I am grateful today.
I really am ... we've had a rough weekend, and I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, but then I remembered how many things I have to be grateful for. 'Stinkin' Mr. Germ' (Abbie's insult) made his nasty appearance at our house this weekend -- Jeremey's drill weekend, of course. Abbie started Thursday night, and Annie started last night. Thank's to a great doctor, they're both on medication and seem to be doing better, but the night's have been rough, and a little bit scary (at one point, Abbie's fever hit 106), and I'm feeling a little 'stretched'. I had both girls in bed with me last night, complaining about who was sicker, and I was so frustrated. I was by myself, two sick girls with nasty fevers, one of them throwing up violently. I was worried, and tired, and emotionally spent. I took a break, left them in bed and put on a movie. I went in the other room for a few minutes to calm down, and went back in to find them fast asleep, holding hands. They looked just like the little angels they are, and I was reminded of how blessed I am to have them in my life. Sweet Abbie woke up before Annie and I this morning, went into her room and made her and Annie's beds, and then she wrapped up a bunch of her toys and my books up in her doll blankets, and set them out so Annie could have a 'Christmas Surprise' to help her feel better -- even though she was sick herself. I am so grateful for such sweet little innocent babies in my house! And I remembered all the other blessings I have:
* a wonderful family who I know I can call at any time for help, advice, or to listen to me whine.
* wonderful neighbors (and their wonderful mom's) who run errands for me, call to check on me, and are here to give blessings at the drop of a hat.
* an amazing husband who does everything he can to provide for his family, and works so hard (and feels so guilty that he's not here -- and that this happens EVERY time he leaves!)
* a home to keep my family safe and warm
* the ability to go to school (and be ALMOST DONE!) to give our family the best opportunities we can
* the ability to worship as we choose
*I'm also grateful for those who are more inspired than me. I was reading my wonderful friend Kat's (her husband is also in the military) terrific blog. He's at his AIT training right now, and he's been gone about twice as long as Jeremey was for his initial training -- and Kat is such a trooper! Anyway, she reminded us all of our freedoms, and reminded us that there are many serving out there who don't have the family support that we've been able to give our soldiers. She provided some resources to help show these soldiers how much we appreciate all they do for us. That's not why they do what they do -- but I'm sure they'd love knowing how much we appreciate all they are sacrificing for us. I've been trying to think of something to do this season to help teach our children what the season is about, and remind them of all they have been blessed with. This may not be the answer for you, but it was exactly what I was looking for. Anyway, if any of you are interested, there are some resources below (I'm sure you can find many more).
It's been a good morning ... I was reminded of all I have to be grateful for by my beautiful children.
**I am laughing as I watch them giggle together on the couch, and I am grateful they are feeling a little better**
And I'm looking forward to the season ahead of us -- I'm hoping I can hold on to this reminder of all I have in my life, and I'm hoping we can pay it forward a bit.
On a fun note -- this morning as I was browsing my facebook page, I saw pictures of what their doing at FTX this weekend -- and I'm pretty sure the guy on the right is my man!
