Thankful

During the month of November, I wrote down something that I was thankful for each day.  Below is the list I came up with.

Day 1: I am thankful for my cousin, Shelby. He is unique, fun, and full of love. Happy birthday, Shelb!

Day 2: I am thankful for birthdays! Thank you to all of those who wished me a special day. Although this year doesn't feel like my birthday, it feels great to know that people took time out to recognize my birthday. Thank you! 

Day 3: I'm thankful for Netflix on my iPad. This has been a true blessing while breastfeeding. The time passes so much faster. I am currently alternating between cheesy girl movies, Say Yes to the Dress, and Gossip Girl. :)

Day 4: I am thankful that my two little guys are best buddies already. :)

Day 5: I am thankful for technology - whether it be cell phones, computers, the Internet, etc. We are lucky to live in a time where people can be so connected, especially with things like Skype. Phone calls and video chat allow me to stay in touch with my friends and family that I do not get to see very often. However, it can be nice to have a break from technology too! :)

Day 6: I do not normally post anything political and will not really start now, but I am thankful for being able to vote to approve gay marriage in Washington State. I believe that everyone should have the same rights to declare their love - just like I do.

Day 7: I am thankful for my sister. She has been incredibly excited to welcome her nephew into this world. She is just as excited as we are to watch him grow. Not only will she be a great aunt, but she has always been a great sister. She always has my back and has always stuck up for me. I love you, Stinky Stina. :)

Day 8: I'm thankful for Western medicine and health insurance. Whew.

Day 9: I am thankful for Oscar. He provides us with a lot of entertainment, love, and laughter. He is the best snuggler, although he likes to hog the couch after a while. I can't imagine our lives without him. We love you, Oscarbear. :)

Day 10: I'm thankful for my parents. They have taught me so many important things in life. I'm especially thankful that they taught me to be an honest person, financially responsible, and to have a strong work ethic. I have a special relationship with both of my parents and can share anything with them. I wouldn't trade them for anything! Thanks, Mom and Dad!

 

Day 11: I am thankful for those who are serving and have served for our country. I have a lot of friends and family that are included in this category, but I would like to point out one veteran in particular: my Grandpa Bill. My grandpa was a Prisoner of War in World War II. He has always been one of my favorite people. I think of him almost daily. I love and miss him. Thank you, Grandpa!
 

Day 12: Thankful for holidays, which allow me and Jerry one extra day together.

Day 13: I'm thankful for macaroni and cheese! It is my ultimate favorite when it comes to comfort food. :)

Day 14: I am thankful for Google. How did people survive without it?!

Day 15: I am thankful for the opportunity to be a mom. I have always known one thing was certain: I was meant to be a mom. I am meant to share all of the experiences that I can with my child(ren), to teach them as much as I can (which includes science experiments in the kitchen), and most importantly, to teach them how to love and be loved.

Although being a mom is proving to be the toughest job I have ever had, it is also the most rewarding. I wish there were a manual to give me all of the right answers, but I am also comforted by the fact that Jerry, Dean, and I are learning this together.

Each day brings something new and I keep looking forward and dreaming about the future.

Day 16: I am thankful for our home. We are fortunate to live in a beautiful neighborhood that is close to friends and family. I love it. :) 

Day 17: I am thankful for my job. I am proud of the agency I work for and take pride in the job that I do. I am also thankful to be able to take time off from my job to be home with my little guy, which would not be possible without the support of my unit. I am blessed to work with an amazing group of people. I am most thankful for the friendships that I have made with my coworkers, Diane and Lynn. I love you guys!

Day 18: I'm thankful for my education. For me, college was never a question. It was just the natural next step after high school and the University of Washington was the only place I wanted to go. I was lucky enough to be accepted and to eventually graduate from such an amazing university, which ended up being the location of my wedding! :)

Day 19: I am thankful for the quiet moments in life. I am a pretty nostalgic person and like to think about where I have been, where I am now, and where I am headed. I like to daydream, but in a realistic way. And I like to think about what the steps are to achieve those dreams. :)

Day 20: I am thankful for my iPad. This thing has really been worth the money! Thanks, Jerry!

Day 21: I am thankful for a product called Nature's Miracle. It is so awesome. It'll clean any stain you can imagine. For example, I just used it when Dean decided to poop across the room (literally, poop just shot across my bedroom and onto my beautiful carpet like I squirted a hose). And what do you know, Nature's Miracle took the mustard colored stains right out. They don't show you that in the commercials! TMI? I don't care. Buy the product. 

Day 22: Today I am just thankful. I don't want to name anything in particular because I feel blessed in all aspects of my life. I am just thankful to be living my life.

Day 23: I am thankful for music, which provides the soundtrack of my life.

Day 24: I am thankful for amazing friends. My friends are an extension of my family and I could not survive without them. Thank you for always being loving and supportive! xoxo

Day 25: I am thankful for my best girlfriends. I can share anything and everything with them. Each of them have their own special traits and reasons why they are my favorites. One thing seems to be constant though -- we are all organized and love to have a plan for everything. Although none of them live close, it never feels like we are far away or that any time has passed since we last talked or saw each other. It is rare to find such great friends -- and I am lucky to have three of them. I love you girls. 

Day 26: I am thankful for great conversation. Thanks to Akemi and Jared for a great night! We get together at least once a year to spend some quality time together. After all of these years, it is awesome that we are able to share our challenges and accomplishments with each other. It is nice to know that you have people who support and encourage you to be the best person you can be. And they are truly happy for you. I love it! 

Day 27: I'm thankful for my childhood memories and the pictures we have to remind me of those days. I just love thinking about all the goofy things I used to do -- like playing Barbies, house, school, office, grocery store, etc. I was so awesome!!

Day 28: I am thankful for reliable transportation. A couple months ago, Jerry and I went to buy Dean's crib and came home with a Honda Pilot. I really love it! It is a good feeling to know that we have a vehicle that will get us around in any weather -- especially as the winter weather approaches. Jerry even bought a Baby On Board sign for it. ;)

Day 29: Both sides of my family are quite large, which I have always loved. It has always made holidays and get togethers much more entertaining. As much as I am thankful for each of my family members, I am particularly thankful for the relationships that I have with my cousins Stacie, Alyssa, Amanda, and Alexis. We have the best time when we are together and are always laughing and joking. Each of them have their own personalities and reasons why I love them. They are all growing into beautiful ladies. I am blessed that they like to share their time, thoughts, and love with me. I love you guys! xoxo

Day 30: I saved the best for last. I am most thankful for my husband, Jerry. We have both grown a lot in the past year -- getting married and having a baby. Jerry has been so incredibly supportive and loving. From helping me out of bed or off the couch (when I was too pregnant to do it myself) to cleaning the house to listening to all of my emotional outbursts. He always tells me that I am beautiful and makes me feel special. I could not possibly express how truly thankful I am to have him. I cannot imagine my life without him. I love you, Jerry. Thank you for being you. My cup runneth over.