Learning to give thanks.

The first full week of 2015 has flown by. Even though it is still early in the year, I am excited for all the blessings I can anticipate for 2015.

Earlier this week, it snowed. You might ask "so? doesn't it snow every year?" Well, yes it does. However, often times, I don't have to deal with driving in it since we get the option to telework. And driving in the snow where I live can be a pain in the behind because folks are not as careful as they should be or are overly confident of their driving skills and cause accidents.
When it snowed on Tuesday, I needed to drop JOE off at her child care provider because she doesn't drive in the snow and I needed to be able to work uninterrupted. Needless to say, the drive was BRUTAL! A typical 15-minute commute took over an hour. It was long and even though I grumbled about it, I was glad we made it there safe and I made it back safe.
The best part was when my daughter turned to me right after we got there and said "momma, do you want to build a snowman?" Its a song line from the movie Frozen. It was really sweet and it made me realize that what I saw as a nuisance, she saw as a way to enjoy some time with me. Thankful for that lesson.

Later that day, J left work early and picked up JOE on his way home so I wouldn't have to do it. He immediately went outside after changing to clear out the snow. I am thankful for this blessing as well. I offered to help and he said "no, stay and relax." Not a lot of husbands say that or they say it and come in the house upset. My hubby said it, went outside, cleaned out the snow and came in the house with a smile on his face and ready to play with our daughter. Another blessing for which I am thankful for.

My daughter now knows the word "selfie!" Yes, I saw selfie and she says "cheeesssseeee!" Its too cute! I love taking selfies with her. She also likes to put her hands up on her face. Not sure why but I think it is cute.
Thankful for that beautiful smile.

This pregnancy has been quite similar to my last with one exception. At 26-weeks, I am yet to gain any weight. I am not exercising crazily and with the exception of walking about 2-miles while at work during my lunch break, I don't do anything additional. Also, while I have an appetite for LOTS of food, I can't eat past 8-10 bites before I am FULL! I mean, so full that it starts to impair my breathing. Not sure what gives but I guess this baby might be using up more space inside of me than JOE did. Eitherways, I am thankful for a healthy pregnancy so far. I don't feel bloated, my arms and legs aren't swollen and with the exception of feeling tired all the time, I feel good.

26-weeks pic was from last week.

OK. This one is a toughy. JOE does NOT like to get her hair done. I only wash and condition her hair once a week then I either do single braids or cornrows. It is often a struggle but at the end of the day, she always looks in the mirror and says "thank you momma, I like it!" So while I do sometimes see it as a pain in the you know what, I am thankful for a grateful little girl who I absolutely LOVE. I am thankful that her hair is thriving despite the fact that I get frustrated and dread doing it on a weekly basis. I am also thankful for a hubby that allows his daughter to adorn his hair with lots of hair bows and clips on a weekly basis as a way to keep her entertained while her hair is being done.

I am thankful for every moment she lays on my chest and says "momma, I want to cuddle." It really reminds me of her innocence and I pray that we'll continue to have a tight bond as we grow. She is truly THE BEST part of J and I. 

I am thankful for my little comedian. The other day, I was on the phone with a friend of mine while cooking. JOE interrupts me and says "momma look, I'm a rock star!" I turned around and this is what I saw. It made me laugh so hard. Indeed, she is a rockstar. Loving that she put on a bracelet, sunglasses and even "lipstick" (from her bag on the couch) to make the transformation.

Overall, I have so many things to be thankful for. Sometimes, it is hard to see the sun through the clouds but the one thing I am always assured of is that eventually, the sun will come out. 

Have a fabulous weekend, be thankful for what you have and remember to be kind to strangers!