Month of Gratitude: Day 10

Today, I'm just thankful this week is almost over. It's been a rough one.

Month of Gratitude: Day 9

I am (begrudgingly) thankful for a new phone.

I do not like new things. I really do not like when I don't know how to do something and I dislike the process of figuring it all out. I get easily frustrated during this process, as my husband can attest. However, my old phone was basically useless when he scroll button died and I was ever more frustrated during the week it took IT to order the new one.

I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually and today I'm very thankful to actually see the texts I'm getting and be able to navigate the menus and all of those necessary things.

Month of Gratitude: Day 8

This sounds so spoiled and pretentious I almost hesitate to admit it, but I'm thankful for Starbucks, especially today.

I don't know if it's the time change or something else, but neither of my children have wanted to sleep the last few nights (this is another one of 10 million times I'm so thankful to have a husband who is an awesome co-parent who also gets up in the middle of the night, two thankfuls in one!). The past few nights, Avery has been up at least five times a night and Carter is waking up way too early and up a few times the last few nights too.

So this morning, I stopped at Starbucks. I try not to drink a lot of caffeine, and many days I don't have any. Some days I just need a little help. Plus it helps me psychologically slow down and settle into the day, even if the night didn't go as well as I would have liked.

Month of Gratitude: Day 7

I almost hesitate to say this, but I am thankful for Pinterest.

True, it can be a huge black hole of all time and energy. On the other hand, it inspires me. It makes me remember that I am a somewhat creative-ish person and I could make beautiful things if I gave myself the time. It lets me dream a little. I probably won't ever have this amazing shower or this one, but I like to know they exist somewhere. It has helped me bring new and tasty treats to the table. It has encouraged me to put some love into a home I'd already somewhat checked out of emotionally. It gives me great ideas for crafts with my artsy munchkin. I've been amused by smart products and handy ideas. Words there have spoken to my soul and made me laugh. Sometimes both. So thanks pinterest and whoever created you. You came into my life at a really good time.

Month of Gratitude: Day 6

I am so very thankful for humor. I don't think I could survive this season without humor. My husband is funny (in his own way, but it keeps me laughing), my son is the most hilarious child I've ever encountered.

Sometimes, if I didn't laugh, I think I would cry. So I'm thankful I have another option. A real life example- Friday, our For Sale sign fell over.  Even our sign is giving up on actually getting this house sold. That sign has been out there so long it was finally overcome by the elements. It was completely shattered, shards strewn across the sidewalk, post entirely up rooted from the yard. I just started laughing.

Month of Gratitude: Day 5

I had a few technical difficulties this weekend and a few more schedule conflicts, i.e. I had no time to sit down and write. But I thought about it each day, and I'll be catching catch up my posts today.

Day 5
I'm thankful for a double stroller! I agonized for months over what to buy. Actually, it was over a year. I started researching as soon as I found out I was pregnant with Avery and just couldn't take the plunge and buy it. I looked at $900 models, which is ridiculous. Seth accurately pointed out that we could probably spend less than that to pay someone to carry our children for us on the limited occasions we actually need a double stroller. I finally bought one that was a Target daily deal and one on sale at Babies R Us and we're debating between the two.

I took both kids to the mall Saturday morning, which would have been nearly impossible without a double stroller. I took the tandem stroller. I originally thought I wanted a side by side one, but after almost knocking down everything in every store, I've decided the width of a side by side is totally impractical for the mall. Then again, so are two young children... Nonetheless, it was a fun outing and I was really glad to be able to get out and have a "fun adventure" (in Carter's words) with my kids, and a fun lunch with my boy while Avery slept. He's a good date! Except that he steals my food.

Month of Gratitude: Day 4

Today I'm thankful for the weather. It's gloomy and rainy and blustery outside, a perfect fall day. After spending a day in the snow last week in Denver, I remember all the reason I like living somewhere I don't deal with snow too much. On the other hand, November 1 was about 90 degrees here and I don't like that. I just want the seasons to feel like they should, even if that's San Diego's version of a somewhat mild season.

I think a gloomy weekend snuggling on the couch watching movies would be just perfect. We'll see what my busy two year old thinks of that!

Month of Gratitude: Day 3

My job.

There are many, many days I wish I was home with my kids, but I don't want to lose sight of the blessing this job is to me and my family. It challenges me, helps me grow, keeps me interested, and is a really great company. More tangibly, it helps us keep food on the table and a roof over our heads.

Month of Gratitude: Day 2

My husband. He's just enough crazy to keep me laughing and solid enough to keep me grounded and sane. Plus he's a fantastic dad. And a million other things.

A month of gratitude.

It's no secret that 2011 has been a rough year around here. I am more than ready for a fresh start of 2012. I was talking with a friend recently about this, and she said that she feels the same way, but she also wants to enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas. That resonated with me, because I never want to find myself wishing life away. Plus, I'm slightly obsessed with Christmas and sometimes I glaze over Thanksgiving in my excitement. I thought this would be a good year to slow down and remember the blessings and reflect during this time. So, my goal (and it's a lofty one for me!) is to count a blessing each day.

I'll start with an easy one. My sweet babies, such incredible gifts.

They are reason #1 to slow down and enjoy the moment. They have taught me, more than anything else, that time stops for no one and soon enough we'll be on to the next season. They grow entirely too fast to be wishing time away.