I wanted to make a list of 35 things I'm thankful for this year. I put more details into numbers 1-20, but I knew it would take me all day to write that detailed for all of them, so the rest are just quick things I added ;)
1. My family. My family has always been there for me, and I am so grateful. I've always known it doesn't take DNA to make a family, but I really found that out this past year. I was a little disappointed in my biological mother not wanting to meet me, but then I remembered what great things and people I already have in my life. Even if she never comes around, I have more than enough love in my life.
2. My extra time with the kids. I know this whole corona and quarantine thing has been scary and stressful and frustrating. But I got to be home with the kids for several weeks during all of that, and I loved getting to spend more time with them. Especially since they're so much older now and don't always like to be around me ;)
3. My marriage. My husband is one of my greatest blessings. So many things have been against us from the beginning. We got married so quickly, and so young, and had kids so close together, and a lot of people probably honestly thought we wouldn't make it. Here we are almost 15 years later, and we are closer than ever. I don't take Arnold or our marriage for granted, because I know things change so quickly, and so many other couples are struggling.
4. My job. I really love being able to work with babies and little kids, which is so much fun and rewarding to me. Yes it is a stressful job. Yes I am exhausted when I get home every night. No we don't get enough pay or appreciation for what we do. But having bonds with these kids and being an early influence in their lives is so special. And all the friends I've made along the way has been an extra bonus :)
5. My new sister-in-law and nephew. I really love the woman my brother married. She is kind, fun, generous, and so good to my brother. She fits right in with our family and she accepts me for the crazy & silly person I am, and she indulges that craziness. Just like on my birthday where she made sure to take pictures for me and respected what things were so important to me :) She is also giving me my very first NEPHEW this summer, and I absolutely cannot wait to spoil that little boy!! :)
6. Our health- During all this mess, no one in our family got sick. I did get strep, but nothing serious. My parents were fine, my inlaws were fine, and my hubby and kids were fine. I am so thankful we didn't get corona, or anything else serious for that matter.
7. My friends. My friends are the best, and have been so supportive of me this year. I've gone through a lot of emotional stuff with the adoption search, and they've listened to me worry, vent, and cry. They've given me advice and reassurance. I don't care if I only have a few TRUE friends if they are the amazing, loyal friends I've got :)
8. Our upcoming vacation. We are booked and counting down for our vacation to Charleston this September!! The main point of the trip is to go visit my new nephew after he's born, but it was the perfect opportunity to have a family vacation too! We will go to the beach, eat some good seafood, visit the aquarium, and of course soak up allll the baby cuddles! I can't wait! Only 64 more days.
9. Bath & Body works. I know this is a silly one. But I am SO happy they are open again! It had been so long that I was running out of my favorite soaps and wallflowers for the house! Glade and febreeze stuff just doesn't cut it when I'm used to my Japanese Cherry Blossom and Coconut Lime scents!!
10. The mountains. I have always been a mountain girl. I grew up going to Lake Lure at least 2 times a year, every year. Now our kids go! we took them recently to the Lake Lure beach and we had a great time. Even though it started storming that afternoon.
11. My grandpa- I have one living grandparent left. He is my mom's dad, and he turned 87 this past March. I'm so glad my kids have gotten to grow up knowing a great grandparent.
12. Shorter hair. I feel So much better since having all my hair cut off! I was starting to die at work spending 2 hours outside every day with the kids! I was so hot.
13. Book of the month club. This is the latest thing I've joined. What's not great about a club that sends you a new, HARDBACK book every month, for only $15? Plus lets you add on books for $10 each if you want to?? Those prices are even cheaper than amazon! I look forward to that blue box showing up at my door every month ;)
14. Crafty friends. I am thankful I have crafty friends that have made me and the kids cute masks to wear during this corona mess! I even had a birthday mask made to wear this past week when I was out ;) Brooke calls me "extra" but I thought it was fun ;)
15. Surprises. I was able to surprise Arnold with some fun gifts this year at father's day, that he had no idea he was getting ;) He works so hard for us and is the best, and I really wanted to do something special for him.
16. Our church. We have met so many great people at our church. Arnold really enjoys playing with the praise band. I enjoy watching the babies and toddlers on sunday mornings. And even when our church had to close for awhile, we were able to watch the services online at home!
17. My parents' generosity. My parents have been AMAZING and I can't thank them enough. They have watched the kids so I could go back to work. They take care of the kids, feed them, take them swimming and on other outings, and have let them do jobs for them to earn money. I wouldn't be able to work without their help, and I am so grateful.
18. Learning new things. Even though my biological family search didn't go quite as planned, I am still happy for the news I found. I met a biological brother and LOTS of cousins. I found out some of my mother's past, and finally saw pictures of her--- still can't get over how much we look alike. It helps having answers of why things happened the way they did. I feel relief and closure on that chapter of my life.
19. This blog. I love to write, and have since I was a kid. Writing is therapeutic for me, and helps me get out all my thoughts, worries, and dreams. I have never been great at putting things into spoken word or giving speeches, but I am able to express myself through writing. I also enjoy reading other people's blogs, getting ideas, and getting to know about them.
20. My birthday. I had a wonderful birthday this past week. My brother was able to come into town and visit, which was extra special because I usually never get to see him at this time of year. My family and friends were so thoughtful with the sweetest gifts and giftcards. And of course Mom made my traditional lasagna! I just had the best time celebrating :)
21. Netflix
22. Paying down some debt
23. Memories & Traditions
24. Home updates
25. Warm weather
26. Our sweet pets
27. Amazon 2-day shipping
28. No cavities ever, so far for Caleb
29. My brother's recent visit
30. My country
31. Afternoon naps on weekends
32. Keeping up with people on facebook
33. My new dentist
34. Walmart grocery pickup
35. My kids' teachers
Milf
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