Thankful Thursdays: the randomosity edition

Thankful Thursday is here and oh, do I have things for which to be thankful for this week.

Like the fact that ever since I posted THIS post on my spirituality, my faith has grown and deepened. I don't know if it was the fact that I put it out there, so to speak, or that I got such incredible support from people who have (and do) experience the same thing, but it was cathartic, to say the least.

And the fact that the gingerbread boy I wrote about in THIS post ended successfully. When I walked in to L's room that day, he was just bursting with excitement. "Mommy! Mommy! The gingerbread man ran away! And he left a message saying, 'Haha, not here, I'm where Lunch Bunch eats!' And then we went there, and he left another note saying, 'Haha, not here, I'm where the fishes swim!' And there was a note on the fish tank saying 'Haha, not here either!' And then! And then! And then we saw a teacher with flour on her face because he threw flour at her! He's on the naughty list, Mommy! And then we found them in our classroom and we ate him up!!" Seeing the joy on his face that wasn't decreased due to a lack of participation made this momma proud.

And the fact that so many of you followed my plea on THIS post so now I can leave you comments. I'm thankful for that. Now if you'd just link your e-mail so I can respond to your comments, life would be even more perfect. Hint, hint.

I'm also thankful for coconut milk, and baby wipes that take coffee stains out of white camis, and soy-free, dairy-free butter, and Uggs, and The Hunger Games, and my Erin Condren planner, and HeyTell, and sherpa blankets, and Udi's gluten-free bagels.

But there are two ginormous things that I'm even more thankful for.

First, B got the job! It means less hours and more money and significantly less stress, and ultimately, it's his dream job. I'm so proud of him because he went up seven steps in his company, and he worked his butt off to get there.

Second is the fact that so many of you have helped to make my birthday wish come true. I'm 59% of the way to my goal and I am still so hopeful that I'll earn the extra $139 in the next two weeks. Can you donate just one dollar to people who desperately need water and make me even more thankful? If so, please go HERE.

FirstGiving - Your fundraising

What are YOU thankful for?

Namaste.

Thankful Thursdays: The "Diamonds in the Rough" Edition

Once, a therapist told me that the time that it's the most crucial to take a five-minute break is when you don't feel like you have five minutes to spare. That's stuck with me, years (and admittedly, several therapists) later. I am feeling the same way about Thankful Thursdays. When you're at the end of the rope and your head is spinning? Maybe it's time to focus on what we're grateful for. Can't hurt, right?

I'm thankful for sweet blog friends. You all never disappoint when you sense I need to hear from you. You all came through on my last post and knowing that you think I'm a good mom and that you feed your kids hot dogs too and simply that you've all been there too...you all put me back together. So thank you.

I'm thankful for the Sharpie company. Because those Sharpie pens, pencils, and markers that I bought the other day on my lunch break? They totally helped. Not gonna lie.

I'm thankful for my amazing coworkers. In three days, I've seen adults come together to solve problems regarding scheduling nightmares, temper-tantrum throwing students (yes, plural), and supply shortages. I had my moments last year with my job but I have fallen in love with it all over again and there's no place I'd rather be.

I'm thankful for a phenomenal school where I send my boys. Honest to goodness, I know that it's the best place for them. And if you think the very best place is at home with me, don't bother commenting to tell me that because you are so very wrong. We'll save the reasons for another day. But G is making strides on transitioning with fewer tears and they are so accommodating with my boys' dietary needs. Between socialization and pre-academics, what they are learning there is worth every penny we pay. Plus, it's super fun to get to see G shaking a maraca every day during music time when I pick him up.

I'm thankful for the fact that L makes me so proud that all the tough mama moments are worth it. Today, when I picked him up from school, his preschool teacher met me at the door, beaming with pride. She told me that L showed extraordinary kindness to a friend who was having a tough time transitioning to his first day of preschool. And nothing...not straight A's or a winning touchdown or the lead in the school play will ever make me prouder than a report that my son showed compassion to someone in need.

I'm thankful for jeans days and dark chocolate and coffee and Converse and perfectly ripe bananas and decent gluten-free bread and Dentyne gum and comfortable t-shirt bras. Because they all helped me get through today.

Thankful Thursday: The Blessings in Disguise edition

It's funny how rough days can turn into gratitude-filled days when given a little help.

Today, I am grateful that L's stomach issues are just that. Last night, he vomited pretty violently out of the blue, and after consulting Dr. Google, I am fairly confident that he never really outgrew his reflux. I started feeling sorry for the both of us when I began suspecting that we are going to have to limit his diet even further. Later, I got a sweet e-mail from a friend, saying exactly what I needed to hear. Of the billions of things that could be wrong with my kid, this is fairly minor, all things considered.

I'm also grateful for friends who talk me down from the ledge when I attempt to diagnose my L with worst-case scenario illnesses before settling on reflux. Believe it or not, I have women who I can email about details of L's puke, and who will listen patiently and respond with advice based on their own kids' experiences.

I am thankful for The World's Best Husband, who, upon receiving my text that Logan had tossed his (gluten-free) cookies all over his bed, responded by telling me to throw the sheet and blankets in the tub and he'd deal with them when he got home, because he has practice. Nuff said, right, ladies?

On a somewhat-related note, I am super grateful for the allergy-friendly superstore that is W h o l e F o o d s. L and I made such a scene in there yesterday, jumping up and down and celebrating gluten-free, casein-free finds, including Curious George cookies, ice cream cones, and pizza crust (L) and soy-free butter, yogurt, and organic grapes (me). We both had perma-smiles for the hour and a half we were there; even the $140 total (when we originally went for just pizza crust and cheese) couldn't wipe it off our faces.

I am thankful that G is at such a fun age so I can enjoy him so much this summer. His mischievous side is really starting to show, and watching him and L play and giggle together makes me smile daily. He's a fantastic eater, plays so well with L or alone, and is a trooper on our daily outings. That totally makes up for the fact that he still only says "Dada" and "Nana."

I am thankful for said daily outings. So far, we've done something fun every day, from seeing free ventriloquist shows at the library, to playdates with friends, to trips to grandparents' houses. The speed of these summer days is mind-blowing, but to say we are enjoying it to the fullest is an understatement.

I am grateful that I finally got pulled into the genius that I originally thought would be just another time-suck: Pinterest.I've found ideas for parties, for crafts for L and I to complete, and even Father's Day gifts (which reminds me, I am oh-so-grateful that another blog-turned-IRL friend has agreed to help me create).

I am thankful that I've rediscovered my love of yoga. I can practice far more regularly thanks to my summer schedule. Rocking out warriors, wheels, and tree poses both strengthen and center me, and I wonder how I got away from it for a while. I found another perfect-for-me teacher this week, and as a matter of fact, I'm off to find my zen this morning. Namaste.

Thankful Thursdays

I am thankful that my dream of having two sons has come true.

I am thankful that the first thing L does when he gets home is to give his little brother a kiss.

I am thankful that overall, L seems to be handling this great big life transition pretty well.

I am thankful that I am surrounded by boys, even though it means I'll be dealing with jokes about flatulence and stinky feet for the rest of my life.

I am thankful that my dream of having two sons has come true.

Thankful Thursday-Gratitude in spite of crabbiness

I'm not gonna lie. I'm grumpy today. I'm emotional. I'm uncomfortable.

But in hopes of "turning this frown upside down," as my coworker just instructed me to do, I am going to refocus here.

I am thankful that I have a job that I adore. Because, really...if I had to go to a job that I hated, or even just sort-of liked, I'd be miserable. I'd actually cry before coming to work every day instead of just being close to tears as I was this morning. Each student I see makes me smile. Every hug and belly pat I get reminds me that I am working in a place that is as close to a fairy-land as I can get. (Yes, I really feel that way...starting your career in a middle school makes an elementary school appear to be filled with sunshine and rainbows. Trust me on this one.)

I am thankful for my coworkers who are by far, the best staff in the world. They compliment me even when I am as big as a house, let me vent, and perhaps most importantly, supply me with candy. Yesterday, my work bestie brought me Lemonade Mike and Ike's and this morning another coworker insisted I go get a handful of her stash of Swedish Fish out of her desk when she saw me looking less than happy to be here.

I am thankful for blogs like this and this that put things into perspective for me. When I am complaining and only thinking about myself and my back pain and the contractions that keep teasing me (I had two that were three minutes apart last night!) , I tend to have a hard time staying positive. My husband has been telling me lately that when I'm pregnant, sometimes my "be positive...everything's gonna be fine" mentality goes straight out the window.

I am thankful that even though I haven't gone into labor yet, I was progressing as of Monday. And the fact that I'm dilated as much as I am means that I can be induced without Pitocin next week. My doctor and I made a compromise that as long as I'm dilated, he'll simply break my water rather than starting that lovely Pit.

I am thankful that my back feels better than it did yesterday. I seriously thought it might break in half by the time I got home yesterday.

I am thankful for my new discovery of sweet iced tea at my favorite gas station. I've been craving it lately and I get a 32 ounce tea with crushed ice for 69 cents. And it's on my way to work. And although I've been so good about only drinking caffeine every other day at most, I have fallen off the wagon since I have started working full-time. (All you worriers...I promise I put ice in until it overflows my cup first, so I don't drink anywhere near 32 ounces of that evil caffeine. Feel better?)

I am thankful to feel this little man rocking and rolling like the wild man that I am convinced he is. I love seeing a knee go across my belly and marveling at the miracle that I get to experience every single day. As much as I'm ready to meet him, there is something truly awe-inspiring about watching his movements and wondering who he is going to look like. Will he have eyes like B and L? Will he have my nose (I hope not)? Will he make his entrance into the world as active and alert as L?

Now when I have those every-seven-minute contractions that go on for 35 minutes and then just stop....or when the hundredth coworker says, "Oh, you are still here?" I'll re-read this. Just remind me to do so before the hormonally-induced waterworks start...okay?

Namaste!

Thankful Thursday...the I heart Katie edition

My girl Katie, over at Loves of Life, got me hooked on Thankful Thursdays. And today, she is exactly the person for whom I am thankful.

She's blurred the line between blog-friend and IRL friend. Although I've never actually met her (I will someday!) she was one of the first people I told about my pregnancy. We twitter, text, and e-mail.

On Tuesday, we actually chatted on the phone, because I just had to call her and thank her for the best package EVER....

Check these out:

Yep! That's right! Matching shirts for L and his little brother. (They both are personalized, but I am not giving up little bro's name that easily!) And they are perfect for a crunchy mama like me! I couldn't have created more perfect shirts if I had tried!! I absolutely adore them.

L loves it too. He's so excited to have a shirt with his name on it that matches his brother's. He asked if he could wear it immediately, but wearing a long-sleeved tee in our midwest heat and humidity isn't exactly the best idea. I'll get pics of the boys in their matching shirts come fall.

But that wasn't all. Ohhh, no. Katie included something for little ol' me.

And I love it like I love those tees.

Is this the most adorable headband you've ever seen?


Look at it up close. Just ignore my frizzy hair. (Unless you have some tips or products to recommend to de-frizz me.) Is that the cutest??


The good news is that Katie is giving away a headband today so you can own one too. Head on over. And thank her for me. Because I cannot thank her enough all by myself. There's no way one person can express enough gratitude for brightening my day like she did. Love you, Katie!

A spin on Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that I cannot walk down the hallway between my sessions with my students without getting interrupted by staff members, because it means I am needed and respected.

I am thankful that I forgot something out in my car this morning, because it meant that I had to walk outside to get it, and got to feel pure joy at that I didn't shiver in just a hoodie. Welcome, Spring!

I am thankful that I am constantly having to walk up to the office to pee and that my face is completely broken out, because it means that my body and this baby are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing right now.

I am thankful that one of my students screamed at me today, because it means that she has learned to express her emotions.

I am thankful that I am feeling rushed to get as much data as possible taken on my students this week, because it means that we are ending 3rd quarter!! Home stretch, baby!

Happy Thursday!

Another Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for....

* mommy instinct. When I called the doctor's office today, the nurse insisted L's illness that I posted about yesterday was probably a virus. I found my assertive side (to be honest, I didn't know I had one) and told her we needed an appointment. A few hours later, B called to tell me that the doctor agreed with my reflux diagnosis. We will be starting Mylanta and Prevacid tonight!

* my assertive side hanging on through the day. It allowed me to send a professional yet strongly-worded e-mail to the diagnostician who made the infuriating decision that I discussed in this post. Not long after I hit 'send,' I received a reply saying that we could work together to come to a mutually agreed upon solution and that she valued my opinion. We compromised on me doing two language tests and zero observations instead of four tests and two observations.

* a sweet friend/coworker picking up Panera for lunch for us today. Oh, Tomato & Mozzarella Panini...how you make my day.

* Survivor being on tonight. I love this Heroes Vs. Villians season. I get James, Rupert, Tom, Cirie and Colby all together and that is a very guilty pleasure for me.

* being past the 12 week mark and feeling much more comfortable about my pregnancy. One of my second grade girls hugged me today, then patted my belly and said, "I heard you are having a baby! I am so excited for you." So simple, yet so sweet.

* the e-mail I got saying that my Girl Scout Cookies are going to be delivered tomorrow...all ahem... six boxes of them. I've only gained two pounds so far...something tells me that won't be the case at my next OB appointment if the Samoas and Thin Mints have anything to say about it.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursdays

A few hours ago, I was so stressed out and frustrated that I wasn't feeling overly thankful. However, I've learned that those are the times that a gratitude list is crucial. And lucky for me, it's Thankful Thursday! Funny how that works out, isn't it?

* I am thankful to have a job I love that gives me warm fuzzies on a regular basis. I held an annual meeting for one of my students today that almost had me in (very happy) tears. This little girl has made more progress in a year than anyone in my career. Her dad said during the meeting that at last year's meeting, he said that all he wanted was for his daughter to emote. I remember at that meeting thinking that I didn't think it was possible for that to happen in a year, considering she wasn't using full sentences at the time. His next sentence today was that she's reached that goal. And the best part? I see her do it every day, in full sentences, no less.

* I am thankful for my coworkers who saved my ass supported me when my mom's husband called to tell me that she had a weird stomach bug (so far, it doesn't seem to be the same one that graced our presence lately) and I needed to come get L.

* I am thankful for the fact that there is a crazy amount of drama going on in my building right now....like big, bad-boy drama, and I know that my principal has bigger fish to fry than worrying about me missing school again.

* I am thankful for McDonald's. Because sometimes when you are stressed, and you have a hungry, tired two-year-old and an empty pantry, McDonald's is the perfect lunch.

* I am thankful for the extra time I got at home to clean. When I left the house, a little part of me wished I could stay home and pick up, because literally every room in my house was trashed. Trashed, like those clean-your-house-shows-on-TLC-trashed. Careful what you wish for, huh?

* I am thankful for the awesome, oh-so-needed nap I got today. I am thankful that L has inherited his mommy's love of sleeping and is such a good napper. My best friend has one of those perfect kids, you know, potty trained overnight at 20 months, rarely throws tantrums, loves vegetables, but his weakness is napping and bedtime. I think I'll take the just-now-potty-trained, refusing vegetables, tantrum throwing kid, as long as sleep is not an issue. I realize for many people, that is crazy talk, but sleeping is, sadly, at the top of my favorite pasttimes list.

* I am thankful that L has been incredibly fun to be around lately. He is so expressive and funny. Today when he woke up from his nap and checked out his snack options in the fridge, he exclaimed, "Ohhhh!!! Blueberries! I'd love to eat blueberries! They are so delicious!" Then, when he finished his snack and sat down by me on the couch, he asked, "Can I snuggle with you? I love to snuggle with you, mommy." Melt. My. Heart.

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful.



I am thankful for the amazing outpouring of love and support I felt after my doctor's appointment on Tuesday. Each comment I got from my blog friends touched me to the point of tears. Every. Single. One. I mean...weeping. Thank you, friends.



I am thankful for the supportive environment in which I work. Upon entering my workplace and promptly bursting into tears after the first coworker-given hug, I received listening ears, positive words, and even coverage of my parent-drop-off duty in the freezing cold.



I am thankful that I have the most fabulous doctor in the world. When I first met him twelve years ago and saw how attractive he was, I thought there was no way he was getting near my hoo-ha. Within minutes of talking to him, he set me at ease and to this day, continues to be a calming influence, even at my most panicked moments. Yesterday, he returned my call and patiently answered all my questions. He set my mind at ease, explaining that this is fairly common at the beginning of pregnancy and because we caught it and began treating it so quickly, he is hopeful that it will resolve itself. He reassured me that although the baby is measuring a bit small, it's still in the normal range and he doesn't think that has anything to do with the placental abruption. Always realistic, he admitted that it could get worse, so he pushed my next ultrasound up to February 2nd and explained that we will take it from there. Between his positivity and sweet, "Try not to worry, hon," I do feel better.

I am thankful that I pushed to get into the doctor yesterday, rather than waiting another week. Seven more days could have been disastrous. I am thankful for the ultrasound technician, who stayed late for me. If she didn't, I never would have known that anything was wrong, and I wouldn't have been able to start my hormones immediately. God is good.

I am thankful that I am able to finally see past my fears, at least from time to time, and practice positive visualization and start to get excited about this baby again.

I am thankful for my life and everyone in it. If you are reading this, you are on my gratitude list. Sincerely, I thank you.