Thankful: Day 29 & 30!

Day 29 - thankful Little Man did not break his arm and for medical care so close to home.

Day 30 - my last day at my job.  So very thankful to be back to working one day a week.  While the budget will be tight again (sigh), the timing it good and we have a plan in place.

This was an interesting exercise to think daily about what I am thankful for.  Even when I did not write it down daily, I could very easily think of what I was thankful…it was what stood out to me most.  I just read this quote on Pinterest.

What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday.  

Thankful: Day 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Behind again!

Day 23 - realizing that while she is growing up fast, Soccer Girls is still very innocent.  When filling out a form at the doctor's office, she asked if she lived in a shelter.  No sweetie, you don't.

Day 24 - my extended family and having an abundance of food.

Day 25 - enjoying a good lazy day.

Day 26 - loving on a sweet puppy.  She almost came home with us... if she wasn't $700.00!!

Day 27 - spending time at the library all by myself.  It was just about 30 minutes, but it was so nice.  The possibilities are endless...

Day 28 - waking my kids up in the morning.  They are safe at home and are so beautiful.

We Need to Meet

Yesterday Little Man's preschool teacher asked to meet with me.  While Little Man is doing okay, she said he "needs more."  The incentives they use in the room are not enough for him.  She would like to devise a plan to work with him.

She told me he is very smart but very energetic.  I have learned over the years that those are codes for he doesn't keep his hands to himself… he interferes in the class… he is not able to socialize with the other kids… label it however you want.  It means he is still struggling.  While he has improved, I know he will continue to struggle well into his formal school years.

So we will meet next week to talk about the issues and come up with a plan.  But, right now, I feel like we have not done enough for him and that I have failed him.  I feel just plain defeated and sad.

I know that I need to embrace all of him.  I know that he is wonderfully made.  I know that all of the things that may be viewed as "challenges" now will fade and serve him well… some day.  It is just hard to accept that when it is your kid not invited to a class birthday party and most days the teacher has to talk to you about what happened that day.

I will feel sad for a little bit longer.  Then I will look into his beautiful face and plow forward with a plan.

Thankful: Day 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

Day 18 - traveling with good friends to see another good friend.  So nice to spend time talking with adults and catching up.  And, a delicious dinner.

Day 19 - watching the 4th Twilight movie during the day and shopping and eating out… all without interruptions, refereeing, or yelling.

Day 20 - see Chief after a few days away.  I love that man.

Day 21 - watching Lizard practice basketball.  Although she is tiny, she is quick and is learning a lot.

Day 22 - becoming a mom 12 years ago today.

Thankful: Day 17

Day 17- Packing for a girls weekend.  Excited to spend time with good friends, catching up, eating good food and just connecting without distractions.

Thankful: Day 15 & 16

Day 15 - Hearing that Soccer Girl wanted to deliver Thanksgiving food baskets with her youth group even though it was on her  birthday.  It was evident she is learning the lesson of giving (not just donating food to a bin) and selflessness.  Turns out they are delivering them two days before her birthday anyway.  :-)

Day 16 - Little Man having a great day today.  He was so excited when I picked him up about his work and earning a prize today for his behavior.  Love days like this!  And I love that almost all of the pictures that he draws are of Little Man and Chief doing fun things. He loves his Daddy.

Thankful: Day 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Yikes… I have gotten behind in documenting what I am thankful for each day here on the blog.  But I have been noticing and writing it on a sticky note so I don't forget.  

Day 10 - being able to hug all of my kids.  Six years ago today a friend lost her oldest daughter in a teribble car accident.  That is never too far from my mind.

Day 11 - having a very productive day and crossing a big project off my list… one I thought would drag into the weekend.

Day 12 - the red Starbuck's cup filled with hot cholocate on a cold day.

Day 13 - NOT having a Voodoo Donut.  Thankful for some will power.

Day 14 - texting Chief during the day.  I love the little chime on my iPhone when a text comes in and I see it is from him.  Love.  It.

Thankful: Day 7, 8 & 9

Day 7 - finally starting a new technique with the kids (mainly Little Man and Lizard) to help stop the arguing, yelling and "swearing".  So far I am very thankful for the results.

Day 8 - playing Duck Duck Goose and What Time is it Mr. Fox? with the family.  Love the smiles and simple fun.

Day 9 - for Little Man's "out of the mouth of babes" comment this morning.  Might just be the kick in the pants I need for make some healthy changes.

Thankful: Day 5 & Day 6

Day 5 - time alone with Chief.  Between work, activities and life in general, time without interruptions is few and far between.  Even thought we just ran to the mall to help me find new jeans, it was so nice to spend a few hours alone.

Day 6 - watching Soccer Girl on the soccer field.  She is a natural athlete and so fun to watch.  I am so proud to be her Mom.

Thankful: Day 4

Day 4 - a special date with my Little Man.  Just the two of us on a Friday night building all sorts of Lego creations.  My heart needed the reminder how special, loving and funny he can be.  I love you Little Man.

Thankful: Day 3

Day 3 - knowing I will be back home and able to take my kids to school in less than a month.

Thankful: Day 1 & 2

I have noticed on Facebook and the blog world the challenge to post one thing you are thankful for each day in November.  I like that.  I am going to post my "30 days of thankfuls" here on my blog.  Maybe a few at a time, but 30 days of what I am grateful for… what makes me smile.

A dear friend of mine gave me Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts.  It is a thought provoking book about finding thankfulness in your day to day life; in the daily grind of a messy kitchen and arguments over homework.  If you have not read it, I would highly recommend it.

Day 1 - my three children.
Day 2 - hearing rain pour down while I am inside my warm house.