Day 20 ~ Old Friends

Today, I took Mason to the birthday party of one of my "old" friends sons. He is turning 4 this week, and Mason will be 3 next week. While we were there, I got to visit with not only them, but another set of "old" friends who have a son a few months older than Mason, and a daughter just a few months younger than Mason. These "old" friends of mine, I have known since elementary school. We have been in each others weddings, and helped each other through tough times. We don't get to see each other very often, so today was a real treat! I had a really great time getting to see them and see how their children were playing, even holding hands with Mason. (Apparently Ava is his new girlfriend. ) : ) It is amazing how far we have all come since our school-days. Each of us married with 2 children, trying to get in a conversation between chasing one child this way, while the other runs that way. I am very thankful that I have friendships like this. With the hustle and bustle of all our children going here and there it is important to keep these lifelong friendships alive. I miss my "old" friends but am thankful for the times like today!

Day 18 & 19 ~ My house and Bedtime

Day 18 ~ My house
The past few days have been nothing short of a monsoon around here. 5 inches of rain in less than 48 hours is not fun. During weather like this, I am thankful for nothing more than a roof over my head and a warm place to stay dry. Granted, this house is not our dream house, but it does the job. And for now, I am thankful for that.

Day 19 ~ Bedtime
We try to be a very schedule oriented family. Granted, since child #2 has come along, our schedule is not nearly as tight as it used to be. But one thing we have always tried to keep the same, for both Mason's sake and our own, is bedtime. Unless there is something going on that is out of our control... the kids are in bed by 8pm. Mason has always been a good sleeper and will usually sleep from 8pm until sometime between 6 and 7am. Bayly is getting better and will usually sleep from around 8pm until about 3am, and then from about 3am until around 6 or 7am. Brandon and I need the time after the kids are in bed, just as much as the kids need that schedule.

Day 17 ~ Adult Conversation

You never really realize how important it is to have conversation with adults, until you go a day or so without it. I have loved staying home with my kids the past few months and would love to continue doing so. However, I still need adult conversation, about educated topics, at least every other day. I am thankful when I get to have these conversations.

Days 10 - 16 ~ Catching up

Okay, so keeping up with this may be harder than I thought... but I am going to do my best!!

Here goes... a week full of things I am thankful for... and I apologize for the "shortness" of each day.

Day 10 ~ Smiles : )
Bayly has started smiling in response to seeing or hearing things she knows... like the faces and voices of her mommy, daddy, and big brother.

Day 11 ~ My mom
She helps me out a lot. I don't know that I have really told her how much I truly don't know what I would do without her. She relied on my grandma for a lot... and now I rely on her. I like that tradition.

Day 12 ~ 4 Seasons
The weather is finally starting to change... and fall is here! I am thankful that I live in a place that has 4 seasons... even if I do complain about them sometimes.

Day 13 ~ Date Nights
I believe that every couple, especially if you have kids, should have a date night once a month if you can. Brandon and I went to the RV show (I know, we are old...lol) and then out to dinner. It was really nice having a few hours, just us.

Day 14 ~ Brandon's job
Brandon's job with the fire department comes with lots of trials. Its hard when he is not here... doing both day and night with both kids by myself. I am very thankful not only that he has a job, but for the job that he does.

Day 15 ~ Sales!!
I love going to a store and buying over $200 worth of clothes for $60. Clearance racks are the best!!

Day 16 ~ Hugs
Mason gives the best hugs! Even after a hard day, his hugs make me smile every time. I love that boy more than words can ever say.

Day 8 and 9 ~ Good Doctors and Healthy Kids

Day 8: Good Doctors
Mason and Bayly both see the same doctors. We are patients at a local clinic that has multiple doctors. There are 2 doctors who we choose to see. Dr. "B" and Dr. "S" have been our kids doctors since Mason was a few months old. There have been multiple instances where our kids have had some health issues that our doctors have been very diligent and even sent us to other doctors to make sure that our children receive the best care. I think that a good doctor, especially pediatrician, is so important. I am very thankful that our kids have doctors that we can trust with their care.

Day 9: Healthy Kids
As stated above, both of our kids have had some health issues in their short little lives. However... we have been VERY blessed that these issues have been very small in comparison to many children out there who are struggling with serious illness. I am very thankful that my kids, overall, are very healthy. And most of the time.... they are healthy eaters too. : )

Day 7 ~ Nap Time

I love my children, do not get me wrong. But oh, how I am thankful for their nap time. Especially days like today where for over 2 hours, they are both asleep and I actually have time to shower, clean, cook... and update my blog! It is these little moments that keep me refreshed and able to be the mom that they need me to be... and I want to be. It's the little things. : )

Day 5 ad 6 ~ Grandparents and Family Time

Day 5 - Grandparents:
I am very blessed to have had 2 of the best grandparents anyone could ever ask for. My grandmother passed away in June 2009 from cancer. My grandfather is still living in their home, right down the street from where I grew up. We love visiting with him. Mason absolutely adores his "great-daddy", and I adore watching them together. I am thankful that Mason and Bayly not only have their grandparents, to spoil them, but great-grandparents who are still living and couldn't love them more if they tried. I am so thankful, and blessed... both for my grandparents, and my children's grandparents.

Day 6 ~ Family Time
We were able to have dinner with Brandon's parents and granddad Friday night, and then spend the day Saturday as a family... just the 4 of us. I savor these moments. With Brandon's schedule, it is hard to fine a whole day where we can take the time to spend time together, just our little family. I am thankful for these days.