30 Days of Thanks-Day 6

Another day of many little things to be thankful for.  I am thankful for visits from two friends who I used to work with at the bank.  It was so good to see them and to finally meet Ashley's sweet little Avery!  She is an absolute doll.  All the girls at the bank were there for me from the beginning of my mom's cancer.  Michele, who also came today, has lost both of her parents so she knows how much it hurts.  She is such a good friend and stopped by to drop off box top labels that she always saves for my girls.  I am also so thankful that we found a florist to do my sister's wedding flowers!  They are going to be beautiful.  We know mom is helping with wedding planning from Heaven; Brian and Kaci's wedding date was the only one still available at this florist:)  I'm ever so thankful to my sister for taking the girls for a movie night at the school she works at and then for a sleepover at her apartment.  My boys and I got our grocery shopping done, a couple Christmas gifts bought, and scored a great deal on diapers for the little man.  Looking forward to a fun-filled weekend!

30 Days of Thanks-Day 5

Today I'm thankful for a few "little" things.  I'm thankful to have my dad home.  He was only gone for a few days, in MT visiting family, but I'm happy he's home.  I know so many people live far away from their parents, but I've been blessed to live so close to mine for so many years; not only live by them but see them almost everyday.  There's a certain comfort in it for me now, knowing they're just minutes away.  My dad has worked away from home for a long time (2 weeks on, 2 weeks off) and since my mom's been gone, it's harder to have him gone.  I know he's always just a phone call away and I text him and talk to him while he's gone, it's just another thing to get used to.  I'm also very thankful for an idea for a Christmas present for my Grandma.  She lives in a nursing home and so her space is VERY limited.  It's always so hard to know what to get her aside from the standard go-to gift of a Barnes and Noble gift card.  Finally, no choir for the girls tonight=a night at home with nothing pressing to do!  It truly is the little things!

30 Days of Thanks-Day 4

Today I am thankful for this guy.

This year we celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine we would experience so much in that 10 years; job changes and loss, the loss of  3 grandparents, our own child,  my mom, one of our college friends, an aunt, an uncle, and a cousin.  We've also been blessed with so much good but, the good times are "easy."  It's all the tough times that really test us and our relationships.  During the last 3 years, Dave has seen me at my very worst.  He's seen me shed more tears than anyone, he's taken the brunt of my sadness and frustrations, he's picked up the slack at home when I spent days and nights in the hospital with my mom, taken the kids on solo weekend adventures, and he's supported me every step of the way.  I know it hasn't been easy; I drive myself crazy sometimes:)  He works SO hard for us so I can stay home with the kids.  He usually works 11-12 hours a day and then comes home and gives baths, takes/picks up the girls from activities, helps with dinner/cleanup, and does a lot of odd jobs for others. 

 I'm proud to be his wife and I'm so thankful that he's mine. 

 

30 Days of Thanks-Day 3

Today I am thankful for this beautiful day we're having.  It's almost 70 degrees here today and it's just been a good day.  I wish I could say that we've been having more good days than bad days lately.  Unfortunately, time doesn't make anything easier; it's been 8 weeks and it still hurts the same.  We've all been short tempered, lost our patience, hurt each other, and shed a lot of tears lately.  Some mornings the girls fight going to school and cry going out the door.  We're all trying to adjust to this new normal.  All this makes me appreciate days like today so much.  I know we'll eventually turn the corner and our tough days will be few and far between; one day at a time is all we can do. 

 The sky was absolutely breathtaking this morning.  The clouds looked like they went on forever.

 The kids had a mini meltdown before lunch.  They were all standing at my feet crying while I was making lunch.  I was feeling a bit frazzled but when I finally gave it to them, there was complete silence.  Between them, they finished a box of mac n' cheese, a container of raspberries, and finger jello.  They even licked their plates (and the table) clean. 

 After lunch we went to the park and to the cemetery to visit Grandma. 

One swing, two girls....no problem:)

I am also really loving my Thanksgiving mantle.  I just bought myself the owl and the 'R' and they are a couple of my very favorite pieces in my house ($5 each on clearance at Burlington Coat Factory, score!).  Dave gathered branches for me the other day so we could make our "Thankful Tree."  I cut out a bunch of leaves and everyday we write what we're thankful for on them and put them on the branches.  The girls are loving it. 

30 Days of Thanks-Day 2

Today I am thankful for a beautiful All Souls Day mass in remembrance of my mom and all those from her church that have passed away in the last year.  I hadn't anticipated how hard it would be to go to mass at the church where I saw my mom for the last time.  Our family belongs to another parish and I hadn't been to her and my dad's church since her funeral.  The priest offered very comforting words, a candle was lit for each of the faithful departed, and at the end of mass we were given the candle with her name on it.  They played one of the songs we had chosen for her funeral service and though we chose it because it was so beautiful, there were lots of tears hearing it again.  As hard as it was, I know it's part of our healing and grieving process.  I looked down at Grace, singing along to one of the songs, and I knew mom was smiling down on her and her precious little voice. 

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord.  And let the perpetual light shine upon her.  Amen. 

 

Taste Bugs

I was fixing Grace's hair this morning and she stuck her tongue out, studying it carefully in the mirror.  Then she said, "mom, are these my taste bugs?" 

30 Days of Thanks-Day 1

Today I am beyond thankful for my dad.  I am proud and honored to be his daughter.  I am thankful for the relationship I have with him and for the support we have from him.  He has always been very involved in our lives and remains involved in our lives and his grandkids lives.  He gave our family the greatest gift anyone ever could; he loved and cared for my mom unconditionally.  Watching him care for her the last few years was beautiful.  He is the best dad, papa, and friend; today, and everyday, I am thankful for him.