Thanks for everything

I have been deep in whatever it is that I do and haven't been on the laptop in days.  I wrote this post last Sunday early in the morning.  It seemed like a good idea to post it now (or never).  Happy Thanksgiving.

For as long as I can remember, the power of the written word has always surpassed the spoken word.  I enjoy writing and I love reading.  As a mom, I find comfort in expressing my ideas and struggles and thoughts and ramblings here and in my other daily writing.  I have also spent a lot of timing stumbling onto other moms who use writing as an outlet and support tool.  One of my favorites is Rachel at finding joy ,  she is lovely and encouraging.  Today she framed gratitude as a choice, a powerful concept that is not easily implemented especially in the throws of parenting.  Her challenge was to write down ten things that you are grateful for.  I've been throwing a few things out her and there for you but here is my list.

Giving. 
True statement, I don't really like to get gifts.   Now wait.  I love things, I want lots of things but I'm not very good at receiving gifts.  giving is always a more blessed way to live.  I love this time of the year because there are so many different ways to give.  With Junior League programs, community and church projects, a helping hand, and of course gifts.  I am trying to seize more opportunities to give to those around me.  Even just a simple note of encouragement.  When was the last time someone sent you a "Thinking About You" card (NOT A FACEBOOK POST), a real card in the mail.  More of you and less of me actually gives more to me. 

My Starbucks Mug.  
This mug is with me 7 days a week, sometimes all day long.  I have been known to rinse it out after a long day of drinking coffee and fill it with red wine.  My mug is versatile like that.  I tease my kids about their comfort items but don't we all have and need our comfort items? 

Family support.
My kids were at my parents house ALL DAY yesterday.  With that kind of support I could be with friends all morning at our Annual Pinterest Party (more on that in another post), run errands alone, and take Keith to a party without interference.  My life isn't hard but family support makes it MUCH easier.

Laughter.
Laughing hard.  I laughed hard at Sy eating poop on Duck Dynasty (3x).  I laughed really hard with my friends at the Pinterest party.  But I laughed even harder at Keith, "MOM LOOK AT THE CRACKHEAD!"  That's a nutcracker to everyone else.

Priorities.
Kevin is my on-going example of putting first things first.  In a society that revolves around instant gratification and ME, he shows us everyday that his world revolves around his wife and his kids.  He tells us and shows us the depth of his love every day.  Raising these kids to be incredible human beings is a full-time gig, everything else falls away.

Chores
So much of mothering and homekeeping is a "rinse, lather, repeat" process.  Having kids who understand and can do chores brings me such joy.  Up until last week their participation in chores was less helpful and more obligatory (on my part).  I would prefer to do it myself and not have to deal with the way the kids do it.  But my boys are finally helping with chores that I can appreciate.  Drying dishes!  YAY! Unloading the dishwasher! YAY!  I just found 8 more minutes in my day.

Time
Speaking of which..... as many times as I have to repeat myself and keep my toddler from destroying the pantry/bathroom/garage/office, I can't rescue this time.  Minutes to read to Keith, minutes to snuggle with Patrick before lights out, minutes to create a comfortable home, minutes to cook, minutes to plan, minutes to choose.

Appliance locks.
We have had the same refrigerator since Patrick was a baby.  I don't remember having to lock the refrigerator buttons with either of the boys.  "Lauren, please don't push my buttons" is a standard refrain at my house.

Health.
If my chief complaint is boogers and kids coughing in my face, I count myself lucky.  A week of colds is tiring but as far as illness goes, we have been sheltered from major ailments.  

The Cosby Show.
Last month I started to record "The Cosby Show" for the kids.  We watch an episode (or two or three) every night.  We laugh at the stories, we talk about the lessons, and we repeat the funny lines again and again.  Even now if I say "Justine" both boys will start singing "JUSTINE!  JUSTINE!"  Good times.