An attitude of gratitude

That is what this blog is all about.  Counting my blessings.  I confess I often miss them.  Many times I have wanted to write a "here is the real truth" uncensored version of events.  Sort of a way to vent frustration in the moment.  I do try to keep these entries true to life, but we really are more grateful in reflection.  I think that is why pondering is so strongly suggested by our Father in Heaven.  The reality is, that I am, we are, surrounded by blessings both small and profound and we miss them.  Because we are tired.  Because we are lazy.  Because we are stressed, sad, hungry, busy, hard at work, hot, cold, distracted, etc..  Because we are human.  My goal, become a better human.  See the blessings sooner. 

So with reflection, I found these few moments, out of many, to be grateful for:

the 3 little anti-bethovens
I year ago I had said for the hundredth time, sort of robustly and with great energy (okay maybe yelled it a little even)
"FINE!  Have your wish!!!! You are DONE with piano.  YOU MAY NOT play the piano EVER AGAIN"
And I have taken the piano books and rushed from the room.
This is a fairly accurate quote, and was targeted at any of the 3 boy.

Then we had a 6 month break rather forced upon us.
We are now back at it. Peter and Seth on the piano and James now on the guitar.
I still have to "make" them practice sometimes but more than once I have caught each of them getting carried away with their practice.  Practicing more than they needed too.  Practicing other songs than were assigned.  Playing for the joy of playing.  These moments are truly the music to my ears.  To hear the appreciation of music happening.  May it last!  

Ah. . . innocence:
The boys are growing up.  Unbelievable.
We have let them watch  a few "grown-up" movies (that means mom and dad approved PG-13 movies) but they still enjoy childhood favorite cartoons.
These boys can text and download but are still happy with a tote of legos on a Sunday afternoon.
So when all 3 put on a bit of disguise, grab a foam sword, and play a round of Ninja warriors, or whatever they call it, it is sweet.
Until someone gets hurt.  :)

Frenemies:
James and Seth have a 90-10 relationship.  10 percent brotherly love and 90 brotherly rivalry.
They rarely get along.
When Dave put up the ping pong table finally this week (and it is stationed on our nice covered patio out back, where it is warm enough to play almost any hour of the day, if you are a boy) and I caught these two playing, genuinely playing, I was floored.
Well chaired, to be exact.
I sat down outside on the patio with them, and just watched with wonder.
It didn't matter who won.  They just played.  They laughed.  They tolerated each others spikes, or spin moves on the ball.  One would win and the other was laughing and smiling.  Then the other would win.  I kept waiting for the tattling, the bickering, the yelling of "that's not fair".  But it never came.  And it hasn't in the week and 1/2 they have kept playing.
I'm smart enough to know this is not a permanent change but perhaps the beginning of a longer, happier path for these two as they mature. 
I don't think I can accurately describe my wonder and amazement and, again, gratitude for witnessing this moment.

Very Special Guests
About one month after my parents visit here, Mom and Dad Stanley came to visit.
November 16, 17, and 18.
How is it possible to love any more, or cherish any more, the people you love in your life and the moments you get to spend with them.  But we did.
Our time was much the same at the trip with my parents.
Give them a tour of our home and our lives.
But with Mom and Dad Stanley we ate more Mexican food.
Just twice.
Hamburgers at home one night.
And fondue on Sunday.  That was fun, and yummy.
Some highlights:

• Taking mom on about 20 miles of bumpy dirt road.  Probably a first for her.  When we stopped worrying she would have a heart-attack, it became a little humorous to see her bobbing along and holding on for dear life.  If you ask her, she may say the scenery was worth it, but I can't be certain. 
• Eating a picnic, just Dave and I, with Mom and Dad, at a stop at one of the lakes on that scenic tour. 
• Watching Dave and his Dad walk out to a view point over a dam.  Families are forever. 
• Seth getting to show off his soccer skills (although he was upset for a couple of hours that Grandma and Grandpa had to see him lose). 
• James getting to show off his basketball prowess and Grandma and Grandpa getting to see Dave in action as a coach. 
• Casa Ramos.  Grandpa discovered a "cheese crisp" thanks to me.  Mmmmmmmm. 
• Christmas lights being tested at the Mesa temple, so we got to see them together. 
• Bosa Donuts the second time.  The first time they weren't very fresh.  The second time they were DELICIOUS.  
• Mom being so sweet and attentive to our ridiculous little dog. 
• Dad taking time to watch Seth shoot his bow, talk basketball with James, and watch a football game with Peter and quiz him all about youth conference. 
• Peter going to youth conference.
• James being willing, just barely and it was looking bad for a while but he pulled through, speaking that Sunday.  He spoke about the 9th article of faith and the Family, A Proclamation to the World, and in under 2 minutes.  Bet no one else could be that brief and still pack some punch. 
• Mom telling us a few childhood stories
• Dad sharing some favorite scriptures.

The worst part of the whole visit is that is was over too fast.  At least for us.  We could really get used to having frequent visitors.

And so I will finish November next time.  Not because this has to be a log of events, but because there were more wonderful things to reflect about.

We had our "moments" too.

• 2 holes in our walls already
• Dave's truck battery dying at the grocery store. Luckily I was 2 minutes away with an Auto-Zone in between us. 
• My car battery dying twice.  Nope I still dont have jumper cable in my Pilot. 
•  Me missing the midnight premiere of the last Twilight Movie and missing being with my friends for that historic event.
• Sore throats
• overspending on groceries, of course I haven't ever stayed in budget, but I'm still trying