Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

I do my best to be grateful everyday but it is always a little easier to be so around Thanksgiving. So in the spirit of the holiday I am going to share some of the things (in no particular order) I am most grateful for...

1. My Husband
Matt is such an incredible person, smart, funny, forgiving, supportive, and my best friend. I am so incredibly thankful for every minute I get to spend with him.

2. Family 
I have been blessed with such an incredible family that I am so immensely grateful for. It is a rather large family I could go through and brag on each and every member but I run the risk of leaving one out on accident or running out of room on this post so I will sum it up in what I love most about my family as a whole. My family loves unconditionally, are incredibly supportive, and bring such joy and laughter to my life.

3. Animals
I ADORE animals and have had horses and dogs throughout my whole entire life. My first dog Magoo was my one of my best friends growing up. He was my partner in crime always ready to tag along for whatever adventure I would cook up with the other neighborhood kids. He was my protector against snakes, my snuggling comforter when sad, and my number one playmate when lonely. I am so grateful for Magoo and all of the other dogs I have had the opportunity to bond with since. Tex was the first horse that was my very own. In my experience that special bond isn't as easy to form with horses but once you form it, it something to cherish. Tex was that horse for me, we were so in tune that I got to a point where I never really had to give a command and he could just sense what I wanted from my body language and go. I would build blanket forts in the pasture and read while Tex grazed next to me. I always treasured the moments that he would lay down by me and let me lean against him reading while he took a nap. I feel so lucky to have had this bond growing up and am so grateful that I married a man who was able to experience this bond with his dogs Trek, Wrigley, and Alonzo. I am thankful that we both feel strongly about continuing to have this bond in our lives together. 









4. The Lord
On this I could go on and on his blessings are innumerable and I am so grateful for each and every one. I think Marilyn Ferguson's poem sums it up fairly well.

To God, I'm Thankful
I’m thankful for each strand of hair
That grows upon my head
I’m thankful for the clothes I wear
And for a nice warm bed.

I’m thankful for the caring friends
Who make me feel so glad
I’m thankful for a doctor’s care
When I am feeling bad.

I’m thankful for my family
Who cheer me when I’m blue
I’m thankful for the U.S.A.
And for our soldiers too.

I’m thankful for the gentle rains
That fall upon the earth
I’m thankful for the life it brings
And for a baby’s birth.

I’m thankful for a sky of red
In early morning light
I’m thankful for the setting sun
And for the stars at night.

I’m thankful for a place to pray
And for the books I read
I’m thankful for a loving God
Who meets my every need.

Well I am off to take a pre black friday nap, hope your Turkey Day was GREAT!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Arizona

Matt and I decided to go to AZ to visit my dad, stepmom, & Zander and to watch the Utes kill the Wildcats.

Adios Wildcats!!!!
Utes win 34-21 it was a fun game to watch!!!!!!

**As a side note if you ever find yourself on UofA campus go to Miss Saigon. Heaven in your mouth**
Oh how I love me some spring rolls!!

Me and Zanman chillaxin by the pool like good ol times.
(yes, I realize my roots are in dire need of a touch up)
 Now this sweet girl is Maya. She is new to the family but I already love her.
 Oh Zander, how I love you!
You can't take pics of a Rhodesian Ridgeback without snapping the ridge!
Hahahahaha This blurry snapshot is the only pic I was able to get (due to my uncontrollable laughter) of Maya tearing off around the house with Matt's football ticket. She thought being chased by Matt was great fun but I am not sure Matt agreed.
She gave him "sorry for stealing your ticket" kisses afterwards.

We had a great time with Barbie, my dad, and the puppies only wish it could have been longer!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Puppy!

Matt's parents are in the Guide Dog Puppy Raising Program and just got a new puppy! Matt and I were able to go when they picked up their puppy, it was quite an experience.

There were a few different families waiting on the puppy truck and you could feel the excitement once it arrived.
 Here are Matt's cute parents waiting for the first glimpse of their new puppy. At this point all we know is that it is a black male and his name starts with a "G".
I spy with my little eye...a cute little puppy!!

I will give you one guess on who guessed his name...
Meet George!!!
 Ahh two handsome boys
Now a puppy post ain't complete without....
Wrigley!
Alonzo!
and Zander!

Fall Break Getaway

This semester has been a stressful one I have never been happier for a school break. It gave me a chance to relax, catch up on sleep, and be whisked away to Sun Valley by my amazing husband. 

Sun Valley is INCREDIBLE!!!
 Matt and I rented bikes and rode to Ernest Hemingway's memorial.
Matt fed the swans as I kept a safe distance. I attempted to tell him how vicious big birds can be but he just laughed...
Then the swan reared up and....
I cowered while Matt laughed harder and tossed bread.
Now big ol "Donald" the duck is my kind of big bird. I enjoyed feeding these lil fellers. 
Like all vacations this one wasn't long enough but I am so grateful for my wonderful husband who planned this surprise getaway for both of us. I am so lucky!