Stormy Nights

I've told myself a million times that I would never be one of those people who write all about their animals.. you know, like a crazy cat lady or something, well... to bad... here it is.

Last night was a doosy... we knew the thunderstorm was coming, before we ever heard the first "boom." I was awaken by a loud grunt, and rolled over to our (not so little) dog Benny laying on top of Nick. We knew a storm must be on the way... for some reason Benny has always been traumatized by thunderstorms. Not just a little scared and whiny, but full on shaking and hiding (usually in between Nick and I.) 

So we lay there for awhile, praying for the storm to pass quickly, as our whole bed shook like one of those creepy coin operated hotel beds... while Benny panted and shook for over an hour. It was horrible. 

At one point I dozed off, only to wake up a bit later to Nick holding Benny who was wrapped and snuggled in a blanket... petting and rocking him... all while singing to him... ! I started laughing so hard that it turned into a late night fit of giggles, which resulted in a change of clothes (thanks to baby!) Nick finally decided to take our lovable animal into the bathroom, where there are no windows, turned on the fan... and blasted classical music on the I pad. After a half an hour the storm finally let up, and a very tiered an angry Nick came back to bed. Benny, being so worn out from shaking lay on the floor and went to sleep. I think we need to invest in some doggy tranquilizers! Luckily for us these thunderstorms don't come around all to often! 

p.s. I don't care what anyone says... dogs are way worse than kids!!!

Good Days

Yesterday was a good day. Nothing overly special happened, just dinner at our house with the family, and a small side trip to the park to let Kaylee get all her sillies out. Even though it was only 47 degrees, and a tad windy the skies were pure blue, and the sun was warm. I love the days were we get to just hang out, with no projects to do, no where that we have to be. 

After the park we hung out in Kaylee's room for a while, and watched her line up her stuffed animals along the window seal, pretending to put them all in jail. Nick had fallen asleep on her bed while researching places to go camping, and I couldn't help just watch them and be thankful for my little family. I all to often get in a "I want more mindset." I joke with Nick that one day we will have couches that don't have to be duct taped together, and a kitchen faucet that doesn't spray water out of 5 locations when turned on. But yesterday none of that mattered. Everything that is important in my life was sitting in Kaylee's little room. I will have to try and remember this more when I am having fits about this or that... trying to keep up with the invisible "Jones." 

I just started reading "Heaven is Here" by Stephanie Nielson (I also follow her blog.) She is a wonderful example to me about what should be important in life, and to not take the little things for granted. There is nothing more important than being here, in this moment making memories with my family. For those who haven't read her book or blog, I strongly suggest it! http://youtu.be/KHDvxPjsm8E

I am so grateful for all the "granted's " in my life. I am grateful for Kaylee's humor, and Nick's sense of "Style." I am thankful for Nick's job, and our little shoe box house, where we have made 5 years of wonderful memories. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a mother and wife, and mostly I'm grateful that when I make a mistake, or am harsh and react with out thinking, that my family is understanding, and lets me try and try... and try again.