Thankful

I actually started writing about our Thanksgiving a week ago, but obviously have not posted it, and have since deleted it. I had 3 paragraphs describing each of our three Thanksgiving meal experiences. I just haven't found (or made) the time to finish the post. Lately, I'm in a bit of a slump. I'm finding myself overwhelmed with everything I have to do before Christmas. Add to that all of my usual day-to-day tasks, and somehow, the house looks like we pulled every toy and item of clothing from its proper place and scattered it about on every square inch of floor. I'm tired. I'm stressed. I'm not even close to being halfway done with Christmas shopping. But, having said all of that, and in the spirit of the Thanksgiving post I skipped, what better time to focus on...

What I'm thankful for:

- Jacob Carl and John Alexander
Even after the end of a long day, I always know how blessed I am to be the mom of two such wonderful, sweet, precious, funny, smart, and adorable boys. I love them more than anything in the world.



- The boys' smiles and their laughs

- The boys' friendship with each other
Watching them play and laugh together always makes me smile, regardless of my mood.

- Moments I can drop everything and just BE with the boys
Whether that means playing with cars, action figures, chasing each other around the house, tickling, laughing, dancing, singing, playing instruments, or snuggling, I love it all.

- The boys' declaration of their love for me
When Jacob says he loves me and holds me tight. And when Alex gives me an impromptu hug, or lays his head on my shoulder as I hold him. Especially when he pats my back as he hugs me.

- When it's clear the boys love each other

- Jeff
Yep, I still know after 14 years. I'm lucky to have married a good husband and great daddy.


- Being able to stay at home with the boys
I can't imagine working and missing out on the many firsts I've witnessed, and passing up on so much 1 on 1 bonding time. The knowledge that not every parent can do this makes me even more appreciative of my time at home. If I was at work, I wouldn't be the one who knows my boys best. Or know everything they did that day, and not only that, but watch them do it. I wouldn't be able to dance with them every time a song comes on "Imagination Movers". And, I'd miss catching Alex in the trash can playing with chocolate pudding leftovers.


- My family


- More specifically, my parents
Excluding a brief period of time during my early teenage years, I've always considered myself beyond fortunate in this department. Together, they have been the most loving, caring, and supportive parents ever. And now, they are an amazing Nan & Pop Pop. I don't know what I'd do without them.



- My sister and brother. And my brother-in-law, of course.
I know that I haven't always been the best sister to my younger siblings (darn teenage years), but I hope by now I've made up for it. These two always make me laugh, and when we hang out, it's like I'm with friends. We talk about everything. Plus, the way they interact with Jacob and Alex makes me love them even more.



And of course I can't forget the boys' Uncle Matt. I couldn't have hand picked a better husband for Kerri. He fits in with our group perfectly, meaning, of course, that he's nice, funny, smart, and sarcastic. And, he's a terrific uncle to the boys. He never tires of letting Jacob try on his work clothes. :)


- Jeff's parents
When I met Jeff's parents our junior year in high school, I bet they never imagined they'd be stuck with me for this long! I'm not only thankful to them for raising Jeff, but also for all of their love, support, forgiveness, and being such a wonderful Grandmom & Granddad to the boys.




- My sister-in-law and brother-in-law
Jeff's brother, Scott, and his wife, Tricia. Not only are they an awesome uncle & aunt to the boys, but good friends and neighbors to us as well. I'm not only grateful for all of the help they give us with the boys and the countless photos Tricia takes of our kids, but also for their friendship. It would be tough having a sister-in-law I didn't get along with, but thankfully, I lucked out!



- That our families live so close to us

- That the boys have great-grandparents to spend time with and love
There's something pretty amazing about having 4 generations in 1 room. Jeff and I miss the grandparents we've lost, but are so thankful for the ones we still have in our lives.








- My nephew & niece
Not only are they family, but Daniel & Lainey are the boys' best friends. And, because of the 9 months that separate both Daniel & Jacob, and Lainey & Alex, it makes for 2 sets of perfect playmates. They all play well together. I have the absolute perfect foursome picture to post, but am forbidden to do so just yet since it's a surprise Christmas gift for a family member. So, I pulled out a couple of never before posted oldies from a year ago. And one of me & Lainey hanging out on Thanksgiving.




- Our friends
I'm thankful for new friends and old friends. I'm thankful to still keep in touch with friends from as far back as junior high and elementary school.




- Our home

- Our good health

- Our country, and all of the freedoms and rights associated with living in the U.S.

I'm thankful for all of these things, and each and every day I get to be here with my little boys and all of the people I love.
Happy Belated Thanksgiving!