Thankful. I am late, again.

I really try to do a thankful list each year and it seems like I can never quite get it together on Thanksgiving, but here goes.

2011

2012


I am thankful for highlighters, chapstick and the surprise of a colored staple. I am thankful for the invention of iPhones, but even more for that of Lifeproof cases. For the fact that we don't have to patch Anderson on Christmas day and for the 3 years of perspective that allow us to fully appreciate what a gift that will be. I am thankful that Anderson is at an age when he is equally as excited about Pop Rocks, an escalator and a cupcake I brought home from work as he is about Santa and birthdays. I am thankful every single time that Max reaches for me because when those little arms raise in the air, a little piece of Mom guilt dies. I am thankful for people with short fingernails, the fact that Reese genuinely thinks I am her Mama when Nicole is not around and changing the month on my calendar. For these little people who are proof that my heart really doesn't resemble me at all. For cheeseburgers. I am thankful for the days I have a meeting away from school in the afternoons and don't have to do bus duty, for the fact that a lot of my office supplies say "Hughes" on them since Nicole gave them to me when she moved. For the time Salsarita's messed up and gave me a $10 credit on my Rewards card, for the fact that Brandon doesn't have to shave his facial hair and for every time Max is in footie pajamas. I am thankful for themes, in general. For 2 sets of grandparents close by, for patriotic holidays, Krispy Kreme, the invention of the cotton square instead of just the ball, and that there is such a wide variety of desserts in the world. I am thankful for the constant, stable, positive force that is my mother. For Free Shipping, for that time when I was caught up, when Anderson calls me Bobble and the fact that I have a lot of energy. I am thankful for a supportive husband who has the kids by himself multiple nights a week without complaining, for people who RSVP, for twinkles in eyes, surprise mail, hashtags, the little fridge in my office and bobby pins. For Publix BOGO sales, my iPad, positively true fortune cookies, gel pens and the fact that I am lucky enough to have multiple people to put as "Emergency Contact". Mostly, I am thankful for the over achieving mothers at Anderson's school who provide lunch on their kid's birthday because that means I don't have to make his. Those days are truly magical.