Happy Thanksgiving!

Just another typical fall weekend. The wind is howling, but the sun is shining and we're toasty warm inside. I'm surrounded by toys, laundry and dishes that are calling to me. The kitchen needs to be mopped and the toilet is in bad need of a scrub-down. I think the vacuuming needs to be done, but since there is so much stuff on the living room floor, I can't really tell for sure. On a typical weekend, I'd be whining about how no one does anything all week and I have to spend all weekend cleaning up the mess. I'd be groaning about having to haul the three children to the grocery store and try to fill the cart with healthy food, despite the "I want thises, I want thats". Then I'd be heading to work Monday morning, tired and deflated because my to do list is not quite finished.

But in the grand scheme of things, what do I actually have to complain about?

I have three beautiful, lively children, a husband that worships me, family and friends, a career, and a house that I don't have time to maintain.

And so, because it's not a typical weekend, I'm going to take the time to itemize those things in my life that I really should be thankful for.

I've got it good!

I am thankful for the felt pen on the walls, because it means that my children are creative.

I am thankful for the stack of books on my dresser that I never get around to reading, because it means that I am literate.

I am thankful for the cracks in the foundation, the leaky faucets, the draughty windows, and the stains on the carpet, because it means that we have a place to call home.

I'm thankful for the mountains of laundry, because it means that my children have enough clothes to wear.

I'm thankful for the messy pantry and disorganized fridge, because it means we have enough food to eat.

I'm thankful for the empty bank accounts, because it means I always pay our bills on time.

I'm thankful for my children who take one look at dinner and say, "Yuck, I don't like this" because it means that they don't know what its like to be so hungry you'd eat anything.

I'm thankful that my husband works the crappy graveyard shift, because it means that there is always one of us home with my children.

I am thankful for the job that keeps me hopping and away from my children during the day, because it means I have a reliable paycheque and the means to provide for my family.

I could probably go on and on about the blessings in my life (you know, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger), but I have to get off my butt and get back to the housework!

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?

The Princess and her court jesters