Today is our Canadian Thanksgiving. I know, it’s early but that’s how it has always been. We don’t have stories of Pilgrims and Indians either. Just a day when we don’t have to go to work and we get to sit back and reflect on what we are thankful for. So, what am I thankful for?
1. A day off for me and my husband. We get an extra day to spend as the four of us. Their aren’t enough of them as far as I’m concerned. I wish everyone got the same holidays as teachers. Then maybe my holidays would feel more like holidays. Oh and turkey…I love turkey…and pumpkin desserts…yum. This year I cooked this and this (so yummy)!
2. Stinkerbelle’s sense of humor. This kid is nuts…but in a great way. There isn’t a day where she doesn’t manage to get a full out laugh from anyone listening. Yesterday, she was playing hide and go seek with her brother and he had crawled between the couch and the wall. She eventually looked back there, but on the opposite side from where his head was facing. She then proudly exclaimed, “I found his bum!”
3. My boy and the amazing little man he is growing up to become. I had always heard about little boys and how they are so rough and tumble and hyper. I wasn’t ready for that when I found out I was having a boy. Don’t get me wrong. He has his moments where he is really that stereotypical boys boy. However, he also has a lot of quiet moments that I’m so thankful to see. He loves to sit and color, read, do crafts. All of those things that people told me little girls were more likely to do. He will even entertain himself by playing quietly with his cars or toys if the situation calls for it. I think these skills are going to really be an advantage for him, especially in school. He is a good kid and has struck such a great balance.
4. My husband. He really is my best friend. 7 years together now and we’re still trying. That’s what marriage is, I figure. Friendship + effort. It would be easy to just coast through and become nothing more than roommates. Especially with two kids, one of whom doesn’t sleep. But, we are still talking, still trying and still so in love. It’s not perfect, but what is? Plus, he lets me sleep in at least once a weekend!
5. My parents. They have literally saved my sanity. I mean, can you say free babysitting people? That right there is priceless. But it is so much more than that. My kids basically won the grandparent lottery. There is nothing they don’t do to be a part of their lives. They are also still great parents to me. There are no two people on the planet that give me more support than they do. Oh, and did I mention, free babysitting!
6. Losing my job last June. Sounds weird, I know. However, I have successfully found the best of both worlds and right now it is really working for me. You know that battle between working/stay at home mom? Which by the way, I choose no side in. You do what works for you and hold your head up while you do it.
I am a junior/senior high math teacher and last June my contract ran out and with all the budget cuts to education, there was no money to renew it. So, I reluctantly put my name down on the substitute list. It is wonderful. I go to work when I want to and don’t have to work if there is something going on at McQueen’s school or I want to spend a day with Stinkerbell. No work comes home with me. I don’t know if anyone really realizes how much “homework” teachers have on a daily basis. It was always more marking and planning than I could ever keep up with, having two little kids. Now, someone else does all that and I just get to show up and have fun with the students and then go home. Amazing.
7. Coffee. Remember, I have a kid who doesn’t sleep. ‘Nuff said.
So, even if it hasn’t been Thanksgiving yet where you are…tell me….what are you thankful for?
Today, I am thankful that Kyle has learned to play in his crib so Mamma can get a few more minutes of shuteye.
Cheryl Ann Marble recently posted..“What are you doing?”
I’m thankful for a family that has supported me through some of my roughest times.
Jackie recently posted..Can’t We All Just Get Along?
I am thankful, thankful for the internet saving my sanity.
I will forever say this: the internet saved my life.
I have found a place where there are people like me: that’s all I want. To feel like I’m not being judged.
I second that! It is so true for me too.
Elle Davis recently posted..Freddy Krueger turkey. Gobble, gobble. Stab, stab.
I will third that!
Jackie recently posted..Cleaner Windows, Clearer Head
I am thankful for healthy children, one of whom is a year old today.
I’m thankful for my outstanding husband, even if he is a total procrastinator and I want to beat him for not ordering our son’s cake sooner.
And for my family as a whole, my mothers, my in laws, my aunts etc – because they are more amazing than I knew.
Monique Caraballo recently posted..One
Happy birthday to your little munchkin!!
Cheryl… I love when they play in their crib by themselves. Those few minutes are precious!!
Jackie…family is awesome. I really hope to instill in my kids how important it is to stay close to your family.
Alexandra…I love the internet too. It is the one place where no one treats me like I am nuts for just being honest. There is a home for everyone here if you just look. This blog is like a little support group for me
I am very thankful for my 2 year old little girl. I waited so long to have her and feel very lucky. She is the sweetest kid with such a good heart and the most precious daughter anyone could have….unless she’s throwing a tantrum.
Elle Davis recently posted..Freddy Krueger turkey. Gobble, gobble. Stab, stab.
Well…nobody likes a tantrum. But, what would the terrible 2s be without them? LOL
I am SO thankful that it looks like my mom’s chemo is working. This was completely unguaranteed and it almost killed her the first round, but after the second round it looks like the stuff in her lungs is shrinking and going away. I never thought I’d be grateful for that poison, but if it lets my mom live, then I am 100% for it.
Also grateful for my husband who drives me crazy and kids that do the same. And most recently realizing that my 20 year old has better ethics and morals than I do. (I need to write a blog about this, but it’s kind of embarrassing!) It’s so cool when you see the efforts of almost 20 years of parenting pay off in one statement.
Hugs,
Chelle
Chelle recently posted..The Guest Are Coming! The Guests Are Coming!
I am thankful your mom’s chemo is working to. That must be so tough to watch her go through.
I’m thankful for a group of moms I found online when I was pregnant with kid number one six years ago. We have a great bond that I wouldn’t trade for anything
I am thankful for those mommies as well. I really don’t think I would’ve survived without you all
Such a sweet post, Amanda- I really enjoyed reading it. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Elle Parker recently posted..Some thoughts on some things…
Amanda, I concur with Elle – what a sweet post!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you! I can’t wait to try the pumpkin cheesecake cobbler.
I’m thankful for this life that I have…and for my family and friends (Internet and Real Life!)
Teri recently posted..Pinned It: We got crafty for fall.
The pumpkin cheesecake cobbler was AMAZING! It has the taste of cheesecake but it is so much lighter!
Ok, I know i’ve said this before (perhaps just to myself, i cannot recall), but i really think you and I are living the same life. Just about all of your posts could seriously describe my entire life (including the teacher part and losing a job due to budget etc.)
I love reading your stories! And I have my own stinkerbell (really… she farts a lot) and McQueen as well, lol.
Jesica H recently posted..I’ve been in your shoes
It’s always nice to know that there are other people out there going through the same things. I’m sorry to hear you lost your job as well. I remember being so heartbroken when I found out. Things really do happen for the best though. Sometimes it is a long wait to see the silver lining but it’s there. I would’ve never guessed how much more relaxed I would be subbing.