30 Days of Thanks #28

I'm thankful for Justin (Part 2)

Yes, I know that I already did a gratitude post for this awesome guy--but one write-up just does not do him justice! To truly appreciate today's events, you need to understand a few things about Justin:

#1) Justin's favorite creation on Earth is snow.

#2) Justin's favorite activity on Earth is snowmobiling.

#3) Justin has not been snowmobiling yet this season, and all of this snow is making him Crazy-Anxious!

Today, Justin's buddies called and invited him to do his favorite activity in his favorite creation. Without any heckling from me, he said "No." He told me that he hadn't spent enough time with the kids this week... So, he played in the snow all day... with our kids! I've always appreciated this quality in Justin. Like most men, he loves his hobbies, but he never allows them to come before his family. He's always sensitive to my needs and our children's needs, and he puts them before his own. I'm a pretty lucky girl.

After a few hours of sledding, we took the kids ice skating... which is such a labor of love! It's a tough activity on the body when you have to skate bent forward holding a child for two hours straight... and poor Justin did it all on his own tonight as I chased Ashton around the rink. Here's a few photos of one amazing, fun, and TIRED Dad:

30 Days of Thanks #27

I am thankful for my parents' sacrifices.

The older I get, the more I recognize all that my parents have sacrificed for me. Kyler broke his arm earlier this year and his few x-rays and casts were quite a financial burden. Few people know this about me, but my childhood was filled with x-rays and casts. At five years old, my spine was shaped like the letter 'S', and I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. In Kindergarten, I began wearing a body brace 24 hours a day. My mom had to have clothes altered to fit over my brace. She also came to my school everyday at lunchtime to loosen my brace after I ate. My treatment continued for ten years. Doctor appointments in Salt Lake, new x-rays, and different shaped casts... continually for ten years. I can't imagine the expense that was for my parents, yet they never made me feel that my treatment was a burden in any way. In fact, my SLC doctor appointments became an exciting event because we got to go to Hires for the "world's best hamburgers and shakes" after each appointment! I am very sad to admit that I never really thought about the financial aspect of my brace years until I experienced my own child's broken arm. I'm sure as my kids become teenagers, leave for college, marry, and have kids of their own, I will come to understand even more of parents' patience, love, and sacrifice.

My health needs were one of many, many sacrifices my parents have made for me throughout my life, and for each and every one, I thank them.

30 Days of Thanks #26

I am thankful for answered prayers.

Before we left for Inkom yesterday morning, we parked in the driveway to pray. Sweet McKenna prayed for a "really, really, really safe drive" and a "really, really, really great day!"

About five miles out of Idaho Falls, a Jeep Cherokee sped up behind us--practically on our bumper. He was obviously annoyed at our slow pace. The Jeep darted to the right to pass us and immediately started fishtailing. It was one of the incidents that happens so fast--yet in slow motion at the same time. It's a miracle the Jeep didn't hit us as the driver frantically turned his steering wheel right and left--trying to get control. At 70 miles per hour, the Jeep slid sideways off the road into a ditch where it bounced up out into a field and continued to roll five or six times. All we could see was snow and metal flying everywhere. With semi's in front and in back of us on solid ice roads, we were unable to safely stop and turn around. We called 911 and hoped and prayed that the family in that Jeep survived.

It was so upsetting. I thought of that family during Thanksgiving dinner, as I laid down to bed last night, and as I woke up this morning--wondering what happened.

Justin left at 5 am this morning to try to get a few Christmas deals. Again, I prayed for his safety after he said "Goodbye." When he returned (without the deals), he told me that he came within inches of hitting a deer going down the hill and then AGAIN on the way up!

This morning I'm busy. One child wet the bed. Another managed to unscrew his bottle and sleep drenched in milk. Another child is screaming because they have something in their eye. Another child is refusing to help with chores today... but I'm perfectly happy. I have that content feeling that everything is as it should be. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father who watches over us and hears our prayers.

30 Days of Thanks #25

As I prepare to make the treacherous drive in dangerously cold temperatures to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones, I am thankful for many things:

Snow plows, heated car seats, prayer... lots of prayer, Pillsbury pre-made pie crusts, traditional family recipes, and most of all--the wonderful blessing of living close enough to family to celebrate special days!

I'll close this Thanksgiving post with a famous Luke family quote. It's just not Thanksgiving to me without it...

"This bird will never fly again." - Arlo Luke

Happy Thanksgiving!

30 Days of Thanks #24

Mrs. Couch, Mrs. Covert, Dr. Bond, Marta Johns.

I am thankful for great teachers.

These were not the easy teachers. Not even close. They were strict and demanded respect and hard work. Isn't it funny that those are the teachers we come to love and admire the most? Each of these teachers shared a common characteristic that set them apart from other "hard" teachers: They believed in me. Knowing this encouraged me to pour my heart into my work.

Their influence continues into my life today...

* Mrs. Couch (2nd grade) - I still think of her math sayings when I help my own children with math. ("5 x 0 = Zero, My Hero!") Mrs. Couch made me feel loved and smart.

* Mrs. Covert (12th grade English) - A single comment she made on one of my writing papers encouraged me to chose Journalism as my Major in college. I'm sure she'll never know the impact of that little note.

* Dr. Bond (College-Music History) - Dr. Bond's passion and intelligence was so inspiring. I loved every second of her class. I remember writing frantically in her class--trying to record everything she said. I just taught my own piano students about one of the symphonies I learned about in her class.

* Marta Johns (Voice teacher) - After having a few kids, I didn't sing very much, and I soon lost pretty much all confidence in that area. I assumed my singing days were over. In an effort to get out of the house once a week, I began studying voice with her. I learned more in one year from her than I did in four years of college as a Vocal Performance Minor. She became a dear friend... and got me singing again.

Marta & I

30 Days of Thanks #23

"For all His creations of which I'm apart,

Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me!"

I am thankful for God's creations.

One of the greatest things about being a parent, is experiencing life through your child's eyes. Ashton is constantly pointing out everyday objects and exclaiming: "Ooooh!" "Aaaah!" Every bird, every snowflake, every bug... brings him so much joy and amazement! Children teach us so much about true gratitude. Though he's only 18 months old, I'm thankful for Ashton's great example. When I saw this short video, it made me think of Ashton who is seeing everything for the first time.

30 Days of Thanks #22

"And since we've no place to go,

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!"

La Nina is here with a vengeance! I laid awake for most of the night listening to the wind thrash and pound against the house. One thought occupied my sleepless brain all night...

I am so thankful for my warm and cozy home!

Here's proof that I ventured out in my pj's and boots at 7:30 am to get you a cool photo of the blizzard...

What I do for this blog!