My "things I'm thankful for" lists are typically unconventional, so if you're expecting, well, anything... you may or may not be right. Every year since 2009, I've taken the time to point out those things I'm thankful for. November gives me the perfect platform, but rest assured, I'm thankful for most of these things all year long. Without further ado, I bring you
2014
- I'm thankful for family. For people who choose to be part of mine.
- I'm thankful for friends... and especially for those friends who take that extra leap and become family.
- I'm thankful for my children... and my dog.
Now that those standard things are out of the way... let me get more specific.
I'm thankful for my teenager. She might over react when her sister leaves toothpaste spit in the sink and she accidentally drops her blazer in it, but what that tells me is that the first kid actually brushed their teeth and the second cares about the image she presents to the world. Double score.
That same teen was once the baby who "ruined my life". Although I honestly never thought of her that way, most people had it cross their mind and several voiced it. But look at her now! She's the best. Funny, witty, beautiful and maddening... she allows me to make a quick run to the store without 4 kids in tow. Teen pregnancy coming in handy 15 years later and proof positive that blessings are often disguised.
I'm thankful for my dog. As a stray who found us in Italy, he's been a part of our family for nearly 5 years now. In that time, he's patiently weathered two toddlers and 5 days in a kennel during our overseas move only to move again 6 months later. Plus, he eats dang near everything so having a furry vacuum is a handy in-home feature.
I'm thankful for public school. And Chick-fil-a. And gas prices finally going down.
I'm thankful for change. Now, I'm going to get a little sentimental, I bet... so bear with me.
I'm thankful for the courage to finally stand up for myself and my happiness. I'm thankful for the health scare that led me to delve deep within myself and finally accept what I already knew. I'm thankful for the support I received throughout my struggles. And beyond all that, I'm thankful for the opportunity to live a life full of love and laughter. I'm thankful that my children are finally happy within the walls of our home. I'm thankful for forgiveness and patience because I'm scarred (yes, scarred, not scared) and sometimes I create my own roadblocks because I let fear override the knowledge that I have nothing to fear.
I'm thankful for my very best friend, my love, because I finally understand what it means to be in love with your best friend. I've loved him forever, only now I'm starting to realize it to it's full potential.
I'm thankful for the parts of him that he tends to hide from the masses. It's like being part of some awesome club. I'm thankful for the person he has proven to be - nearing 14 years and he's the only thing in my life that has remained steady.
I'm thankful for my crazy toddler man. My one boy, my last baby, my daily headache... he loves me like crazy and the feeling is mutual. He has his big sisters wrapped around his dirty little finger and is on the fast track to be the funniest and most energetic of my babies.
I'm thankful for sago mini apps. Those things are amazing. Have a toddler? Download a few. Next time I'll be on your thankful list for letting you in on that little tidbit.
I'm thankful for blankets. I'm also thankful that even though John keeps the house colder than I would like, it's about 40 degrees warmer than my house was this time last year.
And crock pots. Oh my. And hot cocoa mix in the big container. Those little packets are a joke but the big daddy? Thank you, Swiss Miss.
I got used to drinking strong coffee while living in Italy. I'm thankful that my wonderful boyfriend not only appreciates a good, strong cup of goodness, but keeps a pot brewed at all times. And International Delight? Keep up the good work, y'all.
Coupons. I'm thankful for coupons. I never really thought about how much coupons added up until I started using them regularly.
USAA. They have been an awesome bank. From taking care of separating assets to alerting me to fraud before I knew my wallet was missing and replacing everything quickly and efficiently, they've got top notch service.
Break and bake cookie dough. This way, I know exactly how many servings I've ingested before they're baked. No more taking a spoon to the roll of cookie dough. Thanks for the guilt.
Overnight diapers. That aforementioned toddler? He pees. A lot. Those diapers keep me from having to wash his sheets 4 times a week.
Healthy kids. They pee because they're hydrated and their bodies are working properly.
My iPhone. Sounds silly and materialistic, but think of it this way. I get texts from awesome people (and sometimes not awesome people that I just happen to be required to deal with) and always have a handy camera for those unexpected moments. And I can instantly post anything to social media and share it with the people of my choosing.
Social media. With family and friends all over the world but none close by, social media keeps me sane and connected.
Bagels. And strawberry cream cheese. Precut bagels... because they remind me that sometimes the "easy way" is a real pain in the butt. And I'm not even mad that the amount of cream cheese in any given container is not perfectly matched to the amount of bagels in any given bag... I'm just glad they both exist.
Big towels. They're hard to come by, which is why I've used the same purple towel since 2008, but those big, fluffy ones that can wrap around my boobs and still cover all of me are like the unicorns of the linen realm.
Google. Seriously. What did we ever do before Google?
Blackout curtains. It's lovely to have control over the amount of light you let into a room.
Tissues with lotion. And 2 ply toilet paper. Why do they even still make anything else?
Netflix. I love Netflix. The way it remembers exactly which episode I was on is the best. I get spacey and it's nice to know that some things really have my back.
Having a carpet cleaner in the house. The number of times coffee (that strong stuff) has been spilled on this floor, I'd have thrown out my other shoulder by now attempting to remove the stains..... and still fail.
And if you're still reading? I'm thankful for you. Seriously. Without someone to read my dribble, well, I'd need to find other ways to fill my need for approval. Ha! Thanks for your support.
And tune in later for Thankful part 2. It isn't written, it's not even really planned. But because I know myself and I know how I get around the holidays, I can say with certainty that there WILL be another one. I'm just thankful for so much!
Til then, I wish each and every one of you a happy Thanksgiving season. I sincerely hope that no matter what day it is, you find reasons to be thankful. They're everywhere. Beginning with the fact that you're breathing. And can see this text. And can read. Being grateful at our core for each and every thing that you are blessed with really does make all the darkness and fear and upset and hurt fade away. If you're finding it difficult to smile today, just remember... With every moment, you have the power to try.
Happy Thanksgiving.
