Thankful For...

For the last few weeks, I've seen lots of people post on Facebook things they are thankful for. I typically use the month of November to really think about my blessings and what I'm grateful for, but I thought today: why limit that to one month a year? That being said, I'm thankful for...

My little family. My husband and I, along with our son, make quite the family. It's a lot of compromise, a lot of give and take, a lot of laughter, and a lot of new experiences. I love being a mom, a wife. I love having a purpose. It's everything I was meant to be. 

My friends. Oh, I have some wonderful friends. I love our girls' nights. I love our lunches. I love our secret Facebook group conversations. I love that you don't mind babysitting so Aaron and I can go out. I love you all. 

My job. It's hard but I love it. I love the challenge and I love the fulfillment it gives me. I love my new school so, so much. I love it's energy, it's positivity, and its  proximity (yay 4 minute drive to work!). 

My health. I know so many people, so many young people, with chronic illnesses and it makes me grateful that I'm not suffering from anything debilitating. 

My larger family. My parents , my sister, my nephew, my niece, my extended family, and my inlaws. They are The. Best. I don't live near many of them, but thanks to Facebook, email, cell  phones, and Instagram, I am able to keep up to date with all the goings-on and share what's happening in my life, as  well. 

Jack's new daycare. I was devastated when his old daycare closed. It was so. hard. to find a daycare to begin with. I had no idea what we were going to do. Through the power of social media and with the help of some amazing friends, I found a place run by a "friend of a friend." It's small. It's cozy. Jack gets a lot of one-on-one attention. And the best part is that he literally grins from ear to ear as soon as he realizes that's where he's going in the morning. I couldn't be happier and more relieved. 

So there you have it. I'm one lucky girl. I try to remember these blessings each day, but some days it's harder than others to be thankful. On those tough days, it's all I can do to put a smile on my face, but really, those are few and far between. I'm lucky. I'm happy. I am blessed. 

Five on Friday

It's been a while. Life is a whirlwind of work, baby, husband, family, and friends. (Not in that order.) So here's what's happening. 

One. 

Oh my. I love my job. Love. I have some of the sweetest kids in my class. I also have a few testy ones who are going to need to be whipped into shape. It's all worth it, though, when I see those little lightbulbs go on in their heads. When I get those hugs at the end of the day. When something funny happens and we all laugh. When I get the sweetest notes and drawings. Such an important job I have. Such a rewarding one. 

Two. 

Speaking of this job of mine, I signed up for a graduate Literacy class this fall. It's every Tuesday evening from 4:30-7:30. Yuck. 

Three. 

Wedding bells are a-ring-ing. On Thursday, the three of us fly to Lawrence, Kansas to go to Aaron's brother's wedding. Cannot wait for that sweet girl, Megan, to join our family! Maseltov! 

Four. 

I will never understand South Dakota weather. On Monday it was 94 and by the end of the week, it was 45 degrees cooler and snowflakes were falling from the sky. I am NOT ready for winter. I want my fall. My season of cozy sweaters, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, knee-high boots, colorful leaves, and brisk morning air. If we have another blizzard in October (or, God forbid, sooner) I will flip. 

Five. 

Jack started his new daycare a few weeks ago and he loves it. I love it, too. It's 3 blocks from work, run by a "friend of a friend," and when I pick Jack up, he is happy. Like, grinning from ear to ear. I have never seen him so happy at daycare. It makes me feel good that he's in a place that he likes so much, and in a place where the kids and employees like him so much, too. Every morning we're greeted by a three year old girl who loves Jack to bits, and it's the sweetest thing ever. She calls him Jackie and I don't even care. 

One Day

One day you'll be walking and I'll wish you were still the weeks old baby who wanted nothing more than to be in my arms. I'll be chasing after you everywhere. 

One day you'll start kindergarten and you'll be so excited to buy school supplies and start going to school with the big kids. I'll cry your first day as I drop you off. 

One day you'll have a crush on a little girl and she'll break your heart. I'll hug you and let you cry on my shoulder, if you want to. 

One day you'll want a cell phone and you'll be upset that your father and I won't buy you one. 

One day you'll get your driving permit and I'll be proud and scared shitless at the same time. 

One day you'll go on your first date. You'll tell me not to wait up, and I'll pretend that I don't. But I'll lay awake to make sure you come home and wish that you'd tell me how it went. 

One day you'll graduate high school and I'll be so extremely proud of you and bursting with joy. 

One day you'll go off to college and I'll be so sad to see you go. I'll sit in your bedroom, smell your pillow, and shed a few tears. 

One day you'll meet the woman you're going to marry and I'll love her like my own daughter. 

One day you'll escort me to the front row in the church on your wedding day. 

One day you'll have children of your own. I'll bounce them on my knee and spoil them rotten, and then you'll finally understand how a parent can love their children so much.