Thankful

For the first time in several years, I did not partake in the "Thankful" series of posts on Blogger and Facebook.

It doesn't mean I'm not thankful. It's a lot of things. Life is so hectic right now. Not to mention the criticism I feel like I (and others) get for this because "we should be thankful all year."

{I am. It's just nice to really think about it for a month rather than take it for granted.}

So today, I wanted to post what I am thankful for. It may be 30, it may be more or less. Obviously there are many more than 30 things I'm thankful for. Like I said, to me, it's about really contemplating all of the blessings in my life.

1. God and his amazing timing. So many times in life, I shake my head and am just amazed at how he takes care of every little detail.
2. My son. He has brought so much joy and happiness to my life, and made me all the more grateful for all of my blessings.
3. My husband. We by no means have a perfect marriage, but it's our ability to get past the hurdles that make it strong.
4. My parents. After a very strained few years (before Cooper) we have been able to mend our relationship. I count on them for so much, and am grateful they are there to step in to help and support us any time we ask for it.
5. A good job. There are things I would change (wouldn't we all!) but it provides well for me and my family, and I get to do something I enjoy and am very passionate about.
6. Electricity. Tornadoes and such ripped through the area just over a week ago, and so many lost power. I can't imagine not having heat, a microwave, and so many other luxuries we have due to electricity.
7. A great babysitter. Mrs. Robin and Mr. Jim are so great with Cooper and the other kiddos they watch, and he thrives there. Not only that, she is great about letting me drop off early if needed due to my crazy schedule.
8. Our local Parents as Teachers program. We love getting verification we are doing things right, or ideas on how to raise our little.
9. Our health. Other than the little colds, our entire family has been very healthy this year.
10. Our family doctor. She is absolutely amazing and we love her to pieces.
11. Great friends. These gals (and guys in J's case) are our biggest support system.
12. Our home. It may not be luxurious, but it's perfect for us and gives us a ton of projects. We love living in the "country" but still being close to town.
13. My car. It gets me where I need to be safely.
14. My phone. It allows me to work mobile-ly, as well as keep in touch with my boys when I'm working late or out of town.
15. A full fridge and pantry. Sure there are more processed meals than I would like in there, but we are fed. And nine times of of 10, we sit around the kitchen table to eat as a family.
16. A closet full of clothese. I should never have problems choosing what to wear.
17. I had such a great pregnancy with Cooper, and was able to nurse him for a full year.
18. The Internet. It not only gives me information in a snap, it allows me to keep in touch with friends & family.
19. Our dog, Coco. We love her so much, and she is Cooper's best friend.
20. Cartoon movies, especially Cars. Sometimes mama needs a break, and that definitely distracts little man.
21. Teething tablets. They work like a charm, every time.
22. Great food - the product of being raised "southern" and on a farm.
23. The fact that I was raised on a farm. I learned life lessons (and had chores and responsibilities) that are now invaluable.
24. That my parents supported me and paid for my college education. I have so many friends that are still paying off student loans.
25. The amount of activities and servies (a lot FREE) in our community. We have something to take advantage of nearly every weekend.
26. Cameras to capture all of life's amazing moments.
27. DVR that allows us to watch all of our favorite shows, but put more important things first.
28. The wonderful benefits at my job. We get ample time off for holidays, and several sick/vacation/personal days each year. I have my insurance deductible reimbursed to me. It's a great, family-friendly environment.
29. Clean drinking water. I sit here and sip my bottled water like it's nothing (and could drink from the fountain but it's HOT!) while others would be thrilled for that hot water from the fountain.
30. Music. I can get lost in it ... and relate it to so many situations in life.
31. Small business. They are so great to work with and go above and beyond to help!
32. Internet shopping. It's a lifesaver for me a lot of times.

Pin It

Cooper :: 23 months!

Seriously? It's shocking to type that. I keep wanting to say "11 months" or "One month from turning 1." But my baby will be 2 in one month a couple weeks? Pretty unbelievable!

I've been a bad mom and not updated since he was about 21 1/2 months :(

You are very smart and according to our PAT coordinator, have already hit all of the 24 month milestones. You like stacking items. You also like to line things up - it's not at all uncommon to walk into the room and see all of your tractors in a row. Your daddy teased me that this may be a sign of autism {not funny!} but your PAT coordinator assures me that it's actually a sign of math skills. Go Coop!



You are getting in an attachment phase with your "possessions" and like taking your tractors, puppies and choo choos to bed with you. Some days, you get mad when we take off your clothes and just hug them.

Cooper, you love the outdoors. You could play outside all day I think.

You also love being in the middle of things. You are so observant and love to mimic us. And you try to help - which oftentimes turns into more work for your Daddy & I, but it's so hard to discourage you from pitching in - in a few years, we'll want your help and you'll want nothing to do with it!

You are such a manly little boy. You already are very aware that you are a boy and want to do everything other boys do. Sadly, that means Mommy sometimes isn't "supposed" to do things and you push me away. And it breaks my heart. Everyone tells me this is a phase and you will go back to being a mommy's boy, and I hope they are right, and this is a very short phase. It really hurts my heart when you push me away.

You have a great appetite! Per usual, you love anything tomato-y. We had chili a few weeks ago and I swear, you ate as much as I did. I buy the oatmeal squares for quick, easy breakfasts on the go (from Sams) and you really like them as a snack. Toast is a fave. You'll pretty much always eat fries. Anything beans and honestly, most fruits and veggies are great in your book, too.

Your vocabulary is starting to explode and we can have "conversations" now. You like to talk on the phone. Anytime Daddy or I aren't home, we are at "work." Ha! A couple weeks ago, you stayed with Grandma and PaPa since your babysitter was off, and the night you stayed, you had it in your head that we were at work, according to Grandma.

You are getting really good at waving, saying bye and blowing kisses. Thankfully, the separation anxiety seems to be behind us, as you now realize that we will come back for you.

You like drinking out of a straw. You really like ice - especially when we use it to cool down soups, etc. You like wearing hats and your boots (sometimes with only a diaper on other than those two pieces of clothing!) You really love tractors, and when we drive by an equipment lot, will yell "Tractor! Tractor! Tractor!" You also spot them in the fields when we are driving.

You're the best thing that's ever happened to your daddy and I. Thank you for choosing us. And stop being so mean, OK?

To the moon and back!

 

 

 

A must-read!

I don't think it's any secret that as moms, we struglle. We never feel like we are good enough. We always think someone is doing it better.

This morning was particularly trying. My child didn't want to be undressed. Then, all he wanted was Daddy. Once Daddy left, we got dressed but refused to put on our shoes. When we got to daycare and would usually be taking our shoes off, we wanted them on. And then proceeded to have a tantrum.

Ugh. It was definitely a morning that I breathed a sigh of relief once I was in the car and headed back to work.

Then while on Facebook, I came across this video/article. Go there, NOW. It totally helps put life in perspective. What matters isn't the expectations we set for ourselves, all that matters is what our kids think of us. 

I need to remind myself of that, almost every day. And you probably do, too :)

Pin It