A Month of Gratitude: Day 16

I am grateful that I get to spend Thanksgiving with my family in Illinois. It's been more than a year since I've seen most of my family back "home." My lovely niece was out here to visit this summer. And I got to go back to see my nephew graduate from high school last May. That was the last time I saw two of my brothers and their families. And it's been longer than that since I saw my brother who lives in Michigan. We haven't seen him and his family since Thanksgiving two years ago. We need to remedy that.

I don't think Milo really remembers his aunts and uncles because he said, "I can't see Uncle Jim. He's mad at me." What's that about?

It's been too long since we've spent time with my side of the family. I'm thankful we get to see them soon. They are all going to get big ol' bear hugs.

"I'm strong!"

A Month of Gratitude: Day 15

I am grateful for many things we don't often think about. It's easy to take conveniences for granted, but today, I am thankful for grocery stores. I'm especially thankful for pre-cooked meals at the grocery store. The leftovers I planned to cook last night turned into a disaster. I guess some things are not meant to be refrigerated and reheated. Never mind what it was supposed to be, it came out a gloppy mess.

The S.O. ran to the store and bought chicken and mashed potatoes from the deli area at the grocery store. We added a vegetable, and dinner was ready in a few minutes with no tears (well, just a few).

I am really thankful I don't have to grow my own food and butcher my own meat. I could if I had to but I am so glad I don't have to.

A Month of Gratitude: Day 14

I am grateful for our public library system.

I have loved books my entire life. I am trying to instill a love of book in Milo too. It seems to be working. The library is such a big part of that task because it would be silly to buy every book we read to the boy. Some of the books we check out are big hits -- big enough that we do end up buying him the book. Some are huge flops and only get read once before being returned. We have discovered new authors and rediscovered books that the S.O. and I loved as kids. We have learned that Milo especially likes books about dinosaurs, aliens, robots and any kind of transportation. (He's such a boy!)

Without the library, we would probably be stuck reading the same books over and over and over. I think even a 2-year-old gets tired of hearing how a dinosaur loves his dog after a while. Or, we would have invested a small fortune in buying books -- many that would just collect dust. The same goes for the S.O. and me. We check out at least a couple books each every month, some enjoyed, some returned unread.

We often take the library for granted but I really am grateful for it.

A Month of Gratitude: Day 13

I am grateful for the people who are helping me raise my son. No, not my family members -- although I am extremely grateful for them -- but the people outside my family who help out all the time. Mainly, I'm talking about the people at The Little Gym (especially Lisa, Valerie and Caitlin) and VillaKids, the kids' club at my gym.

We've been going since Milo was a wee babe, and the folks at these two gyms have helped so much in his development, both socially and physically.

The Little Gym has given both Milo and me a place to make friends and burn off energy. It's also taught Milo how to follow directions and work and play with other kids.

Milo accepts a medal on "show day" at The Little Gym

VillaKids gives me time to work out and recharge while giving Milo a place to play without Mommy hovering over him. They also teach songs and games and give him a chance to socialize with other kids -- again, without Mommy supervision. One of the best parts is that the folks at VillaKids continually tell me how well behaved Milo is. Something I don't always see.

I'm pretty sure The Little Gym and VillaKids have helped me be a better mom -- and allowed Milo and I time away from each other so our time together can be more relaxed.

A Month of Gratitude: Day 12

I am grateful for my friends.

Some of my friends I have had for a very long time. We may not see each other all that often -- hardly at all, in some cases -- but when we see each other or chat, it's just like old times.

Then I have some of my friends I've known just a short time. Still, sometimes it feels like we've know each other forever. It's great to make a new friend who really gets you -- or at least let's you be yourself around her.

I count myself extremely lucky to have a handful of friends who feel like family -- people who know they can call or text any time and I'll be there for them because I love them that much. While I am most grateful for those friends, I am thankful for all the folks in my life I call friends.

A Month of Gratitude: Day 11

Today is Veterans Day. I am grateful for people who have served in the military and for those who are currently serving.

My dad was in the Air Force long before I was born so I have no idea what it's like to grow up in a military family. But I have friends and extended family who do. I remember hearing about my cousins who lived in Germany. They probably weren't there all that long but it seemed like I never saw them until they were grown up. I have friends who spend long months away from their spouses and children in service to our county. I know plenty of people who have made big sacrifices to be in the Army and Air Force -- or to be married to people serving. I am grateful for them because I don't know if I could make the same sacrifices they do. And until the people of the world can figure out how to get along and stop blowing each other up, some of us will have to make sacrifices and fight for our country.

A Month of Gratitude: Day 10

I am grateful to have had the mom I had. I miss her constantly and wish she could have met Milo. I wish Milo could have known her the way my nieces and nephews did. Still, I'm grateful for the time I had with her. I am grateful for the things she taught me about being a mom. I am grateful for the things I learned just from knowing her and watching her. I am grateful for the how she raised my brothers and me -- the values she instilled in us. I am grateful I had her as a role model for the kind of mom I want to be.

Mom and the S.O. on my 40-something birthday