Day # 6 - Gratitude Month

Today I was thinking how much fun it is to walk home from work and see our dog waiting anxiously for me in the window. He is always there, everyday, wagging his tail and eagerly awaiting my arrival. As soon as I walk in the door he greets me and expects a quick pet. I can count on him to be happy about my return and he counts on me scratch him behind the ears. We are there for each other. 

I didn't have any pets growing up. I always wanted a dog. I'm sure my childhood, which was great, would have been even better with a dog. When we moved to St. Anthony, we somehow, almost without knowing, began acquiring pets. We have had salamanders, fish, frogs, a guinea pig, a hedgehog, cats, and dogs. I have not enjoyed all of them but the kids have. However, our two cats, Snowball and Moose, were fun to have around and loved by us all. But my favorites, without a doubt, have been our dogs. Our first dog, Cruiser, was the best dog EVER. He was our favorite family member. We are still heartbroken about having to put him down. After four years, we still cry. Now we have Buddy, who has taken more work to be loved. He is a rescue dog and has survived a pretty tough life. But, he is totally loyal, patient, and long suffering. We love him, too. 

So, today I am grateful for pets! 

 

Day #5 - Gratitude Month

Thirteen years ago I begrudgingly pulled our last load of household items across the Madison/Fremont county border. We were buying our first home, in Fremont County, because Trent's job required that we live here. I felt as if I had just about died. It was generally understood in my home town that no one lived in St. Anthony because they wanted to. I figured they only lived there because they couldn't get out. 

Within about 3 months I had decided that it wasn't all that bad. Within a year I was here to stay. Thirteen years have gone by and I am so grateful for this funny little town I live in. There are many wonderful people here and we have made many good friends. Our children love it here and have great friends that are positive influences on them. They have been able to participate in school athletics, school leadership, and countless other extracurricular events. Pretty much, if you want to do it, you can. 

I love that we are near the mountains and not too far from shopping. I love the trees and the river. I love the sight of there sun rising over the Tetons each morning and the sight of a giant harvest moon creeping up behind those magnificent mountains each fall. I can't even describe the beautiful sunsets we enjoy at night, so many colors. 

St. Anthony is my home and I am so blessed to live here!

Day # 4 - Gratitude Month

Today is Monday. Many people don't like Mondays because it is the beginning of their work week. I don't feel that way. I usually love Mondays because I get to go to work. I am grateful to be a teacher that gets to work with other amazing teachers and with incredible students that I have grown to love. I love the thrill of watching a student "get it" when they have worked hard to understand. I enjoy their crazy stories - and they have a lot of stories. I love the challenge of helping a student overcome a hurdle. I, mostly, enjoy their parents and the relationships we build. I love having past students come back, every morning, to tell me about their lives and how much they miss me! I miss them, too, but marvel in the growth they make year to year. 

I am so grateful that I was guided, and I was, into the career of teaching. It makes me happy. 

Who wouldn't love these faces?

Day #3 - Gratitude Month

Today I am grateful for my four kids, Collin, McKenna, Adrienne, and Kathrynn. I have been blessed with the best kids ever. I know that is what every mom says but mine are better! They came that way. They want to be good and obedient. They are fun and make others happy. They are all different and have incredible personalities. I admire each one. I think that I am the luckiest mom in the world. 

They aren't perfect but handle their struggles with maturity and strength. They are growing up to be happy and productive. What more can I ask for? I love them dearly and am grateful for their willingness to overlook my shortcomings as their mom. 

I sure love them!

Day #2 - Gratitude Month

This should be dated November 2 but it is not because you can't change the date on this blog. But, this is my second entry for Gratitude Month. I am grateful for Trent, my best buddy and closest friend, for 25 years. Never in my craziest thoughts, did I ever imagine that when I asked him out, to a girl's choice dance way back in 1986, that he would one day be my spouse and eternal companion. I must have been guided by the Spirit that day. 

Trent is the best husband around. He cleans, cooks, folds, helps, cheers, loves, and lifts. He is the funny one in our family. He is the one that keeps us all calm. He has encouraged me to do whatever it is I want to do. He brings me so much joy and helps me to be happy. He is smart and the one the kids go to for homework - because science, math, and I don't get along that well. He has sacrificed so much, more than most know, to provide our family with stability and the lifestyle that we enjoy. He is my hero and I am grateful everyday for him. I look forward to eternity with him.

A Month of Gratitude

My friend Shannon, who is probably my only blog reader, started posting a blog for each day of November with something she is grateful for. I thought it was a great idea. So I am stealing it. I wish I could post-date this entry. It would be for November 1. On the first day of November, I am grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love the gospel and the knowledge I have of my Heavenly Father, His son Jesus Christ, the plan of salvation, the importance of families, the Temple, and my testimony of it all. I truly am who I am because of this knowledge. I try to be better because of this knowledge. I am so grateful!!!

Driving for Two

Driver's Ed is a double edged sword. Yes it is nice to have the kids a little more independent so they can get themselves to practices, the store, to friends, etc. on the other end of that sword is the increase in insurance, the fees to get them in the class and the fifty hours of parental supervision driving. This time our around we are getting one hundred hours with the twins. 

So, lately, we have taken to the road each Sunday, just the twins and I. We take a two to three hour drive around the countryside. The first week we drove out to Kilgore and Camas Meadows. It was when we were home that I decided I should take pictures. We live in a beautiful area and I wanted to share it now, or later when I print the blog. 

So the next week, we drove into uncharted territories for me and definitely for the girls. We went out to Terreton, to Monteview, over to Dubois, ahead to Kilgore, and then back to St. Anthony. I had to keep calling Trent to find out where to go because I couldn't get a signal on my phone consistently. It was very long. A big storm was coming and so the sky was constantly changing. 

This last week we drove to Felt and Drummond. I may have driven that way one other time in my life. If I ever have the funds for a cabin, I am going to put it in that area. The twins didn't appreciate all the turns in the road or the construction that we came upon. But, once again, they got us home safely.

The challenge is to find other places to go. Next week, somewhere new and probably beautiful, too. And, a smidge closer to the 100 hours!

Life is good - and this is a beautiful area!