Thankful

This month many of my friend have shared something they are thankful for each day as a Thanksgiving tradition. I never got the chance to catch up to so I figured I could compile a list of 25 things I’m thankful for just in time for the big day! (these are in no particular order)

1.   My Mom. Not only is she the best mom ever she's an amazing grandma to my two kids. She drives an hour every week to spend the afternoon babysitting them while I work. While she's here she does the dishes, laundry and other household chores and have been left undone. She takes them to their weekly activities, swimming lessons (yes she actually gets in the pool with Aiden!), doctor's appointments and play dates. She takes the time that often I don't have to do one on one activities with them (I attribute Emma's ability to read at four years old mostly to her encouraging her love of books). My children adore her just as much as I do and that means the world to me.

2.    Miss Sherri, our trusted babysitter. She has been the best find ever. She's a retired grandma who is actually our first babysitter's mother. She, just like my mom, is adored by my children. And just like my mom she does many of my household chores, unasked. She's usually available short notice which is another wonderful advantage for busy me who sometimes forgets to plan ahead. We just love her to death and I am soooo thankful we have her.

3.    My husband. Although he may always not realize it and I may not express it enough, I am so thankful for my husband. He is a wonderful partner and superb father. He always tries to put us first and sacrifices a lot of himself to provide for us. My children would not be the smart, independent people they are without him.

4.    My children. Of course, if this list were in any kind of order they would be the number one thing I am thankful for. You really cannot understand unconditional love until you have children. I give everything I have every day for them. Every decision revolves around them. The kisses and hugs I get when I'm gone and arrive home just melt my heart. They are the best thing in the world that has ever happened to me and even when they may not be behaving like angels I love them dearly.

5.    My business. I am so thankful for the job I have. A job that gives me the feeling of true accomplishment while still giving me the freedom to do the things outside of work that I want to do. I have the best of both worlds. A job where I am earning a decent income, being a productive member of society and helping local families save money. While at the same time I am able to be home many days with my family. It's a great mix of my dreams of being a stay at home mom and also my true ambition of being a business woman.

 

6.    Along with my business I am truly thankful for the customers who shop at Cuddle Bugs! Without them I would not have a business. I know many of them on a first name basis now and some of my closest friendships began at the store.

7.    My Cuddle Bugs employees, without who I wouldn't be able to be home with my children so often. They do an amazing job at running the stores when I am gone and it is so reassuring to know that things are running smoothly when I am away.

8.    My dad. Although he is no longer with me I attribute my workmanship and business drive to my dad. I would not even know how to run a business if he had not allowed me to run his business. I know he is looking down on me smiling.

9.    My other family. I have a great extended family. My sister is my best friend.  My  grandmother has us over for dinner monthly! I am lucky to share these wonderful people with my children and have them see what family is really all about.

 

10.  My friends. I have an amazing group of friends. Some that have been my friends for a long time and some that I have recently become close with but it feels like I've known them forever. I still talk to my college roommate at least once every few months and see my best friend from my teenage years as much as possible. I am also so thankful to be friends with so many other mothers who can relate to what I'm going through and will listen and never judge me. I truly feel that every mom needs a group of friends to get together with weekly just to stay grounded!

11.  Wealth. Now don't get me wrong, we are certainly not rolling in money. But we're comfortable. We have enough to be able to support ourselves, own our own home, allow our children to do outside activities, etc. I am thankful that we have what we have. Of course I'd love to be "wealthy" someday, but I am happy with what I have and try my best to give back to those who are not as fortunate as I am.

12.   Health. I am so thankful that my family and I are healthy with no recent diseases or deaths.

 

13. Freedom. I'm proud to be an American and thankful for my freedom. Although I may not always agree with war, I am thankful for those who defend our country and keep us safe.

Ok now that we've gotten through the ones you expected, here are a few that maybe you didn't think to add to your list!

14. Technology. Thank goodness for modern technology. Where on earth would I be without my smart phone?! It keeps me up to date on everything going on, saves me money and allows me to leave my house without having to worry about missing something important. I also love Skype. It keeps up connected to family who live far away! And who would not be thankful for facebook? There are many people I connect with on facebook who I would never interact with if it was not available.

15.  Alcohol. I am thankful that at the end of a tough day there is wine!

16.   Karma. It is nice to know that eventually those who may not be as deserving will get theirs. And I'm pretty sure they do. There have been some people in my life who I am certainly NOT thankful for, but I am thankful that in the end I know their negative actions towards me will come back and bite them in the butt!

17.   Naptime. Oh thank you so much for naptime! The only quiet part of my day. I race through it trying to get as much done as possible before the crazies wake up and need me again! I would be a little more thankful if they made cribs a bit taller so my youngest did not climb out of it during naptime but I'm still thankful that most days he's tired enough to just stay in and sleep!

18.  School, on many different levels. I am thankful that sending Emma to school allows me a few hours of time without her so I can get things done and spend one on one time with Aiden. I am thankful that Emma loves school and is a willing participant. I am thankful for all that school has taught Emma: the little things that maybe I wouldn't have thought to encourage like zipping your own jacket or drinking for a non-sippy cup! I know that in the future I'll be more and more thankful for all that public education has to offer (and I'm sure there will be aspects of school I am not thankful for as well!).

19.  Coffee! Thank goodness there is coffee every morning. Otherwise I might look like a dear in headlights at 8am!

20.  Chocolate. Thank you to whoever invented chocolate and all things which include chocolate. It is my favorite food!

21.  Disney Junior. Thank you Walt Disney for starting the Disney company which now has Disney Junior. At 6am in the morning when Emma comes into my room you are the one saving grace that allows me to sleep one more hour!

22.  Yoga pants. Thank you to the woman who made yoga pants an acceptable form of daily wear. Now if you could please work on sweatpants as the next acceptable fashion statement I would be even more thankful.

23.  The Dishwasher. You fabulous invention! You save me so many hours by washing my dishes for me. If I ever win the lotto I plan on giving every mom a dishwasher, they deserve it! Let's now work on a machine that will load and unload the dishwasher....

24.  Photographs. As I get older I hate to say it but my memory just isn't great anymore. I am very thankful that I have so many photographs to preserve all of the wonderful memories I have and to remember those who are no longer here on earth.

25.  The holidays. This time of year is my absolute favorite because it brings together friends and family to celebrate all that we have to share. I am thankful that someone thought to have a holiday where you look back at all of the things you are thankful for and truly appreciate your life.