There have been a lot of good things in my life lately. These are the things I need to focus on and remember–especially when the going gets tough. Read through my list, then make one of your own–even if it’s just a mental list the next time you’re driving, OK?
- LAB received a $200 donation, which knocked my socks off. I’ve spent $65 to buy books people can have or check out to read.
- Hannah’s Prayer: Seeking God’s Heart In The Midst Of Infertility
- Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression
- The Ghost in the House: Motherhood, Raising Children, and Struggling with Depression
- What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming OCD
- Calming The Family Storm: Anger Management For Moms, Dads, And All The Kids
- Don’t Forget To Look Up : A Christian’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks
- The Lifter of My Head: How God Sustained Me During Postpartum Depression
- We have so much. Good health, a warm home, presents from our loving families tucked away to make Christmas day fun for all. We are so blessed.
- The heater in our car works very well. I know a few people whose cars don’t have working heat, so even though I would prefer a heated seat, I need to be thankful that our car is safe and warm for my kids.
- I got to go see The Bee Movie last night with 3 friends. The theater was quiet, the movie was cute, I was relaxed and in top notch company (thanks J, J, and B!) AND B brought coupons for free pop corn!
- Addi and I did a taste test today and got a $15 Meijer gift card. I also got a $10 Kohl’s card in the mail the other day. It’s these “little things” that really excite me–we’ll be able to use the Meijer card for gas and my kids and I are going to go to Kohl’s and either pick out a toy to give to Toys for Tots, or pick out something for ME for Christmas. Those were their ideas…I can’t tell you which way I am leaning.
- When I wrote the “Down” post, I got phone calls, e-mails, and IM’s galore of people checking up on me. I don’t write to solicit attention, but I did appreciate knowing my friends are there for me.
- A friend I invited to lunch today told me how much she enjoys reading my blog. I enjoyed being with her, and am thankful for the 20 Special Edition Our Daily Bread for New Families booklets she fenced me from the black market. I guess since LAB got the donation, I really should send a donation to RBC.
- Today Addi walked with me holding my hand. I was so thankful that I am able to walk, and that she’s getting sturdy enough that I don’t have to carry her everywhere.
- We have 6 boxes of cereal and 2 kinds of milk in the house right now. How many people have less or nothing to eat today?
- Today was better than yesterday, and tomorrow is another new day.
- I don’t know how or why, but my God sustains me when I feel Him the least, and act like I don’t need anyone, and least of all Him. Even though I don’t do formal devotions or pray every day, sometimes zone out in church and don’t pay attention to the message, and even occasionally swear (in my head or out loud), He still dumps blessing after blessing on me when I know I probably am due for a good spank. But God’s not like that. He’s not keeping score, He’s just loving and caring for me all the time, and for that I am truly grateful.
- The good days are more in number than the bad days. I’ve come a long way. When I get frustrated that I should be “all better” and not struggle with PPD anymore, I need to remember that 1 or 2 days a month of just not being myself isn’t something to get all upset about when a year ago the numbers were reversed.
- You. I don’t know what I’d do without you. That’s right, just you reading and caring about what I write gives me oomph every day. Thank YOU.
What’s on your list?
Jenna
You are so incredible. I am sitting here with tears rolling down my face. It’s not often that we take stock of all the blessings we have. I, too, have done the same thing recently. I couldn’t even post after your “down” blog. It hit close to home. I am a mother of three who struggles some days. We just hit those walls and everything seems wrong. I hate that feeling and I just pray that I can get through the day until Jesse gets home. If only we could all be so honest with the emotions we deal with. I am thankful for being able to stay home but there is that one or two days every now and then and I just pick up and move on. I am so thankful to have found a friend in you and I just think I am so blessed by what you do. I hope you have a wonderful day!!!!
Kristi
Today, I am thankful that Ashlyn’s diaper leak wasn’t worse. I was grading papers and looked over to see that her little foot was bare. I looked again to find her sock and saw a chunk of poop sitting on the carpet. YUCK! I actually handled it well and am SO GLAD that she did not sit in it and smoosh it into the carpet. I’m sorry if I’m grossing you out, but I felt like adding some humor since I need it. Besides, I know I am not the only one to ever scrape poop off the carpet. She stood very sweetly in her pack n play, clad only in a diaper, during the cleanup.
Thanks Kristi. It’s so helpful to know we aren’t alone in our SAHM struggles–especially when the guilt monster creeps in and says, “you should be SOOOO thankful you get to stay home with your kids–you are so lucky” and we just don’t FEEL that way.
Diane, you make me laugh. I think poop and farts are funny. (Don’t tell my mom. She’d be SHOCKED at my un-ladylikeness.)
And I know how thankful you are not to have to scrub out poop from carpet–it ain’t easy.
I loved the movie too. Anytime you want to pal around I am game