Grateful Sunday

I love how a particular day of the week, Sunday - in fact, can elicit a sense of gratitude and perspective in my life. God has blessed me with so much, I can't help but thank Him.

1. My job. It's not often people have as much passion as I do about what I get paid for. I honestly I believe I would still take the time and effort (I'm not making any promises) even if I didn't get paid to do what I do for a living. I love my students, the music, and how it makes me feel to make others happy (and in pain at the same time :)).

 

2. My sweet Lucas. You changed the shape of my heart in just a few short months. You'll always be my little coconut. Memories of you send a smile to my face.

3. Like many un-ashamed, fully-grown women around the country - I'm grateful for the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. She's proof that even us (LDS) stay-at-home moms can have wild and vivid imaginations worth putting down on paper and selling for (lots of) good money.

4. Burke Williams Day Spa. The things a good deep-tissue massage can do for the body is so powerful, it seeps into the soul. 

5. Jenna Byers. I love this girl beyond measure. She has been the one to catch my fall many times in my life. She has been present with me during the darkest, as well as happiest moments of my life. Please forgive me, dear friend, for the photo. This happens to be one of my happiest moments - a bright shining light cutting through the dark fog. The sock slide...

6. David Mark Wheeler. I'm grateful for the love. I'm grateful for the smile that always reminds me how deeply I love him. I'm grateful for the journey no matter what the cost; the reward outweighs all else. 

7. My car. I know, so profoundly materialistic in the midst of the loves of my life, but still. One doesn't understand the benefit of remote ignition, until you have it. Or a back up camera, or GPS, or so many other features I love about my precious car.

8. The 2008 Beijing Olympics. I have just relished watching history in the making. I've loved the stories of true heart and passion and dedication to a craft. I never am so vocal in my tv-watching as when the olympics are on (except maybe while watching The Office).

9. How could I remember so many bright shining lights in my life without mentioning my Treyden. How I love this face. I have a song for each of my children that reminds me of their arrival and how I felt about them at their birth. Treyden's song is so befitting, "I Knew I Loved you Before I Met You." Nothing could be more true. He's so perfect for me, he reminds me why I love being a mommy. T has the best monologues, and makes me laugh and smile every day. My favorite phrase (and probably will be for a long time), is, "mommy, you beautiful guwil". He always knows how to make me feel loved.

10. Last, but NEVER least, Caleb. You challenge my notion of reality and the way life should be. You teach me so much about love and patience. You love me with a passion I've never felt before you, and I don't know if I'll ever understand, and maybe I don't want to. You are such a great example to me of conviction and persistence. I know Heavenly Father sent you straight to my arms (with your thumb in your mouth).