Day 26 - Ears...yes, I said ears

I'm thankful for the ears of friends.  The ones that listen when you need them, even if you didn't intend to use them in the first place.  They listen, they hear. 

They will use those ears to realize when things aren't right. They will listen and try to make something hurt a little less even when they know they can't fix it. 

I'm thankful for friends who will use those ears to hear what you are saying and will then in turn give you a wake up call when you are feeling bad.  They will tell you the truth.  They will tell you to buck up and realize when things aren't your fault.

Funny things those ears.   You'd never know how powerful they can be or how much they can mean.

One liners from my lil ones

Still tracking these but I need to get better at it because I'm missing some good ones!   The problem is they'll just toss something out when I'm driving and well, that's not a great time to be whipping out my cell phone and texting myself a quick note so I don't forget.

Aidan:
I love that cops can just stop when they are done chasing a bad guy and go have a donut at Dunkin Donuts for less than regular people pay for a donut.  I love that about cops!!

Ryan:
Every day when I get home from school I take a nap.
Me:  That's because you are tired because you stay up too late after you're supposed to go to bed.
Ryan:  No, it's because I do all the tired things at school!

Erynn:
I am SO PUFFED!!!
Me:  What?  I'm sorry, I have no idea what that means.
Erynn:  Yes you DO Mom.  It's when you are really really full and you can't eat anymore.
Me:  Ohhhhhh, you mean you are stuffed!
Erynn:  Oh.  Yeah.  I'm so stuffed.

Day 25 - Teamwork.....my little family of Five

I'm thankful for teamwork.

Today was a day that we didn't have to go anywhere.  We didn't have anyone coming over.  But it was a day where there was still a lot to do.  So the five of us set out to do the things that needed to be done and I loved that we all did them together.  We cleaned the whole house.   Erynn's room (she did that herself), the boys cleaned their room together, John and I teamed up to clean and organize the kids' playroom, we ALL cleaned the family room, the living room and the kitchen.  It was great.  Not the cleaning, I haven't been hitting the crack pipe that hard.........although I am one of those crazy people that does like to clean.......but I loved that we all got down as a family and did what needed to be done.  

Once that was done, it was game on - do whatchoolike.  I read an entire book yesterday and started another.  John caught up on his DVR.  The kids were playing make believe games, playing on their DS's, coloring, running around.  It was a wonderful day spent together as a family and I loved every minute of it.  

Day 24 - Movies

Movies. I love them. 

I love going out to the theater and losing myself for a couple of hours in a storyline. I love all kinds. Comedy, horror, romance, action, suspense, drama. I love that the theater I frequent offers the " Lux" version where you can do dinner, drinks and a movie all at once. It's a wonderful thing!  I love going with my hubby, the kids, a girlfriend, my brother - it all depends on what movie I'm going to see. 

While I don't get to go as often as I used to, I'm thankful I'm able to go at all. 

Day 23 - Black Friday hell / fun / pick your word

As much as I loathe staying up all night (because, let's face it I'm not young anymore!!) - or most of it anyway - I'm thankful for Black Friday.   I'm thankful for the kick ass record I set this year with Susan!  

We left my house at 12:30a this morning....I did TRY to take a nap but that didn't go so well.  As soon as I went to lie down after cleaning up completely from a ridiculously large Turkey Day dinner....everyone and their brother decided they would start texting and calling me so that nap was a big fat FAIL.  Anyway, I got up and showered at 11:30p to wake myself up and we got on our way.   We got to Kohl's at 12:40a, the doors opened at 1a.   I was FULLY prepared.  I had my lists for the stores I needed to go to, how much I was spending at each store and which kid needed what.   We were in and out of Kohl's in 28 min because we got right in, grabbed what we needed and ran right up to the register where there wasn't a soul in line.   That is pretty damn impressive - especially when that line to get in at 1a went all the way down to Rite Aid.  If I could tell you in feet I would but I suck at that.  Forgive me.

Next stop, Walmart.  Holy CLUSTERF@#%.  I'm sorry, but truly, CLUSTER.   Most disorganized, torn apart store, EVER.   Half of the things they had in the flier were nowhere to be found.  Of course my kids shopped OFF the damn flier so it was like being on a treasure hunt.  Regardless, we still managed to be in and out of there in under an hour.   We were waiting in line for about 10 min when Susan went to look for something.  She noticed there was someone checking out in jewelry and there was NO line.  She ran over to get me and I ran over.  Yup, checked out in 5 min.  SCORE two points for team Susan and Christine!

Third stop, Target.  This was the biggest list for both of us.   But, we're both quite familiar with the layout at Target - shocking, I know, so we weren't worried in the least.  We got in, got what we needed and actually looked around a bit because we finished up faster than we thought.   We didn't have to wait in any line for checkout here either.  Unheard of.   Last year John and I spent more time waiting in lines for checkout than we did shopping!

So, this year's Black Friday shopping time - 2.5 hours.  My kids are 100% DONE for Christmass, aside from their stockings.  Holy hell!   That has GOT to be some kind of record!!!   So, again, even though it's 7p on Friday and I've gotten 7 hrs of sleep in the past 48hrs, it was absolutely, 1000% worth it and I know my ass will be right back at it again next year.  Yeaaaaaah buddy!

Day 22 - Tradition...new, old, as long as you have something

I'm thankful for traditions and the chance to continue them on with my lil ones.  I'm thankful for the Macy's parade that I got to watch with my children.  That I've been watching since *I* was a child.  I'm thankful for the memories that come rushing back to me when I watch it with them.  I'm thankful that those memories bring smiles as well as a touch of sadness. 

Day 21 - my job

I'm thankful for a job that gives me the flexibility to work from home.  

I know I am one of the very lucky ones because I know, from experience, that not everyone is this lucky.  Heck, *I* wasn't even this lucky a year ago because my previous manager wasn't one that was one to let me work from home much.  Only when absolutely necessary.   New job, new manager, new world.   I'm thankful for the very many changes I've gotten to experience and getting to skip that oh-so-wonderful trek into Boston today was definitely a welcome one!!

Day 20 - Bad days. Yes, I can even have appreciation for these.

Honestly I had to wait on this day because it was a bad day.  I had a very hard time finding something to be thankful for.

Then it dawned on me.  I need to be thankful for the bad days because they make me appreciate the GOOD days that much more.  So there I go.  I'm thankful for the bad days that happen every now and then.

Day 19 - MUSIC!

I am thankful that my children LOVE music.   There is nothing that makes me smile more than hearing my children burst out into song....even when they think they know the lyrics.  I love listening to them sing at the top of their lungs, throw their little bodies around into what they think are the best moves ever, watch their faces light up when they hear a song they love come on the radio.  I love the little impromptu dance parties we throw in the living room.  I love when they ask me to put their favorite song on the radio, computer, iPod.  I have always loved music and I love that my kids do too!

Day 17 & 18 - weekends....two days of family time.

I am thankful for weekends with my family. 

I am thankful for weekends that contain pajama days. In the summer they don't happen that often because there is always so much that is going on......but we can swap them for beach days and that is good enough. In the fall/winter we bring pajama days back and my kids faces just light right up. There is something to be said about staying home, all cozied up in your 'jamas as a family with nowhere to go. We all love these days and I am thankful our schedules have slowed down enough to let them stat happening again. 

Day 16 - good times with great friends....and recovery time

I went out with Jules, Christy and Neil last night. Then our mutual friends younger brother joined us and my school friend Bill swung by for a bit. We listened to a band that was really good, had a few beers and had an overall blast. I hadn't been out in a couple of months and Jules and I really missed each other so it was much needed.  We stayed out late, found a breakfast place that was open when the bar closed - I didn't even know those places still existed after Bickford's closed!   Mmmmm Bickford's.  I wish that place was still open.   I can't remember the last time I stayed out so damn late.  I needed the next day to recover because I'm clearly not 22 anymore but boy did I have fun!

Day 15 - so damn thankful for my short week!

Some weeks are crazy busy - this was one of them. These weeks make me very happy that I work the (4) ten hour work days that I do!!

Day 14 - My Father in Law

He is the only dad I have ever really known and I couldn't have asked for a better one. I think God was really trying to make it up to me with my FIL when he "gave" him to me with John. 

He is e most generous man I have ever met in my life. He is a wonderful grandfather. He would do anything for anyone and usually does. We may not always see eye to eye, but who does?  

I am so thankful he is a part of my life. 

Day 13 - Doctors.

That is all. 

Day 12 - VACATION DAYS!

When I get to take them that is.  Technically I was supposed to be taking 1/2 day today but I had to log on to do some work for my boss this evening.   That is what happens when you work for a VP I suppose.  You do have to take the good with the bad and I do love my job soo.......

Anyway, 1/2 vacation day = spending extra time with my family!  YAY!   John and the kids had the day off so after my neurologist appt we all went to the movies to see Wreck It Ralph.   SO cute.  The kids loved it, I loved spending the extra time together as a family and I felt like I almost got an extra weekend day.  Win/Win all around!

Days 8-11......dammit, time to play catch up!

UGH.   Catch up again!

Day 8.
I am thankful for my job.  I am one of the very lucky people who actually wake up in the morning happy to go to work.   It wasn't always this way.   I've worked at P&G for over 12 years now but I didn't always look forward to work every day.   The past year has been amazing and I am absolutely loving the work I do, the people I work with and most importantly my manager.  My work life these days is pretty damn good and I am very thankful for that!

Day 9.
My Mom.   She may not be here any longer but I am so thankful for the time I had with her.  She is and will always be my hero.  I think about her and miss her every day.  I try my best to make her proud of me and hope that I am the daughter/mother/woman she hoped I would become.  I will spend the rest of my life wishing I'd had more time with her but I thank God every day for the time that I did have. 

Day 10.
Books.  I am a HUGE reader.  I love getting lost in a book.  I love the feel and smell of a book, the way you have to use your imagination to really get INTO a book, the way a book can just suck you in and make you lose track of time.  Well.....for me anyway.  There have been nights that I've read well into the night without even realizing it.  I think I take reading for granted because I enjoy it so much.  I'm thankful that I've never had a problem learning to read.  I'm so glad it's a hobby that I immediately got into at a young age.  (Yet another thing I can thank my Mother for.)

Day 11.
I am thankful for Veterans.  They are the people who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom.  They protect our country, they fight for people they don't even know.   They keep us safe without regard for their own safety and I will forever be grateful.

Day 6 & 7 - Ryan Joseph and Erynn Louise!

Of course I already fell behind.  Shocking.

Day 6.
Ryan Joseph Foley

This little man just makes my heart melt.   My typical middle child.  He is tough as nails.  NO fear.  He would be the one to jump from the top of the bridge to show how tough he is.   But the second he thinks someone is mad at him his little heart breaks into a million pieces and he will burst into tears.    He is the sweetest little tough boy ever.  He has SO much heart.   He calls Aidan his "best buddy" and I hope he never forgets it. 

He still asks me for a hug and a kiss every night.  Three times.   He still sleeps with a teeny little stuffed hamster (God only knows where he got this thing, I think from a prize machine or something, it's so awful) that he has named Mister Kipling and he makes me give Mr. K a hug and a kiss too.   He loves his cuddle time and he loves it when I call him my little mouse.

My life would not be the same without him and I thank God every day for sending me my little Ryan Jofess.


Day 7
Erynn Louise Foley

My baby girl.  I always joked that I hoped I'd never have a girl b/c she'd be just like me.   Well, she isn't a baby anymore but she is JUST like me and I love her to the moon and back.   Watching this little girl walking about is like watching a combination of myself and my mother.  She is my absolute joy. 

Erynn is SUCH a girly girl.  She loves her fashion.  She loves having her hair done.  She loves having her nails done.  If I go anywhere, she wants to go with me.  Every weekend, as soon as she wakes up, she comes running to my bedroom to get her snuggle / cuddle with her Momma.  I hope it never ends.  I'm sure it will.........when she is twenty.  ;-)

She absolutely completes our family of five and I am thankful my JOKE never came true.  I cannot imagine my life without her.  

Day 5 - Aidan John

My first born.

My oldest.

The first one to make me feel what it felt like to have my heart walking around outside of my body.

My sensitive little man.  He's 7 years old and so much older than his years.  I worry about him all the time because he's so sensitive.  I worry about his fragile little self esteem.  I hope he has enough friends, I hope he is happy.   He is such a joy and he is such a kind, BIG hearted little boy.  He's inquisitive, thoughtful, loving.  He's always looking out for his brother and his sister.  He always wants to include them.  (Actually, they all do this - they are VERY thoughtful when it comes to one another)   He still wants to give his Mother a hug and a kiss in front of his classmates at school - he's not too old for that.   He is SUCH a love.  I hope he always will be.

He was the one we tried for the longest.  After over two years of infertility our prayers were answered and he is SUCH a blessing.   I am thankful that we were able to finally have children.  I am thankful that he was our first.  I am thankful for my Aidan John. 

Day 4 - Friends..again...but the lifelong kind!

After yet another one of our "monthly get togethers" on day four I am thankful for life long friendships.

Every month we get together with the same group of people.   I am connected to the five women from this group.  2 of them I have known since 6th grade.  One I met my Junior Year of High School.  The other two I met when I was 20 years old.  I've grown up with these women.  We've been together through all of the times in life one can go through.   We're all married now, with children of our own and we are starting the friendships with our children now that we once had as children ourselves.  

I treasure this and I am so thankful.  The memories we have between us and the memories we continue to create are blessings I cannot even begin to describe.

Day 3 - Friends, random as they may be

Day three of thankfulness.

I'm not going to go in any particular order.

Today was a great day spent with a great family so for day three, I am thankful for wonderful friends made in random places.

Today we spent the day at Sturbridge Village with the Gottman Family.  Long story short, Jode and I met over the internet 10+ years ago and we still see each other.   We had a WONDERFUL day and I am just so thankful for friends like her.  You never know how much someone will mean to you and your family when you initially meet them.  You never know just how strong your bond/friendship is going to be.

30 Days of Thankfulness

Every now and then I'll stumble across something that fuels my blogging.  As you may have noticed I tend to fall woefully behind on my blog.  I'll leave myself little notes here and there about things I NEED to blog about.  I really do have good intentions.  I just have to actually sit down and WRITE these good intentions down IN my blog.  That seems to be the hardest part for me.  Right now I have a good 4 blogs sitting here in the "notes" app on my iPhone.  Good place for them, eh?

Anyway, we're in November.  November, aside from being known for "Movember" which I think is the month where guys either shave all kind of weird things on their faces or don't shave at all............I haven't quite gotten the meaning of Movember down yet...........is also known for the month of being thankful.   So, I figure I can blog 30 Days of Thankfullness.   One blog post per day of things I am thankful for.   True to form I am alread a day behind.   Way to go me.   So, today, I will start with two.

1.  I am thankful for my life.  General, yes.   I will specify as the month goes on, I am sure.

2.  I am thankful for my husband.  I am more than thankful.  I am grateful, I am blessed.  He really is the perfect man for me.  Who else in their right mind would strap THIS on for the rest of their life??  The man is a saint, really.  HA!   He is not perfect, none of us are, but he is my perfect match and I thank God every day (yes, even the days I could kill him for the things we all want to kill our husbands, wives, partners for) for thirsty Thursday because if it weren't for Pat Flanagan's I would never have met my man.   Ahhh, sigh.  Just the story you want to tell your children when they get older.  Yes honey, I met your father in a bar.   Bwahahahaha.    Come on, I'm thankful but I'm not losing my sense of humor!   ;-)