door. I just love strolling down the aisles, gazing at book covers. And you know all those slightly strange looking people who sit in the store all day reading and sipping lattes? I could totally see myself doing that if I was a single, child-less, unemployed woman who did not keep the Word of Wisdom.

My love of books began in my childhood. My mom always read to me and gave me books for Christmas. Still today, my mom and sisters and I love to swap books and discuss what we loved and loathed!

I, too, want to instill a love of reading in my children. Just a few weeks ago, I finished reading "The Secret Garden" with McKenna, and it truly was a sweet experience for us. I could literally see her imagination playing out behind her eyes. Her face would light up at interesting parts, she shed a few tears at touching moments, and she begged for "just one more chapter" almost every single night. Music to my ears! The best part, however, were the teaching moments that flowed so naturally as we discussed the book's themes. Those moments are priceless--and completely worth the achy vocal chords.