Another thankful List

While driving to the store with my kids this afternoon, I began thinking about what I was thankful for. I read something once that said, "What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things that you thanked God for today?" It is a pretty convicting question but one that is always playing in my head, a good reminder to. This new year I want to strive to be more thankful. Here is a list of some little things that I am thankful for.

- I'm thankful for my faith in God. Lately I can't help but worry for my kids' safety. Ever since the shooting at Newtown a month ago, I can't shake the thought of how evil this world is. Nothing is surprising to me anymore because there are just too many random acts of violence everywhere. I wish my kids could grow up in an innocent safe world, but that's impossible. What I KNOW for certain though is that I have a STRONGER all-powerful God Who promises to never leave us or forsake us. That gives me incredible peace for my kids.

- I'm thankful for my husband. I really am. I love being married to him, and each year together proves how perfect we are for each other. It is funny to say this, but if we were ever stranded on an island or if something ever went wrong, I know he'd make the perfect person to get us to safety, hahaha. You know how if something broke or needed to be fixed, some people just call a number or have someone else fix it? Well my husband is not like that, he has a mechanic's mind, a strategic mind, and is one of the most hard-working people I know. He makes me proud!

- I'm thankful that I have two kids. When I had just my daughter, I used to worry that when kid #2 came along, I'd lose that closeness my daughter & I shared when it was just us. I can tell you that now with two kids, it's the best thing watching them learn, play, and grow together. They are my everything.

Onto some other things that I'm thankful for that are not AS important as the above, but mean a lot to me!

- I'm thankful my daughter is potty trained. HAHA. It is so nice to not have to worry about potty training now that I have another baby in the house. Lilly was potty trained fully at 2 1/2 years old (including dry nights), right before little man was born, and it is just so relieving being able to go out in public and know that she knows what to do.

- I'm thankful that breastfeeding has been so much easier with little man than with my daughter. I am a stresser, I hate that about myself, but I am and there have been so many times when I thought I'd have to quit nursing. But I'm proud to say that I am still exclusively breastfeeding my son and have made it through two different 10+ hour road trips and Mastitis doing so. =)

- I'm thankful that we can afford heat in these cold months. Lately it's been pretty nice/spring like out, but a month ago we had some pretty COLD days and nights.. and when it's THAT cold, I can't help but think of homeless people who die in that kind of weather. =/ I'm glad my kids have warm beds at night and don't have to worry about freezing.

- I'm thankful for my treadmill. Sometimes that one hour of working out and running in the morning while little man naps & Lilly is playing with her toys next to me, is all I need to set the day right. I feel so much better mentally and physically after I run. Yesterday I was lazy and lacked energy, but I ran anyway and afterwards felt so much more energized. Plus it's been a great way to get back in good shape after I had the baby.

Well of course I am thankful for tons more things, but these are the things that stick out for now!