Thankful

This year I have really been looking forward to the holidays. Maybe it’s because I am back in school full time and working full time. Maybe I just need a break or maybe it’s just because I want to spend time with my family but I have been really excited this year.  A few of my friends on Facebook have been posting one thing every day that they are thankful for and it has really got me thinking about what I am thankful for.  Not to sound sappy, but this year has been one of the best years of my life, Chris and I got married, we went to Hawaii, we went on some other great vacations, a few of our friends got married, and I started my masters program.  Not to say this year wasn’t hard, it definitely was, there were times when I had no idea how I was going to deal with everything I had on my plate but somehow I did and I think it’s because I have some great influences in my life. 

First and foremost everything comes back to Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ; without their help and without the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, I am not sure I would have been able to keep the “eternal perspective” in mind.  I am so blessed to know I am a daughter of God and to know where I came from and what my purpose is in life.

I’m also blessed with the greatest family and friends anyone could ask for.  I have a wonderful husband who supports me in every decision I make and is the best friend I could ask for.  (To read a rave review of Chris go here) My parents and sisters have always and still are wonderful examples of love and hard work to me. And I think I literally have the best in-laws (both parents and siblings) anyone could ask for.  Chris and I also have a fantastic group of friends who are like an extra family to us, we love them so much and we are so grateful they still stick around with us even if they have no reason to do so.  I will also say, Chris and I have the best dog ever, I’m serious, she is the sweetest dog-child anyone has ever had and if you don’t believe me, that means you have never met her. (If I sound like a crazy dog person, it’s because I am. See here)

Anyways, in all of this jibber jabber what I am trying to say is, I am thankful.  Thankful for all the blessings in my life: family, friends, school, work, dog, car, roof over my head, and for everyday that I get that was not promised to me.   I hope we can all remember to be thankful this holiday season and to try to remember to be thankful throughout the year.

All Hail the Dog Queen!

Now that the wedding madness is over, Chris and I have officially settled into our humble abode. Bella (our dog, I don’t have an imaginary friend) and I moved in a couple of weeks before the wedding and Chris moved in after we got back from Dallas.  With the last few boxes unpacked and after my failed attempt to do some decorating, our tiny duplex has slowly but surely become a home. Everything has found its place, except for our dog; that is until about a couple of weeks ago. Bella has always been, let’s see, how do I say this… or maybe as Chris would say it “a princess”. She is a great dog; well behaved, active, obedient (most of the time) and cute as can be. However, our little sweetheart has one flaw; she is a full blown spoiled dog-child. Yes ladies and gentlemen, Chris and I are officially what you would call “dog people”.  Not those crazy ones that have their deceased dogs stuffed and not the ones that enjoy giving their dogs manicures and insist on having them wear tiny sweaters that say “Dog-gone Adorable” but we are nonetheless “dog people”. Don’t believe me?

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, may I present to you figure 1:

Yes, there she is, Bella the Dog Queen in all her glory.  I warned you didn’t I? Please take this time to point and laugh at the failed dog owners.  We have officially passed the torch of “alpha dog” to our own dog. Oh how the tables have turned. As you can see, Bella has found her spot in our guest room or should I say HER room!  If you look below her you will notice that Chris has provided her with his old towels to protect our guest bed but I think his good intentions have just made it even more comfortable for her royal highness.  But not to worry, if you care to come visit us you will have a bed, you will just have to share it with the queen.

Long live the queen!