Gratitude

It's late and it's been a very hectic week so far, but I couldn't go to bed without "journaling" a couple of things.

Like I said, it's been a very busy week ... and it's only Wednesday. But I was reading (briefly) today the blog of this amazing couple who lost their 18 month old little girl a few weeks ago. This incredible mother wrote about gratitude. Can you imagine? And then she talked about how she missed those times when her baby was tugging on her leg or crying before bedtime. I felt ashamed. Ungrateful. Mad at myself, for not appreciating the little things in life ... especially the little PEOPLE in my life!

I stopped and gave my babies an extra kiss. I took a few moments to remember how VERY long I waited for this crazy, hectic life of homework, dirty diapers, piano practicing and running here and there. I felt thankful that there was lots of hollering of "mom" and kids running around. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world! So, here's a peek at our afternoon and my renewed sense of gratitude for being called a mom and a wife.

Miss Eme is into EVERYTHING ... but ... I am going to consider that a blessing! Plus, look at that face! Isn't she yummy? Almost 16 months old and has the entire family wrapped around her finger. Nothing wrong with that, right?


Quick story about this handsome little devil. About a week ago he came home from school all excited about his first written/oral report! Now, keep in mind that it isn't due until this Friday. But this busy little boy, who is ALWAYS on the go was SO excited about his report. He must have mentioned 15-20 times that first night, "Can we get on the computer now mom and start on my report?" HUH? Aren't kids suppose to wait until the last minute? Not this kid! He has literally talked about it EVERY day!

This afternoon he just needed to finish up the written part and practice reading it out loud. As I finished helping him with what I thought was the ending sentence he said, "Now, for my final statement. The End!" What a crack up! Can you see how proud he is of his picture?


Miss Kate ... my right hand girl, who is growing up way too fast. I'm finding that the older she gets, the more fun she is. Sure, there are plenty of moments, but she really is amazing. Very creative, so kind, incredibly loving and really quite deep. As I was looking over her homework, I found this piece of artwork that she's been working on. It's all about her. It asks things like what's your favorite food, books, movies, etc. And then I read this - "My one wish is ..." and she wrote "to see my brothers again." WOW! That blew me away! I thought it might be something like a cell phone or a trip to Disneyland. But not my Kate. She was thinking about something much deeper. What a sweetheart!


And last, but certainly not least ... Mr. H. Tonight I had a meeting, which meant that he had to do the running around of getting kids to soccer, dance and home to bed. Keep in mind that he had a very long day himself, but when I got home everyone was almost in bed AND the kitchen was cleaned up. INCREDIBLE, right? I really did luck out when I snagged him a LONG time ago. Love you honey!

So, there you have it ... Jill's gratitude list for today. Now, for my final statement I'd like to say ... I'm off to bed, ready for another hectic day tomorrow ... but I'm glad!