11 Days of Gratitude

Working with my family. This is something I have actually dreamed about and envisioned my entire life. One of my favorite things to do during the week happens on Saturdays, when the entire family works on chores together. We crank the music and go through each room together.

Another favorite comes from nights like Sunday night: Matthew and David helped clear the table, Ryan unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, and I took care of the food and counters. We were together, talking as we worked, and it was joyous!

Version 10.0

I have witnessed the tender love of a father to his precious son. For Christmas, my sister and her husband spoiled my kids with a myriad of gifts. One particular gift was almost a science project of sorts--this sea monkey thing. Anyway, as weird as they might be, they were very special to Matthew.

We purified the water, added the proper tablets, and followed every instruction with precision to ensure that these eggs hatched into tiny sea monkeys. Well, they hatched last week, and we've fed them and continued to help them grow.

Two nights ago, Ethan pulled a chair over to the counter and decided to dump the sea monkeys out. You can only imagine Matthew's devastation over his little pets. I began wiping up all of the water, when Ryan came running over to the counter with a syringe. "Ker, we can still save some of them!" He then, scoured the counter for any sea monkeys swimming in the puddles of water. Ultimately, he transferred about five or six of the twenty that had been in there.

This seems so silly and insignificant, perhaps, but it meant so much to a little seven-year-old boy. He knew that his dad cared about his interests and that the things that mattered to him were just as important to his dad.

Daily Gratitude #9

Whether Keri is greatful for this or not. Day 9 brings a victory of the Denver Broncos vs. the Pittsburg Steelers. Gratitude is all I have to say.

#8!

My body. can. do. amazing. things.

I'm grateful I can run, walk, skip, dance, and jump. Our bodies can do crazy things, but we have to align our minds with our body. The mind has powerful control over that entity. If pushed in a positive way, we can accomplish anything.

I also know that we are created in the image of God, as it says in the book of Genesis. This means we have two hands, two arms, two eyes, two ears, and two legs--just like God. Knowing that our creator looks similar to us helps me when I pray. I realize he's a person and not just some spirit. Praying becomes more of a conversation person-to-person than person-to-void. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me with a body.

Motherhood has impacted my testimony of this truth and increased my gratitude. It's amazing to see a little life come to be and then, grow from tiny baby to toddler.

Gracias 7.0

Family

I'm most grateful for my family this day. After sleeping in (7:00), we fed the kiddies, and then, headed out for a parents' jog / kids' bike ride. It was a fabulous time, and gave me some time to reflect upon this gift we have. I LOVE that our boys still enjoy being at home with us and that they feel unconcerned about everything outside the walls of our home. As soon as we come home, this is all that matters to them. Their focus is so clear.

Home is wherever my family is. I'm grateful to have them for eternity.

6th Day of Gratitude

Surprises.0 I LOVE being surprised by my husband--especially, when it's totally different from what I would ever expect. On our way out to San Antonio Ryan pulled out an envelope from his pocket and informed me of his surprise for the trip. I had no clue had even thought about this.

The paper said, "Surprise . . . You have been working so hard. You have coached yourself along the way. You have prepared for the journey of a lifetime. NOw you have a partner to run with. Seabrook here we come. Let's take the journey together."

I am stoked! That's right . . . this man is running the half marathon with me!!

5.

LAUGHTER LOL GIGGLES This man can start me laughing to where I can't stop, my eyes close to slits, and I cackle (as mentioned previously--a lovely hereditary trait!).

4 Days of Grateful

Good food equals good times! While 2011 offered many challenges, food was not one of them. We always had plenty to eat (a blessing often taken for granted) and thanks to great parents, we have learned to cook some really yummy things. Thanks to both of our mamas and dads for delicious recipes and cooking lessons!

Okay, sisters, sisters-in-law, aunts, grandmas, pretty much everyone has influenced our menu!

Gratitude #3

A getaway with this man was just what the doctor ordered and oh boy, did we have fun! There is something very romantic and serene about the ambience from the lights, the sounds of the river, the breeze, the walk itself, the landscape--everything about the River Walk whispers soothing and healing words to my soul.

2.

My boys are in love with their grandmas (Well, their grandpas too.). We couldn't get out the door fast enough and her in soon enough to play and shop and cook with and spoil and all other things grandmas do! Thanks so much, Mom, for making this trip happen! We love you.

Reason #1

Today, as cliche as it may be, I'm grateful for fresh starts. I'm determined to make 2012 better. I love evaluating last year's goals, developing new ones, and then, setting my sights on them. 2012 looks BRIGHT!!!