The kids are not yet awake, so we won't get out for a quick soccer game as I hoped. I wanted to get moving before the gorge.
But looking at these angels of mine, I can't help but to think that I'm so thankful I have them - even though they sometimes drive me crazy.
For Alex - my first born - I'm thankful he didn't lose his kidney this year after our emergency room visit in June, and I'm thankful he braved all the tests and made it through his surgery shortly after. I'm hopeful his kidney hasn't lost any more function (I kinda like the idea of a backup, at least until he's 40) and the doctors will figure out why he suddenly has very high blood pressure.
I'm also thankful that he is doing better at school, given his learning disabilities. I love it when he does his homework more often than not without prompting and that he is less resistant to reading.
For Julia - my "baby doll" - I'm thankful she does so well in school. She's a super reader and advanced in math. I hope she always is proud to be a smart little girl and she doesn't bend over backwards to please a boy.
I'm thankful she's healthy, and pray that it stays that way. It's eye-opening how easily health can be taken away (based on our summer emergency room visit).
For my husband, Jeff, I'm thankful that we are together. Marriages are work, and there are those days we don't get along. But at least we are respectful of our differences and that our love is strong.
I'm thankful that Jeff helps shuttle the kids to ballet, soccer and Girl Scouts. If he didn't do this, the kids couldn't be involved in any activities or I'd have to quit my job and find something part time.
I'm also thankful that Jeff is healthy and that he tries to help around the house.
I'm thankful I got the family I have. Who knows why we end up with the family we do, but I couldn't pick a better one.
For my Dad - I'm thankful that you pushed us when we were little - it made us work hard. And I'm hopeful you don't have any more health scares.
For my Mom - I'm thankful for your honesty and friendship. I'm sorry for all those arguments growing up, but you were right in so many cases. You helped make me the strong woman I like to think I am today, and I appreciate that.
For my little sister - I'm thankful we are friends despite all those silly fights growing up. I'm also thankful that you are healthy and that you found a good (and fun) husband.
For my little brother - I'm thankful that we became friends despite our age difference and that you are a good father and husband (and have a nice wife). I'm proud of your faith, too.
For all my in-laws - I'm thankful I don't have any of those silly in-law fights that I have witnessed/hear about. Life's too short to fight about dumb things.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
