I am grateful for:
.. the Tilty-Floored Farmhouse, its wood beams and brick fireplace and the way it sighs at night as it settles around my sleeping family.
… Cute Husband, his Commitment to Laundry and the fact that he is a world-class daddy of girls. And also, that he loves me. Still. And I’m definitely crushing on him pretty hard, too.
… the fact that my professional life has survived my child-bearing years.
… my education, and the people who fought to be sure I would have it – Ducky and Gran, That Grand Man and all the teachers who insisted I shut my mouth and learn something so some day I’d have something to say.
… business partners, clients and bosses who think it’s charming that I bring Eden along. Who don’t mind milk stains on my blouse or my 8 p.m.-to-midnight work schedule. You’re making the world a better place. You make me want to work ten times harder just to thank you.
... my Thanksgiving flowers. Infinitely more delicious because I spent way too much on them.
… Mare’s bad attitude. Thank God she’s not a door mat. I have to snap her back of course, but that’s so much better than having to beg her forward.
… Dr. Button, who insisted Eden be released from the hospital, even when the Maternity pediatrician was against it. Who proved to me that he really is pro-breastfeeding when other doctors were pressuring me to believe it was my milk that was making her sick. Who backed me when I refused to switch to formula without medical evidence that it was neccessary. Who consulted (I counted) 7 other doctors about Eden’s case. Who lost sleep over her and fought relieved tears as he told us he was pretty sure she was okay. Many days it was the comfort of trusting him that kept us from losing our minds. But last, it was Dr. Button who made my whole freaking year when we got to the end and he said, “The breastfeeding probably helped keep the infection at bay.”
… that I didn’t have to tell Mare and Ren they didn’t get to keep their sister. I had a plan for how I would do it — because I knew if it happened I wouldn’t be able to think of anything. That I haven’t needed that plan is probably the thing I have been most grateful for in my whole life.
… Ren – losing terribly in a football game with Mare, caught in a death grip over the ball — hauled back and punched her sister right in the face. Okay, bad bad. Don’t hit Sissy, we never hit Sissy, time-outs all around. But she was outmatched by three years and 1/3 more body mass and that wasn’t enough to slow her down, God love her.
… Mare, gently lifting Eden out of her cradle after naps. Eden, cooing happily, melting in Sister’s arms. Mare wandering around the house with Sister hanging adoringly off her. When they’re in their forties, will they remember?
… my readers, who have given me more than they know. Whose support and love for my family mean so much — and whose fierce insistence that I have a right to earn a living inspired me forward.
… mercy from: Starbucks, for that time I forgot my wallet. Okay, both times. Dave, for the constant password changes. The people I have cut off in traffic sometimes by accident, sometimes not-so-much.
… fizzy water.
… Colleen, for having lunch with Mare every week to practice her ballet.
… Zumba, and Miss-no-organs and how redemptive it is to dance to urban hip-hop when you’re a chick with three kids in suburbia and you drive a mini-van and use the word “fabulous” too much.
… fat baby thighs. Oh! The thighs!
… Ren’s Thanksgiving show-and-tell, when she brought in her Sissy’s scarf and said she was most grateful that Mare was her big sister. Mare, she told her class, was the best big sister in the world. Even if sometimes she won’t listen and you have to punch her in the face.
… Karin and Ellie and Tania. And Kara and Diane and Emily and Marcy and Margaret and Mary and Ryan and — oh, who else do I see in my magic mirror? Tina and Kristen and Liz and — once you get started it’s so hard to stop because next thing you know you’re getting calls about why-wasn’t-I-on-that-list? –All the other truly badass mothers who rock my world every day with their willingness to wade through the banality, deal with their stuff, and slug it out for their kids. I’m proud to be in their ranks. And thank God we’re in ranks because if there wasn’t someone to my right and my left I’d lose my way.
And last, I am thankful for …
... bounty.
“Mare, gently lifting Eden out of her cradle after naps. Eden, cooing happily, melting in Sister’s arms. Mare wandering around the house with Sister hanging adoringly off her. When they’re in their forties, will they remember?”
They will remember.
I know only 25 and that’s only just barely over half way to 40… and my baby sister is “only” 20 but we still remember. And I still tell her that she was the best birthday present a five-year-old to ever ask for nearly every chance I get. And she doesn’t tire of hearing it.
They’ll remember.
So many things. SO many. But mostly that last year at this time I had no idea of the stresses of my second pregnancy that were ahead of me- and that it doesn’t all matter now because she is here and she is healthy and safe and we’re all together.
I agree with Julie. My sister is seven years younger than me, and the live of my childhood. She brought so much joy to us all, and still does. I remember so many moments, and they are such happy memories!!
Okay, so I know this is going to sound cheesy, but one of the things I’m most grateful for is your blog. I come from a family of “nice” women who are very sweet and loving, but they don’t talk like you do. I was one of those mothers who stumbled upon your blog early in the morning when it just got way too hard, and you made me laugh and you made me cry and you made me feel human and brave. I love that you are raising fierce little women, that you are strong enough to be vulnerable and put it all out there, that you REALLY tell it like it is, the heavenly and the hellish equally. I love that there are three little girls being raised by a woman like you, because when they are through kicking your ass the world had better watch out. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your amazing family.
P.S. Eden’s face makes me happy.
Becoming pregnant. I was an alcoholic. Everytime I have an ultrasound I think, Thank you for saving me.
I’m thankful for…
My cozy, cramped 2-bedroom house (that I share with 3 dogs, 2 kids, and 1 husband) that we downsized to in September, just so we could eliminate the excess and live more simply.
The luxury of deciding where to live and how simply to live…instead of living in a war zone and not being able to leave.
I love your list.
I love the fact that you are grateful for your daughters’ sometimes-bad attitude and stubbornness. Too often, even in 2009, girls are told to be nice and quiet, and that they will be loved more if they please others.
I have a 9-year-old daughter, who is also very stubborn, and her assertiveness supersedes her manners sometimes. Her toddler years were very difficult, I had to fight her on everything. But her character, her self-esteem, her absolute drive in life amazes me every day. I am very grateful for that.
I am also grateful for my 12-year-old son, who is as tall as me now, very smart, sweet and funny. who comes to hug me in the morning and asks “did you sleep well, mom?”, and even makes me coffee sometimes. he will make a great boyfriend one day.
I had my children very young and was judged by many. A 19-year-old cannot take proper care of a baby, was the underlying judgement that I often felt. I am grateful that I was able to use my instinct, my heart in raising my babies, that I did not let the judgement of others stop me. Watching them today, I feel like I’ve done a good job so far. My children are amazing people and I am grateful for having them in my life.
I’m thankful for a husband who gets on my nerves more than anyone and makes me question everything, but who saved himself from my angry attitude this morning by singing “I’ve Got You Babe” to me in bed and in the shower.
I’m thankful for the children I have upstairs, who are making a mess even though they’re supposed to be cleaning. Without them, I would have never found who I was truly meant to me.
I’m thankful for your reminders of how everyday life is wonderful. And fabulous.
And during this post, I was especially thankful for this: “Even if sometimes she won’t listen and you have to punch her in the face.” Because Ren’s show-and-tell had me teary-eyed and I needed that laughter.
I was holding up okay until I got to the ones about Eden.
Because we’ve been there, too.
You are lucky to have a doctor who is so caring and so supportive – and is smart enough to get out of your way and let you mother your child.
OK—so we had our Thanksgiving feast last week. “Cause when your Kids grow up they have in-laws and stuff.
But I watched my family, 4 kids and spouses and 9 grand kids interact with each other. Pure love and fun. And that is what I am thankful for. It brings me to tears with a big grin on my face.
gramps
I am grateful for second chances, and that my young men would rather work on the stuffing than watch a football game.
I am thankful for:
….My New Dog, Lucky
Who came in time of need after my family’s wonderful chihuahua of four years disappeared one day. Lucky has been such a joy to us all. He is so energetic and smart…and was even POTTY TRAINED! My parents and I still don’t know what kind of dog he is….but we’re actually the Lucky ones
…Your Blog
I admire you, your vocabulary, your unique, awesome parenting skill and your wonderful daughters!! I am the youngest of three. I’M 21. I have two older brothers so I always dreamed of what it would be like having sisters. I hope I have girls one day. I can’t wait until I finish school, marry and have children. This blog is so truthful and I always have the biggest smile when I read your posts.
…My Boyfriend
who always puts up with my attitude, and loves me unconditionally. He is so sweet and thoughtful. He came over this morning, woke me up with roses and coffee and said HAPPY THANKSGIVING! ..He helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the outdoors, especially fishing, camping, and hunting. I could sooo get stuck on an island with him one day and survive.
….My Mom
I have the best relationship with her, I could tell her any and everything. (Sometimes I think I tell her too much). I know you and your girls will have that relationship, too! You’re a great mom!
(On Sunday I talked about this on my blog. Here’s the jist, though.)
I’m thankful for all the big things – family, faith, freedom, provision and protection. Etc, etc. But I’m thankful for a bunch of little things that I often take for granted.
* The feel of carpet that has been freshly vacuumed
* A cozy nap on a Sunday afternoon
* A full tank of gas in the Mama Machine
* When my daughter uses good manners without being reminded
* Empty wash baskets and full dresser drawers (Though at my house, it’s often the other way around.)
* Friends I’ve never met (Those who “live” in my computer.)
* The sound of rain from the inside of a car
* Silver dangle earrings
* Bubble wrap (Seriously, who doesn’t love that stuff?!)
* Boneless buffalo chicken with blue cheese dressing and cold celery sticks
* Color (Imagine if the world were monochromatic!)
* Good but unexpected harmonies
Right now I´m thankful I had to put my triplets in time out for making a pile with the clean (and folded!) laundry and jumping on it… it means they´re almost three and perfectly normal
Happy Thanksgiving! It sounds like such a wonderful holiday, I’m jealous.
Thankful for true love,
six kids
one old house
Hey!!!
Aren’t you greatful for a wonderful mother-in-law and father-in-law who live far enough away to not intrude, but dream daily of the times when we are all together. We are so thankful for each of you.
Love,
Gamma and Boppa
YOU!!!!
For my 1 mile commute, or, on other days, 6 step commute to the home office.
For our CSA, and for finally having my eyes opened to the benefits of local, chemical free everything.
For my 7 year old son still holding my hand in parking lots.
For my daughter’s quick wit, strong personality, and all the pleases and thank yous.
For a husband that through a rough year, is still there every night and every morning.
For my brothers and sister who help me face life without my mom.
For you and all the women who post here and provide an invisible safety and kindness net.
Thankful for your kickass blog.
You had me blubbering over the plan you had to come up with Ren and Mary. Isn’t it sad that it takes the worst things to make us the most thankful? In the past couple of weeks I keep hearing the worst news from friends and family about their lives, and while I’m so sad and devastated for them, it makes me think harder about the blessing my family has right now.
Too many things to count.
Your blog is awesome! Thanks for writing it. I love reading about your girls.
“… Mare, gently lifting Eden out of her cradle after naps. Eden, cooing happily, melting in Sister’s arms. Mare wandering around the house with Sister hanging adoringly off her. When they’re in their forties, will they remember?”
From my sister Whozat (41) and myself (49) yeah, they’ll remember.