Thankful

The panic may have settled in this morning. I began checking lists, running through plans, freaking out. It's cool, we are just hosting Thanksgiving. Some people wait all year for this feast and I really don't want to F up the turkey. So, I may have started to panic. Then, I decided to sit down to write and reign in the ol' OCD. Thanksgiving is a time for family and for remembering all of the ways we are thankful. I've been talking to Henry and Isabelle a lot about the act of giving and the reasons to be thankful. I think it's time to do this myself and stop worrying about that 19 pound turkey in my refrigerator. This is my thankful list, 2013 style.

1. Nick.
I am so very thankful to have a partner like Nick. He is a great father and a committed spouse. He has worked tirelessly to make it possible for me to stay home with the kids and has endured many sleepless nights worrying about how to make our setup work. Nick also puts up with a lot of crazy from me. For example, this morning I told Nick that tonight he really needs to drill holes in our mini pumpkins to make them into votive holders. His response was, "sure, no problem." Also, I may have mentioned our house is a bit small for our growing family. However, being able to share this home with someone like Nick makes it all worth while. Our mini house keeps our values in line and makes us so appreciative of what we do have. We want for very little and that is something to be thankful for all year long. I only want to live where Nick lives so it works. 

2. Henry.
I am thankful for Henry every minute and here is why: his heart. Henry is very good at understanding his own emotions and that helps him to interact with others in a manner that is sensitive and caring. He certainly frustrates very easily and tells us plenty of mean things when he is angry, but he knows his limits and when he has gone too far. Henry is pretty hilarious too. He must get that from me. Henry also surprises me daily with his intelligence and I am certainly thankful that I don't have to worry about his academic readiness or behavior in school at this point. Really thankful.

3. Isabelle.
Isabelle is a laugh riot and I am thankful for the chuckles she provides me with each day. Today we were at Trader Joes and when we reached the checkout line Isabelle asked the cashier for a treat or stickers. She asked politely. The cashier told Isabelle yes, but that she would have to wait until she was done ringing me up. Isabelle stood next to me and started to sing, "I want a treat, I want a treat." The lady told her to stop because that is a rude way to ask for things. Isabelle's response was, "Oh." And then she continued to sing, but this time it was the chorus to an Arctic Monkey song. It goes something like this: "why'd you only call me when you're high." Completely inappropriate, but I started laughing because of the situation. We were scolded for being rude by the cashier and the response was to sing about pot. Great. That just about sums up my choice parenting and Isabelle's mannerisms. And I am so thankful for Isabelle because I was about to cry when the cashier made her remarks, but left laughing instead. Isabelle is good for the soul.

4. The Fam.
I'm talking about all of you great family members that don't live in my home. The ones who support me and our family from near and far. We may not talk each day, week or month, but I know you are there and I hope you know the same of me. I would like to spend more time with you and hope to make that happen in the days to come. I am thankful for your company and thankful for the memories from the time we've spent together.

5. My Therapist.
Sue is her name and she has walked me through some very difficult realizations and life events. It's hard to grow up and it is hard to become a mother. I am thankful for her help as I believe I am starting to come out on the other side as a happier person who is better equipped as a partner and mother. I think Sue may secretly be my best friend even though she asks me to do things that suck. I am thankful for new beginnings and for having the opportunity to live a healthier life.

6. The Friends.
Not the ones on TBS. Or the Golden Girls. Or the gang from 90210. Although I really do love them. I'm talking about the actual humans who provide great company, laughter and give my life additional meaning. I have some really great friends to confide in, drink with, get pedicures with, and share parenting stories and struggles. Life would be very dull without each of you. I'm also thankful for the opportunity to get to know new friends at schools and church. We have shared in some meaningful get togethers and I'm very thankful. 

Here's the bottom line: I'm thankful for the ability to feel thankful. Life provides us with so many opportunities to be thankful and I think it's important to take the time to recognize them. I wish you all a very happy thanksgiving filled with love, good company, food and thankfulness. 

Gobble, Gobble

--maggie