Daily Gratitude

CHAMPIONS!

St. Johns 42

Phoenix Christain 17

Daily Gratitude

Ugh! I've been awful about keeping up. And today isn't going to be much better. But this past week, I've been grateful for my family and friends (of course), and for a few days off of work. But my big one is. . . Drum roll. . . Doctors and Insurance. Yep, my dear child, Cade has kept the doctors in business this football season. This time, he sprained his big toe-also known as turf toe. According to the doctor, it will take about 4 weeks to heal, and two months before it feels like new.

He's not sure how it happened during the last football game, but those who have watched the game film swear that it was the result of the other team twisting ankles when they tackled Cade. Who knows. But the result is a painful and swollen foot. However, he is a tough kid who kept on playing. He had a great game (166 yards rushing and two touchdowns). And now-they will be playing for the State Championship tomorrow! YEA! Cade didn't practice this past week, and is pretty nervous about the condition of his foot. But I'm sure he will give it all he has.

GO REDSKINS!


*A note about the picture-the boys have a team bonfire each week before their game. A reporter from the AZ Republic took this a couple weeks ago.*

Daily Gratitude

On a light note (or heavy, I guess, if you are counting calories. . .) I'm grateful for Olive Garden. I don't get to go there much, but when I do, I always enjoy trying new dishes. The girls and I ate there on Tuesday, and I tried the Chicken Carbonara. Move over Ryan. . . I think I'm in love. . . Actually, why I thankful for it today is because I ate leftovers for dinner, while I fed my family Hawaiian Haystacks. And I didn't even feel bad for them.

Daily Gratitude

I'm having to skip the picture today, because my subject lives thousands of miles away-in Alaska. Today, I'm thankful for my youngest sister, Cortney. Today is her birthday. Soon she will be having her own baby boy. I think of her every time I try to take Lauren to bed. When Cort was little, she would fall asleep on the couch. Nobody could take her to bed without Cort throwing a fit. But if I was the one to lift her up and carry her to bed, she would go happily, with her arms around me. It made me pretty darn proud. Lauren's been doing the same thing lately. She freaks out if Ryan or I pick her up, but as soon as Cade holds her, she wraps her arms around him, and mumbles happily until he puts her in bed. From those times to now, when we are as much friends as sisters, I will always be grateful for her.

Of course, when we are talking about sisters, I can't leave out Kellie. We grew up together-being less than two years apart. She was the spitfire of our family. Where I was the oldest, "try to please everyone", Kellie was the wild one who said and did what she wanted. I loved her for it. She would do anything to get a laugh. She was always up for whatever excitement we could concoct. Now, she amazes me with her creative talents, her love for her boys (and all the kids around her) and her strength of character. And she is one heck of a traveling buddy. (We went to Washington DC together a few years back).

I am grateful for all of my sister-in-laws. Meri, Lori, Miranda, Michelle, Felicia and Gina. I love all the things we have in common, and all of the things we don't. I'm honored to be a part of their families.

Finally, I'm grateful for the idea of "sisterhood". Being a woman can be tough, hard work. But I am so thankful for the beautiful, intelligent, faithful, strong, poised women that inspire me everyday.

Daily Gratitude

Today my Grandpas have been on my mind. They both were Veterans of World War Two. Richard Esplin, my mom's dad was a Marine who served in the South Pacific. Cleon Jackson, my dad's dad, was in the Army. He served in the Philippines. Also, my Great-Grandpa, Lawrence Esplin served in Europe during WWI. And now, my nephew Brock is serving in the Army. I'm so grateful for these men, and all the other men and women who have served our country. One day a year is not enough to honor their sacrifices. Even so, today, I offer a special prayer of Thanksgiving for them, their safety, and their loved ones. God Bless the USA.

Daily Gratitude

One of the greatest blessings in my life is Ryan. I sometimes think that we prove the point that opposites attract. When I was in high school, I just KNEW he was "the one" because we both liked sports and we both held our pencils awkwardly. (OK, there may have been a few other reasons). But when it comes down to personalities-we are very different. Yet, I'm so grateful for the differences. When I'm anxious and overwhelmed, he is the calm, steady one. When I can't focus on priorities, he's the one who reminds me of what's important. He makes me laugh, (A LOT) and even tolerates the few times I cry. Just being around him makes my heart happy.

PS He won't let me take his picture, so I"m left with sneaky, around-the-corner shots.

Daily Gratitude

A friend once told me that if you hear an idea, see a person, etc. THREE separate times, its a real sign that you ought to address the issue. Well, in the past week, both Heidi and Kellie have posted about gratitude, and then both speakers in church talked of gratitude. So, I think its a sign that I better lighten up and look at the many bright things in my life.
Heidi Udall is taking a picture and writing about something she is grateful for each day in the month of November. What a great idea. Even if I don't post everyday, hopefully, I will be more aware of the blessings that I have as I actively search them out.

So, for day number one: I am grateful for my kids' friends. One of the greatest blessings of living in St. Johns has been the friends that my kids have found. They add a richness to our whole family. At the same time, I'm grateful for those other parents who have welcomed my children in to their homes.