Thankful *in pictures*

In no particular order, here are some things that I am thankful for: 

Thankful for when free things fall into my lap. 

 I ordered ONE pack of 4 applesauce pouches through a site that was new so there was a promotion code, free shipping, yada yada. The one pack of 4 was $1.48 shipped. Instead of one box, the company sent me 12. So, I got 48 pouches for $1.48. I don't even know what that math equals, but I know it is really cheap and amazing. 

I did send an email & they said it was their mistake, so I got to keep them. And...they sent me a credit for my next order for the "inconvenience." #keepsgettingmorefree

Also, I am thankful that my husband humored me when I ran to him shouting about free applesauce. He has learned that the appropriate responses just makes things smoother for everyone.  

Keeping with the free theme, I am thankful that I am done with the kids' Christmas presents and got some amazing deals, along the way. 

Thankful for Anderson's book selections at the Book Fair. Actually, thankful that he attends a school that has a book fair, thankful to Noni for buying him the tornado one, thankful that he loves nonfiction because that means he might love History over Science one day (all of the above are, of course, based on true events) and, most of all, THANKFUL that this kid is giddy over his very own copy of Harry Potter. 

Thankful for the glimpses of Ferg's days that I get from his school. I am eternally grateful for the grandmas and teachers who give these boys so much love while I'm at work. I am thankful for Max's personality and the fact that even though he cries every morning, I know it is all for show and he really loves being there. 

Thankful for that lone Ninja Turtle on a wall of plain reptiles because I love that my kid is unique. Also, thankful for amazing teachers, even at the pre-school level, who are not afraid to "personalize" learning for my kid. And, if all of this is not some kind of fuel for my fire of justifying sending my kid to school in his pajamas, I don't know what is. 

Thankful for this girl who has stuck with me for over a decade. She is not one who generally shows her appreciation, as she prefers to voice her concerns and sassiness, but I think she feels pretty positive about our relationship, as well. 

Thankful when I find notes in Anderson's backpack like this because...take that, mom guilt!

Thankful for this guy who will never ceases to keep us entertained/exhausted/laughing/terrified. 

I am so thankful that I had 3 flat tires in a 24 hour period because the experience made me realize how lucky I am for so many reasons. I took a pic of the first flat, sent it to B and when I called him, he answered, "Where are you? I'm on the way." He is a knight in shining armor, that one.

 Also, I am thankful we have insurance to pay for towing, savings to pay for new tires and perspective to realize the difference between an inconvenience and a tragedy. 

Thankful for when this guy takes selfies with me, work events that make me feel like a grown up and my mom who makes a pretty cheap/loving babysitter. 

Thankful that I just do not choose to fight the clothes' battle with Max, free festivals, warm weather in November and proof that I exist in my kids' childhoods. 

Thankful for, "Mama, you can't look; I am making something. Don't look! Daddy, how do you spell awesome?"

How did I get so lucky to be the mom to this guy??

Thankful for when Max rests his head on his little hand, when we read books together and the fact that my self confidence is stronger than my laziness and I am not compelled to crop the weird looking corner of my head out of this picture. 

Thankful that I have never really been content to "settle" for myself or anyone that I love, thankful that I found this picture that proves to me that IT IS NOT MY FAULT that I get a little...ahem...testy at times when someone pisses me off does something I don't agree with-it is just who I am and always have been. Thankful that I had enough gumption to fight back when the kindergarten teacher said I was supposed to be a pilgrim because I was a girl; I really wanted to be an Indian. But, mostly, what I am thankful for is that my mom was there to take the picture. As a working mom (like she was at that time,) I know the real life struggle of trying to be totally committed to 2 separate lives at once and I can only imagine the stress of missing work to drive to a kindergarten lunch, but she did it and probably didn't think twice and I am thankful. 

***Also....***

I am thankful for space heaters, courage and LaCroix water. I am thankful for displays of life details on refrigerators, that I don't like Starbucks because I think there would be a lot of temptation there if I did, wine in a box and all of the emotions and victories and struggles that the American flag represents. I am thankful for all of the flavors of Cheerios because if 17 flavors of one kind of cereal doesn't sum up the world, I don't know what does.  For morning phone calls about babysitter, dinners and chex mix. For Anderson's ability to make friends anywhere he goes. That I have so many people who love me without "unless," "although, " or "until." And, for the by product of that, which is self confidence. I am thankful for the coziness of my bed, the end of the day checklist of my FitBit steps, magnets, carbohydrates and promo codes.Thankful that when I get an email about a beach house, I don't even have to actually look at it before approving because I know my family always has our best interest at heart.  For when I cook something edible. Thankful that I am always consciously aware of exactly what I would do in any situation if I need to get out with my kids-it is always my first thought in any new place. For when I come home to an organized tupperware drawer because that means my mom visited, for when my dogs are calm, for gel nail polish that stays on longer because laziness is my friend when it comes to nails, for buying in bulk and popcorn.  For Max's laugh because it is contagious. I am thankful for the fact that I was born on third base because most people were not even born with tickets to the game; I am thankful for the turns my life has taken that have allowed me to see this difference; But, mostly, I am thankful for the powerful opportunity to maybe, just maybe, change this set up for someone.