Gratitude Post 19

Today was another normal day, then something extraordinary happened. I received a message from my friend, Tony. We've been friends since high school, and known each other since elementary school. I affectionately refer to him as, "Ma unny!".

Gratitude Day 19: I'm grateful for long-term friendships.

I talked to Tony today for what felt like hours. Video chat on Facebook is the most amazing invention! To be able to see his face even though he's so far away, it warmed me from the inside out. I'm go glad we've been able to maintain a friendship though so many years have passed. There are thousands of miles in between us, and we've only been able to see each other twice in the last 10 years, but he still knows me, he gets me, and I know I'll never find another friend like him.

We sat by each other on the bus in elementary school, but didn't become close until high school. Our junior and senior year we were inseparable, we went to prom together, had sleep-overs, and told each other everything. Years have passed and we've both grown, we don't talk as much, but when we do, we pick up wherever we left off. I know when I go back home for a visit, there's a familiar face eager to see me. I look forward to many more years of friendship and laughter with him.

Gratitude Post 18

So I missed another day. Story of my life.

Gratitude Day 18: I'm grateful for photographs.

At least once a week, I find myself scrolling through old photos of my family. My sweet, innocent children. Watching them grow, frame by frame, and loving my ability to capture every important event. From a random afternoon to Christmas morning, and everything in between, I've got hundreds, thousands even, of photographs to remember every little last detail of my amazing life.

Technology has advanced so much, I love being able to print the photos I choose, edit and crop ones that didn't turn out just right, and delete anything that was a mistake. I can share the pictures with family and friends with just the click of a button. Knowing I'll have these images forever, despite any tragedies, it soothes my soul.

Laila 1 month

Laila 7 years

Kenadi 1 week

Kenadi 4 years

Dustin 1 week

Dustin 2 years

Gratitude Post 17

Finally, after the longest day I've had in ages, I'm sitting down to blog. Today's gratitude comes easy. My long day could have been hours longer if it weren't for the most amazing kitchen gadget ever!

Gratitude Day 17: I'm grateful for my KitchenAid Mixer.

Today, I had a really big order going out for my business, "Sweet Eats" by Joli. There was a family celebrating a Sweet 16 party, and I was blessed enough to be able to bake for them. The order was one of the biggest I've had so far: 8 dozen cake ball pops and 7 dozen cupcakes! Wow!! It took me 4 days to get it all finished, piping out the last of the icing this afternoon just before delivery! My amazing mixer whipped through those batches of cakes like nobody's business! Icing was done in just minutes! It was one of the best purchases I've ever made!

Gratitude Post 16

I'm now officially more than halfway through the month! My blessings are continuing with ease, and I love having something to post about each day.

Gratitude Day 16: I'm grateful for my dog.

I was very, very adamant about not getting a dog. We had a puppy a few years ago and it didn't work out, she was more than I could handle with 2 small kids, the last thing I wanted was a dog now that we have 3 small kids! One day, Dustin called me from work and told me an officer rescued a puppy from a car and brought her up to dispatch, and somehow, she managed to attach herself to him. It was right around the girls birthdays so I caved-what child doesn't want a sweet puppy for their birthday?

Now, nearly 18 months later, I love her to bits. Lylli was a fabulous addition to our family, she's growing right along 3 kids who love to have her. It's a wonderful feeling to see them be greeted by her when we come home. They care for her, making sure she has food and water, they pet her and love to play with her throughout the day.

I hope the kids have great memories of her when they remember their childhood, growing up with a household pet. I did, I had a dog for 14+ years and loved every minute of it. Deep down, I'm truly happy we have her.

Gratitude Post 15

Did I miss another day? Appears so. Darn it. Here's another double whammy.

Gratitude Day 15: I'm grateful for my washing machine.

There are days I literally watch the laundry pile up around me. 5 people in 1 house is no joke when it comes time to do the chores. That's 5 dishes to clean after each meal; 5 pair of shoes at the end of the day to line up by the door; and 5 outfits to wash when it's time for clean clothes. No one in our house wears pajamas more than one night, so add 5 pair of those in there too. In fact, I believe I blogged about this once before, it eventually got on my nerves so bad I had to create a schedule for washing clothes! There's not a single day that I don't have a load scheduled. To keep this home running smoothly, I just suck it up and push through. If I get behind a day, you better believe we all notice!

I know back in the day, washing machines didn't exist, and that just blows my mind. The scene from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" pops into my head, when Charlie's mom is washing laundry in those big nasty bins. Not my idea of a good time. And back then, families were huge! Tons of kids! Sounds nearly impossible to me! I may be too reliant on modern conveniences, but this is one things I truly appreciate!

Gratitude Post 14

Today I have so much to do I hardly know where to start. Yikes.

Gratitude Day 14: I'm grateful for coffee.

Every morning starts out the same. I'm tired, dragging ass out of bed, no matter what time I go to bed the night before. The kids know not to even talk to me until I've at least started the coffee pot, and if you don't want your head bit off, let me at least have a few sips first.

In high school, I could rely on a soda or a tea first thing in the morning, I was used to running on fumes then. You would think by now I wouldn't have such an issue with no sleep, but for some reason I can hardly function without my morning cup.

Ok, let's not kid ourselves. I need at least two cups every morning or you're at risk for losing your face.

For some reason, coffee any other time than the morning doesn't really do much for me. I can drink it until I'm ready for bed and fall asleep with ease, but when I need to wake up at 7am, it totally does the trick.

Gratitude Post 13

Yesterday was such a long day, I had every good intention of posting my gratitude, but let's face it, life got in the way. So, again, today I'll hammer out two for anybody out there who actually cares enough to read my mindless ramblings.

Gratitude Day 13: I'm grateful for my phone.

I'm sure this post sounds awful unintelligent, maybe even a little selfish, but I am truly grateful for my phone. With it, I'm able to take photos and capture moments while I'm on the go. I have the ability to talk to my husband throughout the day while he's at work no matter where I am or what I'm doing. I can choose to answer, or not answer, a phone call or text message just based on the number I see on the screen. Most of all, it allows me to keep in touch with those who don't live nearby. During the hard times, I'm only a phone call or text away. When there's good news, a photo message is the best way to hear about it. I love being able to share my life with friends and family, near and far, with the aid of my cell phone.

Gratitude Post 12

Today, I felt like I was going to rip my hair out. My kids were wild, crazy, unruly even. They didn't listen to a word I said, I raised my voice more than I do in a month, and by the time they finally hit the sack, I was utterly exhausted. Some days are a constant struggle, and others seem to just fly by so easily.

Gratitude Day 12: I'm grateful for Laila's insulin pump.

Sometimes, I think this should have been the first thing I was grateful for this month, but I've tried to steady myself and not get too excited when I do these posts. Each night before bed, Laila checks her sugar, anything between 130 and 180 at this time of night is a winner. I can't let her go to bed any lower than 130, but anything higher than 180 is just too high. Though her daytime numbers are a little lower than this, these numbers are still a good guideline when I discuss her sugar levels with people.

This morning, Laila's sugar was 402. Extremely, extremely high. She was able to give herself insulin with her pump, check her sugar again an hour later, and once it had come down, she was able to give herself more insulin to cover the food she was having for breakfast, all with her pump. Each time she checked today, every snack or meal she had, her pump administered insulin for her.

Laila checks her sugar roughly 8-10 times a day, which means 8-10 pokes to her finger. Each time she eats, she needs insulin, even the smallest cracker requires her to have insulin. With her pump, she's able to eat as frequently and as much as she wants (within the limits of what I allow). The pump automatically calculates how much insulin she needs to bring her blood sugar down to her target range, and how much insulin she needs to cover the food she's eating. The wizard truly takes so much stress and pressure out of my day, it's unbelievable. Shots are ancient history for her, there were times she would eat and still be hungry, or just skip a snack because she didn't want the additional poke. The insulin pump allows her so much freedom, it literally brings me to tears. No child wants to get a shot, my other two scream at the thought of getting poked, and my sweet Laila was getting 8+ shots a day. With the pump, she changes her site once every 3 days, one big poke and she's done. She leaves her site on and takes her tubing and pump off for showers, swimming, and any extra rough activities.

Amazing doesn't even begin to cover how I, as her mom, feel about Laila's pump. The advances I have witnessed first hand since she started pumping just over a year ago are breath taking. I'm proud to be a mom of a diabetic, I'm impressed by her every day, and I hope my endless posts reach someone out there who needs the support, someone who needs to know they're not alone.

Gratitude Post 11

Another long day has passed and it's nearly time for bed. As I reflect on the day, the month, the year, I am grateful for so many things. Tonight, I'm choosing something completely and totally superficial, and I don't even care. 

Gratitude Day 11: I'm grateful for television.

I don't get a lot of "me" time, and when I do, I love to indulge in mindless television. It's a true story. Tonight, I'm watching the train wreck "Breaking Amish". I watched the very first episode and thought it wasn't for me, but I got sucked in and now the season finale is on. I don't record a lot of television shows, typically I'd rather read, but every night before I go to bed, I like to unwind by watching someone else's drama.

As a mom of 3, I'm very selective of what I let my children watch. There is a small number of shows I allow them to watch, but when they are allowed to watch it, they are usually glued to it! If I need a shower, a few extra minutes in the morning, or some time to get chores done, I'll admit to turning on the boob tube for a quick break. 

Taking a car ride has never been easier now that I have a vehicle with a dvd player in it-Dora to the rescue every time! Without it, running errands would take a lot longer, long trips wouldn't exist for us, and getting my son into the car would be nearly impossible! Thank you, modern technology!

Gratitude Post 10

Tonight, I'm having a hard time counting my blessings. I'm thankful for this blog, it reminds me to look around closely at the things I take for granted. It's easy to get frustrated with my kids, but I have them, they're healthy and they're mine. I get discouraged looking at the mess in my living room, but my home is safe, dry, and paid for. When I get down, I take a minute to think about how fortunate I really am.

Gratitude Day 10: I'm grateful for long distance friendships.

I have friends here in Arizona, great friends, and I love them dearly. But I also have friends that don't live here, and they hold a special place in my heart. I loving being able to pick up a phone and send a text, or find something special in the mail waiting for me. The reassurance of knowing there's someone out there thinking of me, it's a satisfying feeling.

I love having lots of friends, some friends I can cook with, others I can party with. Some of my friends like to read, others love to dance. My long distance friends, we have a special bond. We don't get to watch Grey's in the morning and drink coffee while our kids play, we can't grab a drink at happy hour, and we can't spend the afternoon shopping and getting pedicures. We have to rely on a each other, on a realationship that can't be seen, but that can be felt. Our visits are sometimes far between, months, years even, and that doesn't change anything. We have the ability to pick up where we left off, slip back into a smooth routine and easy conversation. These are the moments that make our friendships worth it. There are times it would be easier to just skip the phone call, walk past the card aisle and pass on the few minutes it takes to address an envelope, but that's what makes these friendships survive. I'm grateful for them, for the special people in my life who have stayed by my side even when it's not easy, even when I'm not there, even when we don't talk for days or months. You, my friends, mean everything to me.

Brandi-Lyn! 

Nessa!

Nicole!

Tony!

p.s. Jessica, there is no photo of us...I'm sorry!