Thankful Thursday Volume 4

Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3

1. In this final week of November, I am thankful for the chance to gather with family and friends before the Christmas rush takes over the world. Every year it seems like the stores have Christmas items earlier and earlier but I really relish the Thanksgiving holiday as more than just a speedbump for Christmas. It's all about family and a fine meal and enjoying togetherness; and dressing...lots of dressing!
2. I am thankful that we have a child old enough to watch his siblings so we can enjoy a night out. With Jayme's crazy work schedule it feels funny asking friends or neighbors to babysit for us because we know they will have to get up for work the next day. Last Friday, Raley watched the others while my sweetie took me to see Breaking Dawn and then we went out to dinner. It was wonderful!
3. I'm thankful that even though he would rather have seen The Immortals or Three Musketeers, Jayme was willing to see Breaking Dawn with me because he loves me that much! And he knew that with our newfound date night abilities we'll see those movies too.
4. I'm thankful for Facebook. Reconnecting with old friends and people we love is a gift. People I have wondered about over the years are now just a click away. I can see their pictures and hear what they are up to now. I can share the joy of their growing families and stories of bygone days. What a world!
5. I'm thankful that this is nearly over. It has been hard to do this! I hope it hasn't seemed like bragging too much or sounded forced or reaching. It's not hard to think of the things you are most thankful for but after that it gets a little harder each time. I have saved the best for last.
6. I'm thankful for Raley Michael Sims. In the 11 years, 6 months and 5 days that I have been blessed by this child, he has made every day a wonderful adventure. He is my coffee buddy and my main helper at the store. He is probably smarter than I will ever be which should scare me but it doesn't. It makes me happy.
7. I am thankful for Clayton Wayne Sims. In the 8 years, 2 months and 7 days that I have been blessed by him, he has made each day one filled with smiles. He is kind and loving and generous. He thinks of others before himself and has a slightly mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He has an unstoppable energy and the brain to keep up with it.
8. I am thankful for Pattie Lynn Sims. In the 4 years, 2 months and 23 days that she has blessed my life, she has slowly transformed me from a boy mom to a slightly girly one. I will never be a total girl but neither will she. She successfully blends tutus and tiaras with camo and light sabers.
9. Finally I am thankful for this blog. I know it gets neglected from time to time but writing it and the idea behind it has been helpful for me. It's hard to get bogged down by life and succumb to the chaos that swirls constantly in a household with 3 kids, 2 dogs and 6 chickens. By embracing that my life will be chaotic I have been able to let go of the anxiety that used to make me nuts.  Don't worry, I'm still nuts most of the time but I'm happier about it.  Until next year!