Giving Thanks

A few of my friends on Facebook are saying what they are thankful for each day of November.  I decided to tell you the 30 things I am thankful for this month all at once.

1.  I am thankful for Eric and that he stands by me when I get cranky, irritable, and "in one of my moods".  I am thankful that even when I get mad at him, he still kisses me good night.

2.  I am thankful for Kathryn.  We waited so long for a child and she is just perfect!  even in her two-year-old moments.  She is precious & beautiful.

3.  I am thankful for Andrew.  We knew we wanted at least one more, and even though he came a little earlier than planned, he is a wonderful little boy!

4.  I am thankful for my parents.  Looking back at how much they gave up for us, put up with my stubbornness, and provided a loving & stable home.

5.  I am thankful for wonderful in-laws who raised a strong Christian man that I can now call mine.

6.  I am thankful for a brother who loved me enough that his first email address was ferdiebro@...  He will always be my bro.

7.  I am thankful that Eric has had a stable job for the past 7-1/2 years that has provided enough that I can stay home with those wonderful kiddos.

8.  I am thankful that I decided not to be an architect major and chose construction which allowed me to find jobs every time we moved. 

9.  I am thankful for Skype that allows me to see my parents more often.  I just wish I thought of it when Mamma was still alive.  She would have loved to see us more.

10.  I am thankful that I have had wonderful grandparents and great-grandparents growing up. I treasure the influence they had on my life.

11.  I am thankful for all the friends I have had in the various places we have lived.  Most of them knowing that we wouldn't be staying long, but being great friends while we were together.

12.  I am thankful for "old" friends that I can call up and talk to like I just saw them last week.

13.  I am thankful for Disney Channel & PBS that keep my children entertained long enough for me to take a potty break.

14.  I am thankful for coffee.  It got me to work most mornings and now provides that little bit of grown up time in the morning.  Plus it allows me to enjoy yummy creamers like Peppermint Mocha :)

15.  I am thankful that Eric does not share my impulse buying gene and has taught me a little financial sense.

16.  I am thankful for Amazon.com.  For the money it has saved me, for the ideas it gives me, and for the wishlists that helps me to not just buy it the first time I see it.

17.  I am thankful for a technological minded husband who makes copies of the real cds & dvds that he knows the kids & I will destroy.

18.  I am thankful for Sonic receipts that have a survey for a free 44 oz drink on them.  It satisfies my drive-thru impulse... most of the time anyway.

19.  I am thankful that my father was a mechanic and taught me to take care of my car.  The inside isn't always as clean as it should be, but I do change my oil when I should.

20.  I am thankful for crayons.  Sometimes I just like to color.  I can only think about one thing while I color... stay in the lines.  It can be relaxing.  And now I can color with Kathryn.

21.  I am thankful for Smokey Bones coupons.  Eric, Kathryn & I can eat and have leftovers for about $20.  It makes me feel not as guilty for eating out.

22.  I am thankful for having parks around us.  Kathryn just loves to play on parks.  Especially with her friends.

23.  I am thankful that Kathryn is outgoing.  Sometimes I think I wouldn't have as many friends if it was not for her.

24.  I am thankful that my children are healthy.

25.  I am thankful that friends suggested that I find a MOPS group.  It gives me the interaction with other adults without the kids.  This year I get to help with creative activities and feel that I am contributing to others.

26.  I am thankful for nap times.  The kids don't always nap at the same time.  When they do, I get a little quiet time.  Other times give me one on one time with them.  Kathryn seems to get jealous when I have to take care of Andrew so I know she enjoys our time together.

27.  I am thankful for my double stroller.  I can have both kids contained and yet enjoy being out & about.  I enjoy that it converts to a sit & stand for trips to the zoo and other places that Kathryn enjoys being able to walk & ride.

28.  I am thankful that Kathryn likes to read.  And she has already memorized a few books.  Or at least enough that she remembers the story.

29.  I am thankful that the kids' doctor has same day or next day appointments.  I've heard of pediatricians not having openings for days.  I've gotten the kids into the office within a couple of hours.

30.  I am thankful for those of you reading this.  You have given me advice, listened to me ramble, helped me along the way, and shared our ups & downs. 

I hope you have a wonderful November and are able to enjoy Thanksgiving with your friends & family.