giving thanks

2013

I'll be doing the giving thanks a bit different this year. I was thankful for pretty general things last year, so this year, I'm going to find something small (or big) that happened each day to be thankful for instead. I actually did finish out last year's list through the end of the month, but unfortunately, when I went to update the page at the end of the month, it managed to lose all of my updates. :( I was so upset since it took forever to write out 9 days worth of thanks, that I never did get to it again. Sigh. Hopefully it goes better this year! I'm afraid there may be a disproportionate amount of posts pertaining to sleep this year, but I do have a 2-month-old, so it's pretty high on the list of things to be thankful for right now! Haha!

november 2013

1st: Today I am thankful for Noah quietly watching TV while Amos and I napped. I had a rough night of sleep (or lack thereof, that is) with him, so I was exhausted after getting home from dropping Ethan off at preschool this morning. So, I managed to doze off on the couch while nursing Amos. Fortunately, Noah is a great little boy that I can trust to behave if this happens, instead of waking to find the house in disarray (well, at least not more so than it is right now! Haha!). The nap was wonderful and I am very thankful I was able to get it!

2nd: Today I am thankful for long afternoon naps. Yep, I'm talking about sleep again. I really, really do appreciate the fact that all of my boys are still napping though. It provides me a much-needed sanity break, a chance to get some stuff done, or a bit of time for hubby and I to spend together without having to try to talk over the children! I know it won't last too much longer, as Ethan will be 5 in March, so I'm trying to take advantage of it while I still can!

3rd: Today I am thankful that Josh let me sleep in and enjoy that extra hour of DST, while he got up and kept the boys entertained and made breakfast! Yes, I realize that I am STILL talking about sleep, but this one is more about Josh. ;) I also realized tonight how thankful I am for Josh getting Amos to sleep every night. He's out of town, so that job became all mine tonight. :( Normally, Josh lets me get to bed earlier, after we get the older ones to bed, while he takes the late shift of getting Amos to sleep before he comes to bed. With no Josh here, I had to do it all myself. I finally got a very unhappy Amos to sleep around 11 (after nearly 2 hours of feeding and rocking him), which was feeling like midnight thanks to DST, and I was exhausted. It definitely made me realize how thankful I am for Josh and how much he does to help with the boys every day. I really could not do it without him - at least not if I wanted to maintain my sanity that is!!

4th: Today I am thankful for Starbucks. I really needed that extra shot of espresso this morning after such a late night with the little one! I'm hoping it gets me through the whole day until Josh gets home late tonight!!

5th: Today I am thankful that I've survived the first 2 months with Amos. I'm hoping things start getting easier from here! I love the little guy dearly, but it's no secret that I really don't love the newborn stage. It's hard. So hard. I love the cuddling you get to do with a newborn, but I don't love being sleep-deprived, nursing round the clock, and with this little guy, cleaning up projectile spit-up at least once a day lately. I'm excited that he's starting to interact more, coo at us, and develop into his own little person. I'm looking forward to see what time brings with this little one and grateful that I get to be the Momma to another happy, healthy little boy.

6th: Today I am thankful for Ethan's speech therapist, Ms. Sarah. Since Ethan started working with her a little over a year ago, he has made huge improvements in his speech. He looks forward to his weekly sessions with her, responds so well to her, and is really making a conscious effort to pronounce all of the syllables/sounds when he speaks now. I'm so happy he has had the opportunity to work with her and I'm thankful that she is so great at her job! :)

7th: Today I am thankful for the preschool the boys attend. They enjoy their time there so much and love their teachers and helpers. They learn a lot and it's amazing how much Ethan has grown socially, as well. He's really opened up and will do a great job in kindergarten next year! I'm happy that I am able to be a SAHM, but I also love that we are able to get this break from each other, too. It helps me appreciate the time I have with them more and I love how their little faces light up each day when they see me in the car line. :)

8th: Today's item is an easy choice. Today I am thankful that Amos slept from 12-6:45!! What an awesome stretch of sleep for me!! Woo hoo! I promise I'll try to avoid being thankful for sleep for the rest of the month now! Hahaha! While I wouldn't call this sleeping through the night really, given the very late bedtime, I'll take it! Almost 7 straight hours of sleep for me is enough to function properly for sure! :) I'm hoping he can keep it up, so we shall see!

9th: Today I am thankful for the built-in friendship that Ethan and Noah share. Yes, they definitely have their share of arguments, but overall, they really love each other and often play together quite well. It warms my heart to watch Ethan look out for Noah, holding his hand and helping him out when he needs it, and to listen to Noah ask where Ethan is, or if he is ok when he is crying. They share a special bond that I hope will last for years and years to come, and I hope that they'll also share it with Amos in a few years!

10th: Today I am thankful for Ethan's sweet, thoughtful prayers and Noah's sweet, polite nature. Though they sometimes drive me a bit crazy, they really are two incredible little boys. I'm lucky to have them and grateful that I get the chance to experience all that they have to offer.

11th: Today I am thankful for our veterans. I can't imagine what it is like to put your life on the line daily to defend your country. I can't imagine what it is like to have a husband who spends months and months overseas, away from home. I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that they, and their families, make to ensure that we maintain our freedom.

12th: Today I am thankful for comfy sweats and a warm, dry house...a place to escape the cold, wet snow outside!

13th: Today I am thankful for technology. What did we do before cell phones?!? They definitely make it much easier to communicate, especially when Josh is out of town. I know I take them for granted, and I've only had one for 13 years. It's hard to believe that the boys will never know a world without them!!

14th: Today I am thankful for my chiropractor. It's amazing how much better one can feel without neck or back pain. Weekly adjustments help to keep me feeling great! I'm also hoping that he'll get my little Amos fixed up soon. I hate having him take medicine for his GERD, so I'm hoping that we can discontinue the meds after some simple adjustments.

15th: Today I am thankful for family time. My perfect night is a lazy night in with all of my guys - cuddling on the couch, playing games, and having dance parties.

16th: Today I am thankful for restaurants. I love cooking, but everyone needs a break from the kitchen now and then! I'm thankful that we are able to go out to get food on the weekends so that I don't have to cook every day.

2012

In years past, I have never "publicly" given thanks in the month of November for everything that I am thankful for, so I decided it was time to do so this year. Here's my daily list!

november 2012

Hubby and our boys

1st: I'm thankful for my husband. I am so fortunate to have married my best friend. He's my rock. He knows me better than anyone and is the ying to my yang. I'd like to think we make a pretty good team when it comes to life and parenting. I know I don't tell him daily, but I hope he knows how much I appreciate him and all that he does. He works hard to provide for us, so that I can stay home with the boys. He also works hard at home to provide us with the best environment possible, from all the projects he does indoors and outdoors, to helping with the chores and spending all the time he can with the boys. He's also wonderful about making sure that I get breaks too, like taking the boys so I can enjoy a MNO with the girls, or playing with them so I can escape for a few hours on a Friday afternoon. I know my words really can't do justice as to how awesome he is, but I'm trying. :) Thanks babe, for being the awesome husband that you are!

Two crazy little men

2nd: I'm thankful for my boys. I love that I am currently being attacked with kisses by two of the sweetest, most amazing little boys ever. I am fortunate to be able to stay home with them and enjoy these wonderful lazy mornings at home. I know these days are limited and I want to enjoy them while I can! Some days can be rougher than others, but in the end, I wouldn't have it any other way. I am truly blessed with these super smart, loving, empathetic, energetic, adorable, well-behaved little men. I hope that I can raise them to be as amazing as their Daddy! Thanks boys, for being the awesome little kids that you are!

Frank family

3rd: I'm thankful for my family. As I grow older, I realize how fortunate I am to have the supportive, loving family that I have. My mom, dad, and sister have always been there for me to help if I need it, whenever they can. My mom is always there to lend an ear, since I call her daily. :) She will drop everything to come stay with me if hubby has to leave town, or when I have a baby. My dad never complained when I moved every year while I was in college and he had to bear the brunt of it, or when he tirelessly painted rooms in my previous houses. No easy task when you see my closet or those rooms! My sister and I didn't get along very well when we were growing up, but I am glad that in our adult years, we do. We can commiserate on the bad days and celebrate together on the good ones. I love that we can share our experiences and advice when it comes to child-rearing. It saddens me to realize that at my age, my mom had already lost her dad, and my dad had lost his mom. I am thankful that I still have both of my parents and that my children will hopefully know and remember their grandparents. Thanks family, for being the awesome family that you are!

Sweet baby Noah

4th: I'm thankful for sleep. No, this one isn't quite up there with the first 3, but I'm not gonna lie, it is important to me!! Of course, on days like Daylight Saving Time change, I realize just how important it is. I am fortunate my kids sleep until 8 am, so a 7 o'clock wake-up this morning wasn't really that bad. Not ideal, but not 5 am either! Ethan has always been a great sleeper, from sleeping through the night at just 6 weeks old, to sleeping in until 10 am or later through his toddler years. Yeah, I know now that I was super spoiled with him! It took a little time to get Noah sleeping through the night, but I am thankful that they are both good sleepers now, which translates into great sleep for me (when I go to bed before 1 am, that is)! :) The older I get though, the less sleep I seem to require. I always used to wonder how my mom got by on such a small amount of it, but now I don't. I realize that when everyone else is asleep, I can get stuff done! Thanks sleep, for keeping me sane!

Lazy morning with my coffee

5th: I'm thankful for coffee. It's crazy to think that a year ago, I didn't even drink it daily, like I do now! Instead, I was wandering around like a zombie all day. A zombie with horrible headaches from lack of good sleep, thanks to dear little Noah. After 6 months of waking every 2-4 hours every night, I had had enough and we bought our first coffeemaker. I discovered Fresh Market's bulk coffee, almond amaretto to be exact. Add in some Starbucks vanilla syrup, a splash of whole milk and some whipped cream, and that is what I call coffee! ;) Now I enjoy one cup every morning, along with my weekly stop at Starbucks for an iced caramel macchiato, as well. It keeps the headaches at bay and has been a nice addition to my morning. Josh also enjoys his daily cup now, too. Does this mean we're getting old? Thanks coffee, for also helping to keep me sane!

Memorial Day, 2012

6th: I'm thankful that I'm an American with the right to vote. Being Election Day and all, this one seems to be a given. I think we sometimes take it for granted that we live in a country where we have so many rights and freedoms. I plan to do my part and vote to help keep it that way! With Ethan having the day off from preschool, I'll be exercising that right to vote later today, once hubby is home to help wrangle the boys! I'm afraid if I take my crazy, still sleep-deprived little guys with me to a long line at the polls this morning, I may be tempted to leave them there. ;) They could use a couple energetic volunteers, right?? Hehe. I am also thankful for freedom of speech, but I'll be even more thankful when I stop seeing political rants on Facebook. ;) Thanks America, for my right to vote. Let's go RED!

Josh with his Mamaw and Memaw, 1980

7th: I'm thankful for life. There was a lot going on yesterday for our nation, but in a small part of our world, my husband lost his dear Mamaw, his last living grandparent. At 87 years old, she lived a long life, filled with 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren (I hope I got all those numbers right!). She was such a sweet, kind woman and I am thankful that I had the chance to meet her and know her for the past 12 years. We will be traveling soon to Ohio to say goodbye to her, and it is a somber reminder that in the big scheme of things, life is short. With so much discontent today, after an important decision for our nation was made yesterday, I am reminded that I need to let it all go and hold my loved ones tighter. Embrace life and live it to its fullest! Thanks Lord, for giving me life.

Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, 

and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21

Ethan's preschool classroom

8th: I'm thankful for preschool. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my big boy, but he tends to go a bit crazy when he is stuck at the house with me all day. It was a rough week with school being cancelled Tuesday for Election Day! He really loves going to school to learn and play with his friends and I love that he loves it! I am thankful that we found a great, nurturing preschool where he can learn about God, interact and play with other kids his age, and grow as his own little person, apart from Josh and me. It's just two mornings a week for him this year, but he looks forward to it, always asking, "Do I have preschool tomorrow?" I think Noah also enjoys having me all to himself for a few hours, too. Ethan had nearly 2.5 years of that, but poor Noah has always had to share! So, it's been a good experience for all of us. Thanks preschool, for wearing my big boy out and keeping that amazing little brain engaged!

Our new home in Tennessee

9th: I'm thankful for our beautiful home and everything it provides. I think that I sometimes take for granted that I have a roof over my head, a warm bed to crawl into at night, and plenty of food on the table every day. In the wake of disaster on the Eastern coast, I am reminded of these things. We are fortunate to have more than enough room in our house for our family, the ability to pay our bills so that we can keep it nice and warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and the means to purchase lots of wholesome, organic food for our bellies. Thanks home, for keeping us safe and sound.

Hubby fixed my iPad! Yay!

10th: I'm thankful for technology. It seems crazy now to think of the world before the internet, cell phones, iPads, DVR, and the like. In ways, times were probably simpler before all of these things, but I do enjoy the conveniences they bring with them. I have no idea how parents watched TV with kids before DVR. Maybe they didn't?? I guess people had to actually use phone books when they wanted to find phone numbers or pay phones to call people when they were out, or encyclopedias to look up information. There are definitely advantages to having technology available! I love that we can use technology to keep in touch with family and friends since we don't live near them. The boys can Skype with their grandparents and I can send them pictures with the touch of a button. Thanks technology, for making our lives easier and keeping us in touch with loved ones.

Grandpa Frank

Grandpa Hannan

11th: I'm thankful for our veterans, past and present. I am especially thankful for both of my Grandpas, who served in the army, during WWII and the Korean War, respectively. Men and women continue to fight daily to protect us and our freedoms as Americans. This Veteran's Day, I am reminded of how much they have done for us. Thanks veterans, for fighting to protect us.

Daisy Duke, our 6 1/2-year-old boxer

12th: I'm thankful for our Daisy Duke. We were fortunate when she came into our lives nearly 7 years ago. She has been the perfect dog, pet and friend. We joke that she is our best child, as she always listens and obeys and never wakes us up in the mornings. ;) She has taught me about how to love unconditionally. She loves her walks and playing outside with us, but still loves us on days when we have too much going on to get her out for a walk. She has an amazing ability to find the softest, warmest thing in the room to cuddle with and is a great little heater in bed. :) She was a great companion all day before the boys were born, and has been the best "big sister" the boys could have. ;) She is incredibly tolerant of their antics and has done well with losing her "only child" status. We love her dearly. Thanks Daisy, for being the best doggy in the world!

Yep, I LOVE my kid-mobile!

13th: I'm thankful for my minivan. I am fortunate to have a working vehicle, period. I am incredibly fortunate to have a really nice working vehicle to tote the kids around in every day. I probably take for granted that I have rarely had any issues with any vehicle I have ever had. I am thankful that I have a safe, comfortable (and loaded!) minivan. It has been a blessing for our long drives with its stow 'n go storage room for all of our luggage, the entertainment system for the kids and all the extra features that make it an easier drive for the driver! It allows us to ride in comfort, without being crowded in there with all of our stuff. Thanks minivan, for always getting me where I need to go!

Glad we don't have to spend a lot of time here!

14th: I'm thankful for my health and the health of my family. Though Josh likes to give me a hard time about my bad genes (I require glasses, needed braces, have allergies, have a thyroid problem, etc, etc, etc), I am in overall good health. All of these problems are easily manageable and don't give me much trouble. The hubby and kids are also very healthy and happy, and rarely require a thing aside from routine, preventive doctor visits. We are very fortunate that we don't have any major health problems to deal with at this point, and that we have a very healthy 3.5-year-old and 16-month-old. Thanks God, for keeping us healthy!

Josh at his desk at KMMG a few years ago

15th: I'm thankful for good jobs. We have been very fortunate that Josh has had great jobs since he started working full-time after college, first with TMMK, then KMMG, and now Eastman. With the great experience and knowledge he has gained, along with his education at a top engineering school, he has been able to quickly move up the ranks in his field. Without such good jobs, I may not have been able to quit work (I'm also thankful for the job I had at UK!) to stay at home with the kids. I am thankful that I am able to do so, even if some days are trying. I'm glad that I have the opportunity to be there for the good, bad and ugly with the boys, as not all moms get this chance. I'm also thankful for the good jobs that my father has had that allowed my parents to provide my sister and me with a great childhood and continue to help me out for as long as I needed it, so that I could experience extracurriculars in high school and focus on my education in college. Thanks jobs, for giving us the means to provide for our families.

A few of my favorite girls from high school.
Amazingly, this pic is about 1/2 my lifetime ago!

16th: I'm thankful for friends, past and present. I had a few close friends growing up and I am thankful that I still keep in touch with most of them fairly regularly, thanks to Facebook. I've continued to gather more friends through each life stage - college & grad school classmates, co-workers, neighbors, fellow moms, etc. - and I love that I have been able to continue to keep up with a good portion of them. I am thankful to have made a few good friends already here in our new home, despite my introverted nature. Not living near my family, and being new to the area, I am fortunate to have a few women in my life that I can hang out with and commiserate share in the ups and downs of child-rearing. :) Thanks girls, for the much-needed estrogen when I need an escape from all the testosterone in my house!

My in-laws, the Seeley family

17th: I'm thankful for my in-laws. When I married my husband, I was accepted into their family like I was one of their own. With four children, what's 1 more, right? ;) I gained two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law that day. I am thankful to have found a husband whose family is as loving and supportive as my own. They are a fun bunch to hang out with, even if those times we all get together are rare. I am thankful that they raised my husband to be the wonderful father and husband that he is. Thanks guys, for being the awesome in-laws that you are!

Can you tell we're all related?

18th: I'm thankful for my mother. I know that I was already thankful for my family, but because today is her birthday, I am going to be thankful for her again. :) She deserves every bit of it, too! I am so fortunate to have the best mom in the world. I don't have nearly enough room to tell you about all reasons why, so you'll just have to trust me. No one has been more supportive of me than she has, whether it was going to every single one of my volleyball games in high school, or making the 13-hour trek to our house in Georgia nearly every month to see us. She always makes my favorite meals whenever I visit and always offers to help me with anything I need when she visits me. She has always supported me in the decisions I have made and respects those that I make for my family now. I don't know what I'd do without my mother. If I'm even half as good as a mom as her, then I am doing great! :) Thanks mom, for being the best mom a girl could ask for!

Thankful for a beautiful November day with my guys

19th: I'm thankful for this day. Despite all that I have to be thankful for in my life, our extended families and friends have suffered much loss and suffering this past month. From the deaths of young (a baby at 9 months gestation in her mother's womb) and old (my step-Grandpa and my husband's Grandma) to the most recent occurrence (my aunt suffered a massive stroke this weekend at the young age of 51), there has been much heartache in our lives and the lives of our loved ones. It has reminded me that I must be thankful for this day, because it is not promised to us. We have no idea when our time will be up here, and no idea what God has planned for us. It is hard to understand why these things happen and we may be angry or upset because they do. I must remember that God has a plan for all of us and we can't always control what happens in our lives. It can all change in just an instant. I pray that all of those affected will find peace and that we will all live every day to its fullest. Thanks God, for giving me this day to spend with my family.

Ready for Christmas!

20th: I'm thankful for family traditions. I love having things we do each year together as a family. I think that my favorite tradition that Josh and I have started with the boys, is that each year, after we eat our Thanksgiving dinner as a family, we put up our Christmas tree. This year was no different. Even though it broke my rule of celebrating each holiday in turn, we were very anxious to enjoy time around the tree, since we spent most of last December apart from each other. It was awesome to see how excited Ethan was this year about the thought of decorating the tree and he proudly hung quite a few ornaments by himself! Noah was just happy to dance around the room to the Christmas music that we blare while we are decorating. Like father, like son? ;) I made our traditional turkey dinner, stuffed with stuffing using the recipe my Dad has used for ages, my Aunt Becky's traditional corn soufflé and my mom's traditional pie crust recipe. Tradition tastes good in our family. Thanks traditions, for staying strong.

So peaceful!

21st: I'm thankful for naps in the van. We have had such good luck with Ethan when it comes to traveling. Since birth that boy has been a dream while in the vehicle for hours and hours. As an infant, he would sleep nearly the entire trip, then proceed to still sleep all night, too! Amazing. He doesn't sleep nearly as much now on the road, but he is still a great traveler. He is easily kept amused watching his favorite, Cars 2, or just looking out the windows at all the other vehicles on the road. Noah, on the other hand, is nearly the polar opposite of his big brother (in so many ways). Even as a baby, he wouldn't sleep much in the van, but now, 30-minute naps are his norm. If we are in the van all day, he may take two of these, but for trips under 5-6 hours, he will normally take just one. While this may not sound bad, it is for a child that still naps 2.5-4 hours total a day right now. :( So, when Noah finally gives in and goes to sleep, I am thankful for these quiet moments! Thanks naps, for keeping Mommy sane on the road.