Just yesterday I celebrated my birthday, and for the last thirty years I have had the privileged of having my birthday fall on thanksgiving weekend. This really is a privilege because not only do I have the most delicious birthday meal but I also have the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and reflect on everything we have to be thankful for. Over the years we have lost many family members to illness and distance but the traditions have remained the same, and the love is always there. So as I celebrate my 30th Birthday, I want to share 30 things I am grateful for
- My Mom, without her I wouldn’t be here or be the person I am today.
- I’m thankful to see and celebrate my 30th Birthday, my Dad lost his fight to cancer at the age of 27 and I’d be lying if I said that doesn’t worry me about my health.
- My husband and partner, we have built our life together and overcome the many hurdles life has thrown at us.
- My sister, my oldest and dearest friend. No one knows or understands me quite like she does and I am so lucky to have her.
- Being a Mom, even on the hard days when I yell too much or am cranky I am incredibly blessed to have my babies.
- For tomorrow (see above), parenting is hard and knowing that tomorrow is a new day, a chance to be kinder and do better makes me feel a little less guilty about my less than perfect parenting days.
- My oldest son, the one who made me a Mama and challenges me on a daily basis with his whit and humor — I love him more than words can say.
- My youngest son, a sweet soul who is quick to put the needs of his brother and sister above his own — I love him more than words can say.
- My daughter, my last baby who has grown up waaaay too fast and has the attitude of a teenager — I love her more than words can say.
- Friends that are more like family, who lift me up and share my joys, sorrows and everything in between.
- Extended family, we have a large extended family and while we don’t see them often there is nothing but love when we do.
- For my husband’s family — it is so special to me how when you meet your partner you get not only them but their family too. It reminds me of a children’s book that ends on “and that’s a lot of love!”
- For my faith, in God, in love and in humanity
- This community, I am so thankful for everyone who reads, engages and takes the time to see what is happening here at Modern Mama Edmonton — without you I wouldn’t be here
- Growing up in Edmonton (and surrounding area), I just love all that our city has to offer and having the opportunity to see that growth and change has been amazing.
- Coffee! I wouldn’t be able to mother my three children without the help of coffee
- The amazing business women (and men) I have met since starting this journey with Modern Mama; there are too many to name and I’m sure they know who they are. They have supported, encouraged and guided me along the way.
- I am grateful to Connie Peters, the original Modern Mama who has allowed me into her world and given me “the reins” of Modern Mama Edmonton.
- Access to food, this may sound cliche but I am especially grateful for access to food and water, through the power of social media I am reminded of how many people are not so fortunate.
- Social Media — while social media isn’t all good, it certainly can be used to connect old friends, stay in contact with family members and seek and share advice on parenting and all the other things.
- Neighbours who keep an eye on my kids when they are outside or who lend me a missing ingredient to spare a trip to the store.
- My husband was able to keep his job during this economic downturn, given his line of work this was a surprise and blessing.
- For snow, as I write this my little ones are playing in our freshly-covered-in-snow backyard. They were/are overjoyed with our early snowfall
- The Stollery Children’s Hospital — all three of my children have accessed the Stollery at different points in their lives and we are incredibly grateful to the staff, doctors and nurses who give their hearts to the children in their care.
- Having two vehicles has been a huge blessing to our family, my husband is able to get himself to work and I am able to take the kids and myself, everywhere.
- A roof over our heads and clothing on our backs — again something that is often taken for granted.
- For my kitchen skills, the ability to cook and bake with ease and enjoyment.
- My husband can cook too!! This has been a life saver over the years, I do the majority of the cooking but from time to time my husband makes us something delicious!
- My education, following high school I attended Grant MacEwan University and graduated from the Early Childhood Development program. Not only did this program make me a great Early Childhood Educator, it has also made me a better mother.
- School!!! My oldest is now in Kindergarten and “middle guy” is in playschool — they love going and I love that they are learning a new routine, making new friends and are out of the house for few hours!
Well that is 30 things i’m grateful for; I’m sure I could go on and on with all the things but I’ll save those for another day. What are you most grateful for?
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
**Image Credit: FO Photography**
