I figured since Easter is coming up, it might be a good time to show my gratitude for a special rabbit in my life. Because that’s what Easter is about, right? Rabbits…yep. So last year a bunny decided to make out backyard its nest, and it birthed some babies there. I noticed them when I was mowing the grass one day and mowed right over the nest. I know this sounds horrific, but I didn’t hurt any of them. I felt really terrible though, so I did everything I could to rebuild the nest. From then on Henry and I would periodically go outside and make sure they were all good. Long story short most of them grew up and went off to some other yard, but the momma bunny stayed behind. She’s become our adopted, wild animal pet, and we’ve affectionately named her Bunny Sanders. I know that’s a man’s name, but I don’t think Bernie would mind because he’s a feminist. Now Henry’s older and every day he gets really excited to see Bunny Sanders when he comes home from school. We feed her carrots, and Henry chats with her. She’s not at all scared of us anymore, and doesn’t see us as a threat. This weekend Henry and I are going to build and decorate a little bunny house for her next to the rose bush in hopes that I don’t accidentally run over another nest with the lawn mower. So today I’m feeling grateful for our little backyard bunny and how much my son loves to feed her carrots. I’m glad she’s around so I can teach Henry about compassion and kindness toward animals, instead of hurting them. Thanks for choosing our back yard, Bunny Sanders! We think you’re great!

Since it's International Women’s Day, I think it’s fitting that today's post be about the most amazing woman I’ve ever known. My wife can basically do it all. She’s a successful photographer and business owner, a caring and supporting companion and an attentive and loving mom. She’s stylish, sophisticated, brilliant, artistic, fair and just all around wonderful…not to mention she’s super foxy. When I think about my life, I’m not sure where I’d be if I hadn’t met her. She saved me 6 years ago. She supported me emotionally (and financially) when I felt like there was no hope, and she’s continued to support and encourage me no matter what new turn life takes for me and our little family. I really think that to succeed in this life you need a partner who truly believes in you. A partner who you can count on no matter what life throws at you. I’m grateful every day that I found that partner. So today I’d like to show my gratitude to the only person I’d ever want to grow old and wrinkly with. Thank you, Elizabeth, for loving me despite ALL of my flaws. Happy International Women’s Day! I sure do love you! 

In the wake of last week’s tragedies, it’s hard not to feel immensely grateful for the life that I’ve been given. On a day to day basis it can be easy to let the little things get me down, but when I take a step back and look at the hardships some people are put through just to survive, it makes any life problems I have completely trivial. There are individuals out there who are forced pack their family onto a homemade raft, and take it across miles of rough sea just to flee a country so dangerous that they are afraid for their lives every minute of every day simply because they were born in a different region of the world. I’ve seen a lot of fear mongering and racism going on all over social media this past weekend, and while everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I think that energy could be put into something more productive than complaining about it, or calling your congressman to tell them to close your state to refugees. I don’t want this post to become a catalyst for political argument, but I think we all could benefit from opening our minds and hearts to the people who aren’t as fortunate as we are. Now is the time to think about the golden rule, and realize that we can put the good fortune we’ve been given to use by helping others. I’m trying not to speak for everyone, because I know some of you are going through real hardships. All I want is for this little post to remind people to take a second and think about helping someone less fortunate, because in the end we’re all in this life together.