...Being Treated Like Family

Day 34
Today, my husband and my kids are spending the day with my family in Athens to celebrate Thanksgiving. I am still at home with my bum knee. Most spouses would not feel comfortable spending time on their own with their in-laws. My husband and I don't have that problem.

Danny & kids in Gatlinburg on a Mitchell Family Trip

Danny's family has always treated me like one of their own. Whenever I need something they are there to help and I have done many things with them on my own without Danny. My family has always treated Danny the same way. My husband has been to family reunions without me there and he never once complained about it or acted as if he felt uncomfortable doing it.

I love the fact that we have this kind of relationship. Sure there are times when our in-laws annoy us just like everybody else. But I am thankful that almost 100% of the time we have a great relationship and treat each other like family.

...Sweet Tea

Day 33
Since as long as I can remember I have loved sweet tea. There are times when just having a sweet tea will relax me and make everything better. I guess it could be considered emotional drinking but if sweet tea is my drink of choice then that can't be that bad, right? So today, I am thankful for sweet tea.

...My Little Family

Day 32
Happy Thanksgiving! For the past ten years we have had a regular Thanksgiving routine. My husband's family does Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day and then my family picks another day, usually the Saturday afterward. I have always been a big Black Friday shopper and would stay out from midnight on Thanksgiving until 10pm on Friday night. Thanksgiving has actually been one of my favorite holidays because there isn't any pressure. We just show up and eat and hang out and that's what I like to do.

This year, we have had a little kink in the plans because of my knee surgery. I am not coordinated at all on my crutches and so there was no question about whether I would go shopping or not. I thought I might be able to make it to my in-laws for lunch but I couldn't do it. And I won't be able to sit in the car for the two hour ride to my parents house on Saturday but even if I could, I wouldn't be able to get up the stairs to the door.

It's been a bit of a downer for Thanksgiving but my little family has been so great. Mindy and Mason have been excellent helpers and have gotten things when I needed them. Mindy has even made lunch for everyone one day this week. They have been very careful around me so they don't touch my leg and injure me further. My husband is a saint. He has been there for me, helping me in and out of the shower, making sure my cup is always full of sweet tea and helping me wrap my knee. He has taken me to my physical therapy appointments and has paid attention to what the doctors have said since I am not always concious to do so.

Without my little family of four, I would not have been able to make it through this week. I still have about five more weeks of recovery time left and I am thankful that I have them to help me through.

...Determination

Day 31
I just realized that today will mark a month that I have been doing this blog. How funny that my blog about becoming thankful would end it's first month the day before Thanksgiving!

I am so proud of myself for sticking to this blog for a month. There have been times when I really didn't feel like blogging and sort of felt like it was a chore but I am determined to do this for a year.

So, today, I am very grateful for my determination.

...Long Holiday Breaks

Day 30
Since I work at a private school we tend to get longer breaks during the year. This week is Thanksgiving Week and we are out for the whole week. It is so nice to have a long break and spend time with my family and even have some time to myself.

Yesterday, I had knee surgery and I chose yesterday so I wouldn't miss any work since we are already out. Our Christmas holidays are long too. Since I work at a Catholic school we get extra days for Easter too which is something we wouldn't get at other schools.

I'm thankful for these long holiday breaks and I enjoy every minute of them.

...Surgeons

Day 29
This morning I had knee surgery and it occurred to me that surgeons are something to be thankful for. I have had many surgeries. I feel like i have had too many especially for my age! But I decided to give the surgery he recommended a try. My knee has been bugging me since I got back from the 3-Day, 60 Mile walk that I did a year ago. I had tried physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and shots. Nothing seemed to work which is why I ended up at the orthopaedic center. I am so thankful that he has the knowledge to do these surgeries adn I'm hoping it works! I've had your normail surgeries like c-sections and appendectomy in addition to a hernia as a baby and even a procedure to remove fluid from my lungs. I am very experienced in the surgical life. If I didn't have the surgeons I've had then my life could be very uncomfortable.

...Candy Crush

Day 28

Today, I am thankful for Candy Crush Saga. As much as this game frustrates me, it relaxes me too. I have spent a month on the same level before because I get that determined! But man when I finally pass that level I feel like celebrating!

 

...Nights Like This

Day 27

Love sitting by the fire, roasting marshmallows.

...Lunches with Kids

Day 26
Today I am thankful for the opportunities I have to have lunch with my kids. Today was Mason's Thanksgiving lunch at school and it was so nice to have special time for him.

...Pictures

Day 25
My family has always been a picture taking family. My parents took pictures all the time and so we have most of our important life events documented. I love being able to go back and see what we looked like and see those important dates in pictures. I definitely take A LOT of pictures. My husband's family would probably tell you I have a problem. They did not take a lot of pictures. I literally have thousands of pictures of Mindy and Mason each! I have those normal moments like the day they were born and each birthday. I also have those important events like dance recitals, first steps, first foods, etc. But my favorite pictures are the ones that document something that has a story with it. Having the picture to go along with the story is icing on the cake. I have so many favorites that I will have to do multiple posts about this. Here is my first set of my favorite random moments in our lives.


Dan & his dad attempting to fry a turkey

Mindy watched this dvd over and over and over.

For some reason Mindy liked to wear stickers on her forehead.

This is what happens when you let them dress themselves.

Mason used to stare at the stuffed animals on his high chair. He also talked to them.



Mindy always knows what to do to make you laugh.

I love that this moment was captured and I had no idea.

Mason knew how to rock these glasses.

Mason was our climber. He was and still is always climbing something.

Mindy at Ash Wednesday.

 

 There are so many more photo memories but I will have to add more tomorrow!

...Karate

Day 24

 

I've never been a huge fan of karate. I loved "The Karate Kid" but that was about as far as it went. I actually kind of poked fun at the whole idea. Then my daughter came home from preschool one day with a flyer about karate classes at school and she begged us to let her do it. We gave in and let her try it out. She really liked it and did it until the end of her Kindergarten year. We felt like she was learning a lot but not really retaining it so we decided to stop. Then this year my son came home with the same flyer and begged us to let him do it. Again, we gave in and he has loved every minute of it. He broke his first board last week and had his first rank test today where he earned his orange belt. I'm so glad that my kids do have these extra opportunities. Karate has really taught them about discipline and has given them a little knowledge as to what to do if they were ever to be bullied.

...Clothes

Day 23

This morning I was running around my house trying to find clothes. My kids needed clean uniforms and I needed an outfit for work. I was fussing because I couldn't figure out how I do laundry all the time but we never seem to have the clothes we need. Then it hit me. I should be thankful that I have so many clothes. There are many out there who do not have an outfit let alone 15 so I am lucky that I am always doing laundry because it means that I have clothes to wear.

...Leftovers

Day 22
I have very good intentions every day to make dinner. Most days by about 2 in the afternoon my good intentions are gone and I am trying to think of the easiest way to feed my family with the least amount of effort. That is where leftovers come in!

I'm not a huge leftover fan myself but it doesn't seem to bother any one else in the family. Tonight we have leftover pizza and tomorrow a new dinner will have to be made but at least I get to put it off a little longer.

...Lazy Sundays

Day 21
Today I have done nothing but lay around in my bed and sleep. It has been an exhausting couple of weeks and I guess I really needed it. Thank goodness for lazy Sundays!

...School Plays

Day 20
I think I have mentioned that my daughter was in our school's production of "Alice in Wonderland". Tonight was the last show and we were so ready for it to be over! We are tired and are looking forward to being home at night. However, what a wonderful experience the past two days have been for her. After all of her hard work she was able to do her performance and she had such a great time.

I loved doing school plays growing up. I always wanted to be the main character but I was perfectly happy doing anything at all. I'm glad she was able to have the same experience. The difference is that I would do them over and over and she has said she isn't sure she wants to do one for awhile.

The fine arts are leaving our schools at a rapid rate because of funding. We are so very lucky to still have a fantastic fine arts group at our school.

...Weird Problems

Day 19
I am very lucky. My kids don't give me behavior problems at school and so I rarely get a note from the teacher or have to have a teacher conference. So today when I got to work and I had an email from my daughter's teacher I was a little taken aback! My daughter is your perfect A student. She is also an anxiety nightmare. The teacher wanted me to come talk to her when I got a chance.

I was nervous all morning. Finally when I was able to meet with her it turned out to be something so random I laughed. Apparently Mindy is breaking pencils. Not in frustration and not breaking them in half but bearing down on her paper so hard that the lead is snapping. The teacher said that she had already gone through 15 pencils this morning. This has been a small problem all year but now it is starting to get worse. She isn't able to finish her work because she has to get up and get a new pencil or sharpen one.

Not exactly sure what we are going to do to fix it yet but I am thankful that my kids only have weird problems to fix instead of really serious problems.

...Lunch Buddies

Day 18
I love lunchtime at my work! We have some of the best conversations. We give each other advice when we need it. We laugh at each other and at ourselves. Sometimes we laugh until we cry. There have been times when I have laughed so hard at lunch that I end up with a headache. I look forward to this time everyday. It is such a stress reliever and I don't even feel like I am eating lunch at work. I feel like we are out at a restaurant. Sometimes our conversations can get a little vulgar and sometimes they are very serious but I'm so thankful that we have these conversations and that we have each other.

...Early Dismissals

Day 17

My daughter is in our school's production of "Alice in Wonderland" this weekend. For the last few weeks we have had practice two or three times a week for two hours at a time. And these practices really do go for the entire two hours. My daughter has a very small role as a flower. No real speaking parts or anything. But she has been at every practice and she knows every line of every part and song.

This week, we have had practice every night from 5:30-9:00 PM. My kids usually are in bed by 7:15 with lights out at 8:00 so staying out until 9:00 and then coming home and getting ready for bed does not go very well. It isn't easy. Tonight we were actually released to go home at 7:45!! I am so very thankful for that because my daughter needed the rest. Tomorrow we will probably be there until 9 but tonight it is nice to have a little break.

...Photographer Friends

Day 16

Every year, I usually take our Christmas card picture. I don't include me and Danny because nobody wants to see us. I always try to come up with the best Christmas card and last year it was awesome. I don't think I will be able to top it but I can still be creative. 

I will be having knee surgery the week of Thanksgiving which is usually when I take the Christmas card pictures so I asked a friend of ours if he could do it for me. He has a photography business and he really only does weddings/engagements but he was nice enough to do me this favor. 

The pictures turned out great! My idea this year was to have a "Ho! Ho! Ho!" card. I painted a big H and a big O in gold spray paint and they held them up. My plan is to pick three of the pictures and have them side by side.

He also took some without the letters so we could use them for their pictures this year. We usually have professional shots of the kids done every two years and it was time. I couldn't be happier with the results!

...Target Shopping Cart

Day 15
Tonight I am thankful for the shopping cart at Target. I have been having a lot of knee trouble and I'm having surgery in two weeks. It is very hard to walk and the shopping cart at Target helped me through my shopping trip tonight.

...Volunteers

Day 14
My kids are involved in a lot of activities. A LOT! The participate in basketball, soccer, softball, drama, karate, piano, etc. The list goes on and on. The majority of these activities would not be possible without volunteer parents. My daughter has been playing sports since before Kindergarten and every year there was a Dad that volunteered to coach. I took that for granted! This year, the Dad that has been coaching them moved to Tennessee and someone new needed to step up. It happened to be my husband. He and two other Dads are working together to coach ten girls in basketball. I'm so excited for him and my daughter because I know they are thrilled to share this activity. For my son's team we were lucky that there was already a Dad that was set up to do it but he told us today that next year someone else will have to do it because he will move up to the next age group. Hopefully there will be a parent that can step up and volunteer to do that.

Without volunteers there are many things that couldn't be done. During my running days, I was so very grateful for all of the race volunteers that would come out to cheer us on or give us water or bananas. I couldn't have made it through without them. I have done my own share of volunteering as well and it really gives me a good feeling inside when I do it.

I'm so thankful for those that volunteer and I'm also thankful for those times when I am able to return the favor.

...Cell Phones

Day 13
Today, I realized how incredible having my cell phone really is. Not only does it allow me to get in touch with people but I have so many different options to do it! I can call, text or even message them on facebook/twitter. I am not a big fan of talking on the phone so having the ability to just type up a message and send it to someone it awesome.

The reason I was thankful for my phone today was because it is helping me with Christmas lists. My kids are always telling me things they want for Christmas when we are out and about. I can't remember all of that! Today, I started a list on my phone so I can refer to it when I need to. That isn't the only list I have on my phone. I also keep a list of books I would like to read or that the kids would like to read so we have that list when we are at the library or the bookstore.

I don't really have a lot to say on this subject but when I thought about what made my day easier today, my cell phone came to mind. :-)

...Mother's Intuition

Day 12


poor Mason! the inside of his lip looked a lot worse.

A couple of weeks ago I got a phone call from the school and my son, Mason, had bumped heads with another boy in his class. The other boy walked away fine but Mason busted his lip open on the inside and in the process hurt one of his front teeth. I had a hard time trying to decide if he needed to go to the doctor and/or dentist. I called and texted my husband but didn't hear back from him for a couple of hours so I decided on my own that I would take him to the doctor because I was afraid his lip might need to be stitched. I was also worried about his tooth because he kept saying it hurt but it wasn't bleeding. By the time, my husband got back to me I was on my way to the doctor and he didn't think it was necessary.

A Mother's Intuition is an amazing thing! The doctor actually saw us rather quickly and said that they don't normally suture on the inside of the mouth but he would definitely need antibiotics. Thank goodness I took him! For a few days after, I kept asking about his tooth but all he kept saying was that it was loose and it was going to fall out. He was so excited.

Last weekend, we were getting ready to go have the kids pictures made and I took a look at Mason and noticed that the tooth looked different. It was a little bit gray. I knew then that he was going to have to have it removed. We made it through pictures and I don't think you will be able to tell in the professional shots but we haven't seen those yet.

On Monday, I called the dentist and set up an appointment for yesterday. I swear by the time I got him to the dentist yesterday afternoon the tooth was a silver color and after we had been at the dentist for about 20 minutes it was five shades darker than that. The dentist explained what I already knew. The root had been damaged and died so the tooth needed to come out. His permanent teeth are still too far up so they wouldn't have pushed the baby tooth out in time.


They started the gas on him and I was a little   worried because what if he didn't understand what numb meant and they hurt him somehow because he wasn't numb enough. However, we knew he was ready when he asked me why I had four legs. The whole extraction only took about two minutes and WOW! The size of the tooth is amazing. Since it was a baby tooth and the permanent tooth had not started to descend, the root of the tooth was still intact and had not been absorbed. It looked disgusting and I was so glad to have it out of his mouth. He was a rockstar and never cried and still hasn't complained about it hurting. He went right back to school today as if nothing had happened. 

 

 

It wasn't the way I had envisioned him losing his first tooth but he thinks it is the coolest story and one day it will be an awesome story for him to tell his children. I'm so glad that the "mother's intuition" kicked in and helped me to keep an eye on things so I would know when something was wrong. And because of that, I have one snaggletoothed, happy little boy.

 

...My Co-workers

Day 11
I laugh everyday. Sometimes I laugh until I cry. My co-workers are my second family. We laugh together, cry together and are always there for one another. I have been working here for six years and I don't ever remember a time when we weren't together. It's like we have always known each other. We know each other's spouses and kids and in some cases even their extended families!

We enjoy each other's company at work but we even like to hang out at other times too. Sometimes we tailgate at each other's houses. One of us has an annual Halloween costume party at her house. We host an annual Tacky Christmas party at our house. We genuinely like to be together! We have lost a few employees over my years there but we still keep in touch.

one of the first Tacky Christmas Parties

another Tacky Christmas Party...our crowd grows every year!

My closest co-workers are my friends Edie and Laurie. We are together all day everyday and never run out of things to talk about. Right now, we are going through a difficult period at work and we have really leaned on each other to try to make it through. I love that I can count on these girls to back me up when I need it but I also appreciate the times they can tell me I am wrong and need to rethink things. We do that for each other and feel comfortable doing it. It's just nice to know they are on your side.

I look forward to going to work everyday to hear their funny or stressful stories of what happened after work and of course I have stories of my own too! They are my rock and if they didn't work there I would enjoy it as much. They are like my sisters and I truly am thankful for them.

...Doctors

Day 10
Today I am so very thankful for doctors. The Nyquil was working temporarily but it was time to go to the doctor. I did not enjoy the 3 hours it took to get in, see the doctor and get out. However, I did enjoy getting the steroid shot and I just took my first dose of meds. I am counting down the minutes until I can get home and take my good, prescription strength cough syrup.

I have finally reached that age where the doctors are younger than me. When this guy walked in, I thought I must be on some sort of secret camera show. He was super young with acne and his scrubs were a wrinkled mess. He actually never even touched me. That is what is so funny to me these days. When you go into what is commonly referred to as the "doc in the box" the nurse practitioner is the one that actually checks you out and diagnoses you. The doctor just comes in so that they can report it on insurance. Most insurance will not cover the nurse practitioner.

Whether it is a doctor or a nurse practitioner, I am extremely thankful that they are around.

...Nyquil

Day 9

Plain and simple. Today I am thankful for Nyquil. I have a sinus/cold thing going on right now and Nyquil is the only thing (over the counter) that helps me get any sleep and any relief.

...Accountable People

Day 8
This one may not make a lot of sense at first. I can't stand for someone to try to pass off the blame onto someone else or shirk their responsibilities. In my eyes, it doesn't look good. I get angry at the person trying to pass the blame especially when that person is ultimately the one in charge. "The Buck Stops Here" is a phrase that I firmly believe in. If you are in charge of something and you have people that work under you, whatever happens is your fault. I know that may seem harsh but I believe it. If you were keeping an eye on things and kept up with what was going on then you shouldn't have a problem because you could stop it before it got to far.

I also get frustrated with people that can't just answer a question. For example, my husband called the school today to let them know one of the basketball goals needed to be fixed. He was told it had been that way for years. That was it. No explanation. Of course, my husband and I jump to conclusions and assume that the people in charge of that are too lazy to get anything done about it! So I decided to ask for clarification since I am trying to have a more positive attitude about things. It turns out the reason it has been that way for years is because there is no money to fix it. In the long list of repairs or upgrades for the school, it isn't one of the highest priorities on the list and we understand that. We understand now why it hasn't been fixed and we aren't angry anymore. BUT if someone else were to call and get that same answer of "it's been that way for years" they may not call back for clarification. Then they may talk to another parent who talks to another parent and so on and so on until it gets around that our maintenance department is lazy and the school doesn't care about the basketball goal. I realize I am going on and on in long sentences but I felt the need to rant.

So today, I am thankful for accountable people that do say, "I'm sorry. That was my fault." Or the people that say, "I don't know the answer to that but I will find out for you." They make my life happy and I appreciate their kindness.

...My Husband

Day 7
I have a fantastic husband. We have been married for 10 years and while everyday hasn't been blissful, most of the days have.

I feel very lucky to have him and I am very thankful for the marriage we have. So many of my friends are already divorced and we are in our early thirties! My husband was married before for a brief period of time in his twenties. Divorce is so easy these days. Instead of happily every after it has turned into until we aren't happy anymore. I realize there are many cases where divorce is necessary but I think it is sad that it is so common. In the newspaper there are more files for divorce than requests for marriage licenses.

My husband and I talk all the time. We do a lot of stuff together but we also have our separate things. We work together to make our family work. My husband is very good about helping me out with getting our kids to their different activities and doctors appointments. He is always there for me when I need him and he is always on my side. Sure we have our arguments but I think it is healthy to do that occassionally. Without those little arguments we wouldn't know how to compromise.

I'm so glad that our kids see us hug and hear us talk and joke around. Right now they think it is gross but later on in life they will have those great memories of their parents and how much they loved each other.

I am so thankful that he is in my life and he makes everyday better. I have no doubt that our marriage will last because we work so well together and we love each other so much.

...Saturdays

Day 6
I love a good Saturday. I love Saturdays where I can sleep late and I have absolutely nothing to do. I love Saturdays where I have to be up early and have activities planned throughout the day. It doesn't matter what I fill my Saturdays with. I just love them because I don't have to do my normal routine. Monday through Friday are full of work, extracurricular activities and then bed. Sundays are filled with church. Sometimes our Sunday afternoons are filled with extra plans but Saturdays are different.

My favorite kind of Saturday is a rainy Saturday. I love sitting in my pajamas in my recliner with a good book. I love snuggling up with a cozy blanket and watching TV. All of my little family is inside with me and everything is calm and relaxing. The only thing better than a rainy Saturday is a cold, rainy Saturday. Then a fire is involved :-)

In a world where we are creatures of habit and we run from one event to the next, Saturdays are a welcome break and for that, I am thankful.

...My Job

Day 5
Like many people, my job gives me many challenges. However, I am so thankful that I have it.

I have loved just about every job I've ever had. I've been a Veterinary Assistant, Admissions Counselor, Medical Assistant and a Director of Alumnae and Annual Fund. My current job is as a Secretary/Webmaster. I definitely took a big pay cut and a little bit of a step down (my pride gets in the way a little).

My director job was an hour away and at the time I had a newborn at home. I decided that I was missing too much and needed something closer to home. The President of the school my kids now attend needed a secretary and the school's website was in dire need for some updating. So seven years ago, I made the move. Last year, the President retired and the school decided not to replace her. They thought having two principals would be enough and I was a little worried about my job. I mean, how can you have a President's Secretary with no President? Thankfully, they felt like they still needed me because in the last seven years I have added more and more to my plate.

My job gives me lots of benefits. I don't mean medical or retirement or anything like that. I actually get personal benefits. I get to see my kids at school everyday. I know their teachers and know that I can get in touch with them very easily. My kids know everyone on this campus because they have both been raised here. It is because of this job that I am able to attend school parties. Today, I am driving four kids on a field trip and I get to do that with no hassle because I work here and everyone understands. This morning I attended Mass with my kids. If it is their birthday I have no problem getting to eat lunch with them. And one of the nicest benefits is if my children get sick at school everyone understands that not only do they need to go home but they have to because of a fever or stomach bug.

Sure, I have my issues and my bad days but when I really think about it I am so very lucky to be where I am. Do I look for other jobs? Yes, I do because I know that my kids will not want me at their school forever. They will need a little bit of privacy and room to grow without me watching over them at school. But for right now, I am thankful to be where I am.