Gratitude - Days 16-18 - Dog Days & Lit Praise

I love my dogs.  Probably more than I ever thought I would.  I still miss our dog Tanner who died earlier this year.  Dogs all have their own very distinct personalities and an entire spirit they bring into your home.  Tanner was this very strong and cool dog.  He was beautiful and ever the alpha dog.  Our house isn't quite the same without him. 

Scout is this kind of quiet dog - she even seems a little melancholy at times.  At other times she's very buddha like.  She loves it when you pet her - like she could never possibly get enough of it, but she's also not going to beg you for it unless she thinks you're up to it.  She likes quiet and quiet rooms.  But she can be fierce if she wants to be. 

Skye is this ever cheerful crazy soul we brought into our house a little over a year ago.  That dog has an insane amount of energy and verve.  When you look at her face she is always happy happy happy.  She is difficult to discipline because she's so darned cute.  She's gets away with a lot of stuff she shouldn't and she knows it. 

I am so thankful for all the hours of comfort and company they provide me.  When my house is empty of people, I'm always glad they're around. 

that's Skye's paw on my shoulder

The last couple of days my younger two kids have been preparing for their upcoming speech & debate tournament.  I helped Jordan cut a piece of prose for her event and helped Brennan find some poetry to add to his.  As we were getting their stuff prepared I came across some old speech stuff of Holden's - a poetry he did a few years ago and a prose. 

Can I tell you how happy it makes me to see my kids do recitations of great prose and poetry for speech & debate? It makes me incredibly happy!  It is so fun to see them find a selection of poetry that really speaks to them, or to read a piece of prose and see where it 'click's and they really grasp the meaning. 

Jordan's piece is a british author and she is doing it with a british accent.  She does an amazing job - I know she'll do well as a freshman, but I look forward to watching her grow and learn as she advances over the next few years. 

So as I prepare to be a judge for speech & debate this weekend (I really enjoy that when I can volunteer) - I am very thankful for literature and poetry and all it brings into our lives!