Daily Reminders of Gratitude

Casey and I spent 6 glorious days together for Thanksgiving!

 

We had a fantastic time visiting family and relaxing as a family in Florida.

Pics to come soon.....

 

And now that I'm home, I have the 'first day blues'. 

The first day back to 'reality' is always one of the hardest for me.

 

And not just because I am 'catching up'

while maintaining a 'normal' week of teaching,

a doctor appointment, extra rehearsals,

100% childcare, pet, and household duties,

(and a thousand other things this week),

 

...while 33 weeks pregnant...

 

but because I miss feeling 'complete' as a family.

 

Most days are fine.

Some days are good.

But sometimes it hits me hard and I become very, very sad.

 

Pregnancy hormones don't help.

 

 

But in general, these guys keep me very, very happy...

and Thankful for everything God has blessed me with.

 

 

and I am reminded to be thankful

through subtle moments everyday...

 

Earlier today, I was scolding Christopher for something he had done.

In his usual fashion, he just looked up and smiled innocently.

His shirt was falling to the side

and I noticed his tiny little scar near his left shoulder

from the PICC line he had forever in the hospital.

 

It made me stop in my tracks and thank God for him.

 

I hugged him

and enjoyed every moment with him the rest of the day.

I am so thankful he is here with us.

 

 

 

Later, we enjoyed a yummy meal together

in which Michael ate up every bite and told me it was yummy.

and aren't 4 year olds your worst critic? :)

 

I was very proud of it!

 

Ham steak, spiced pineapple sauce, corn casserole, and mixed veggies.

 

Since the oven was already on, I made Gingerbread cookies

(of the refrigerated dough - dip it in sugar - then cook it variety)

and we enjoyed them by our tiny Christmas tree

cuddling and watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

 

The boys were so warm, cuddly, and loving.  :)

 

 

Then at bedtime I told the boys I was sad...

 

and they immediately hugged me, kissed me,

and Michael promptly began prayer time

leading where Daddy or I would normally speak.
Christopher echoed each phrase.

 

Michael led,

"Dear Jesus, thank you for this day.

Please help Mommy to not be sad

that Daddy doesn't always live with us very much."

 

Then he finished with our usual prayers

"for the babies in Mommy's and Aunt Steph's tummies"

and "ZOODA - for someone to buy our house"

 

It just doesn't get any sweeter than that...

Except for the numerous hugs and kisses given afterward.

 

Michael jokingly kissed each one of Christopher's animals

then acted like he had nasty animal germs on his mouth

and wiped them crazily.

 

And Christopher laughed so hard

I couldn't help but smile and giggle myself

even though I knew this wasn't settling them down for bed.

 

But once again, God showed me that

I am so, so blessed.

 

These are the moments I will be recording in my new "Gratitude Journal".

Because Thankfulness isn't just for Thanksgiving...

 

God is Great...all the time.

 

<>< Stacy