Thankful Thursday Volume 3

Continuing from the last two posts (vol 1 and vol 2)

1. I am thankful for my "job". Why the quotes? Well, I don't really consider myself as anything other than a stay at home mom. It's kind of my dream job, so it works for me. Luckily Jayme has always earned enough for us to keep the kids at home until starting school. When his schedule has allowed it, I have gotten into substitute teaching at our local schools. I only sign up for pre-K through whatever grade Raley is in so this year that means 6th grade. I am available 4 days a week and I get enough calls to make it worthwhile. Plus, it's a lot of fun!
2. I am thankful for coffee. I have become a full blown addict since motherhood has blessed me. I used to be able to take it or leave although I always enjoyed it. These days if I don't have any in the mornings I will have a lovely headache by afternoon.
3. I am thankful for good health insurance. Lord knows we have used it lately! Between Pattie's reactive airway and Jayme's year-long appendicitis, we have met our deductible every year for the past 4 years. That means we have paid a ton of hospital bills but only a small fraction of the total charged. Case in point: this summer's appendectomy. Total billed to insurance was just over $27,000 of which we were responsible for around $2800. Next step is to see if there is anything that can be done for my back issues....
4. On a related note I am thankful to our wonderful doctors. I have talked before about how much I adore the clones' pediatrician. But the whole staff at her clinic is great too. Today I took Raley and Pattie in and we saw the office CNP. She is great! Jayme's and my doctor is very good and in all fairness saved Jayme's life this summer. It was at her insistence that he went back to the ER and finally had the appendectomy.
5. I am thankful for good friends. We don't live near any of our family or friends we have had for years. We have great friends here locally, don't get me wrong. Thanks to Facebook we have kept in touch with friends from bygone days and are even having Thanksgiving with some this month. (Can't wait Matt and Ann!!)
6. I am thankful for open communication with my kids' teachers. Raley had a mistake on his report card and we were able to get it straightened out with very little hassle. His teacher had actually found the error and thought it was changed prior to submission of his grades but it didn't save. In the end, he earned a 97 instead of an 89. No Bs for my baby!
7. I am thankful for family visits. My Uncle Scott came to visit my parents and grandparents this week and we arranged to meet them at the land for the day. It meant pulling the boys out of school but it was one of those things that I just knew would be more meaningful that whatever lesson they were working on that day. Clay's teacher agreed with me. It was kind of a drizzly day but we made the most out of it and I am thankful for the opportunity to have my kids spend time with a great person.

One more week!!