This is a little late, but better late than never, right? In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm making a list of what I'm thankful for. (Groan, I know, but bear with me.) For Thanksgiving we went home, which mean I didn't have to cook. That's the first thing I'm thankful for, by the way. While we were there, I realized just how blessed we really are to have such a wonderful support network. This past year has been so unexpected and crazy, but it's the happiest I've been since I can remember. That brings me to the first thing:
My Job (or lack there of).
This was the final push I needed to go back to school for something I REALLY wanted to do. When you're 18, you're expected to know what you want to do with the rest of your life, which is ludicrous. I mean, can you imagine actually being able to handle puke, blood, etc. at the ripe old age of 21? There are those that know from a very young age that it's their destiny. I was not one of them. I always said I could never be a nurse. That was before I had kids. Now I regularly get doused in poo, pee, puke, blood, etc. I also know how to comfort someone when they're physically and emotionally in pain. I've spent the last 8 years acting as a Nurse, and now it's time I got paid for it. The business world served its purpose, but I'm happy to be out of it. But, if it weren't for the selfishness, paranoia, and disrespect I delt with at my last job, I would probably still be in the field. That pushed me to demand a job in which regardless of how badly I was treated as an employee, I would at least have the satisfaction of knowing I was making the world a better place. A wonderful bonus to being a full-time student is getting to stay home with the kids. There are definitely times in which I want to run out of the house screaming back to corporate America, but for the most part, I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to be with my kids without being rushed or feeling guilty.
Family
This year we have spent more time with extended family then I can remember. We had a blast over Thanksgiving, and I can't wait to get together again over Christmas. I miss the family get togethers we had when I was small, so I'm thankful that Wesley's family is so great about making the effort. I miss my own family, so as much as I hate to admit it, I'm glad for Facebook, since it has allowed me to get back in contact with them. I am blessed to have a mother who will drop everything to come watch the kids for me when needed. If it weren't for her, this school thing wouldn't be happening. I am also thankful for in-laws that are so supportive and provide us with that much needed alone time.
Wesley
He has been more supportive over the last 9 months than I could have anticipated or even deserved. He continues to amaze me with his devotion to his family. I am so lucky to be with someone who challenges me every day to be a better person while accepting me as I am.
The Kids
Trevor- He is the most moral, empathetic person I know. I wish I could take credit for the way he's turning out, but he was born that way. He is wise beyond his years, and I really enjoy our philosophical conversations. He can be stubborn and persistent, but he stands up for his beliefs, so I worry so much less about him now.
Victoria- What can I say? Whatever "it" is, this child has "it" and then some. Looks, personality, comedic timing- she keeps me in stitches. She is the epitome of fun. I can't stay mad at her, and forget about punishments. She forces me to be flexible and has made me an expert in the art of negotiation. She has also turned into a caring, dependable big sister- the lion to Sophie's mouse.
Sophie- She's so smart. I mean scary smart. She recognizes several letters of the alphabet on sight. She says 2 and 3 word sentences. She understands everything I say makes connections faster than most adults I know. She, like her sister, is also quite the comedienne. I'm in trouble. She's Baby Face Grace, head of the underground Seigler child mafia. She probably will be the death of me, but until then, I will enjoy every moment with her.
And finally I'm thankful for this...