Day 10 - He Brings Home The Bacon

...so I don't have to. Today (well, everyday - even when he's traveling) I'm thankful that my husband has a job that allows me to be a stay-at-home mom. This hasn't always been the case. But we both knew this was something we wanted so when the opportunity presented itself five years ago we jumped on it. It hasn't always been easy for various reasons, but I think we both agree that it's been worth it. I'm also thankful that he doesn't mind working hard to support his family (while I sit at home and eat my bon bons - just kidding!).

Day 9 - Proud To Be Awesome

That's my first-born child's motto. So I guess that makes my motto: "Proud to be awesome's mom." And I am proud to be Brandon's mom. I am very thankful that God saw fit to plop him in my arms almost 13 years ago (well maybe it wasn't as easy as a plop but that's OK - I still love him).

And yes, he is as confident as his self-proclaimed motto states. His strong sense of self and self-confidence along with his drive and determination have served him well during his first 13 years - and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him. He gives 100% in everything he does - be it school, sports or simply life in general. He also has a strong sense of right and wrong and doesn't feel the need to follow the crowd. He knows who he is and whose he is and isn't afraid to be true to himself.

I could go on and on about how awesome he is but I think you get the picture. (Don't get me wrong now, he has his faults but I'm thankful for those too.) Besides, he reads my blog and I'd hate for him to get a big head. :-)

Oh, and I almost forgot. What's not to love about a kid who promises to buy a beach house in the Caribbean for his mom when he becomes a rich and famous professional athlete.

Day 8 - Wash, Dry, Fold

Laundry - you read that right. Laundry. I'm thankful for laundry. Now this isn't one of those things that comes naturally, but rather a conscious decision to look at things from a different perspective. Every Monday (laundry day), I can look at those piles of lights, darks, towels, etc. and trudge my way through the sorting, washing, drying, folding, putting away.

Or I can look at them and be reminded of the four precious people that I have the privilege of caring for.

Or I can look at them and be reminded of the abundance of material blessings that I have to be thankful for - because if I'm doing laundry that means I'm fortunate enough to have clothes to wear.

Day 7 - You Never Outgrow Them

Parents, that is.

There have been many situations during my adult life where I've needed my mom and dad and they've willingly dropped everything to rush to my aide (just this past week for one). And I am so very thankful for them - although I'm sure my expressions of gratitude are quite inadequate. But that doesn't seem to matter to them. Because I know the next time something comes up - preferably something a little less stressful and a lot more fun - they will be right there ready to lend a helping hand.

Day 6 - Dinner's Ready

At first glance this post may appear to be about food - but it's not. It's about so much more than that. (Although don't get me wrong - food is a wonderful thing and I am very thankful to have more than enough to feed myself and my family when so many others do not.) It's about being thankful for time spent together during family dinners regardless of what's on the menu.

Eating dinner as a complete family unit is very important to each of us, but it's not always easy to pull off. Between conflicting sports' schedules, work, meetings, and a two-year old, it takes commitment and sometimes the willingness to eat at 8:30 p.m. There are certainly many other ways to get in quality family time - but for me, nothing can replace coming together around the table to share the day's highlights, complaints, revelations, laughs, and just life in general.

Day 5 - Who Are The People In Your Neighborhood?

I don't know about you, but the people in my neighborhood are some of my best and dearest friends and for that I am truly thankful. They are always willing to bail you out of life's little jams (i.e., need a cup of sugar) or see you through life's biggest trials (i.e., waiting on your child's diagnosis) - whatever the need they are there. I am without a doubt blessed by their presence in my life.

Day 4 - Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Bed I Go

Another long day = another short post.

As I type this, I am sitting in my nice, comfy, large bed and for that I am very thankful. My baby is home and I am fortunate to not have to sit watch again in a most uncomfortable hospital chair. Thankfully I was there only one night, but there are so many parents who do that night after night for weeks on end. I can't even imagine. And because of those parents, I will not take sleeping in my own bed for granted anymore.