Gratitude Challenge: Day 5

Today I am grateful for:

1. My church 

2. My kids' determination, silliness, and charitable hearts

3. My husband and his willingness to journey on this wild roller coaster of a life we share

Gratitude Challenge: Day 4

Today, I am grateful for...

1. My kids' teachers: They watch over my children, taking care to share stories with me and check in with concerns; they teach my kids invaluable lessons yet learn from them as well. Even after we've moved on to new school years, they still welcome them with hugs and smiles. It's not always easy for them, I know (as I'm that mom, especially when it comes to Alex!), but they should know that we value their impact on our kids' lives.

2. Our dog, Maisey: A self-admitted cat person, this sweet beagle rescue pup has nestled her way into my heart as I thought no dog ever could. She tolerates the boys' loud  nonsense, lets Addie snuggle her when she's frustrated with her brothers, and sits at my feet as I write. She's a good dog, even though she pees on the floor (usually after the boys irritate her, but still), and she brings joy to our house like a family dog should.

3. Our generous family and friends: Team Alex has unofficially exceeded our fundraising goal of $7500 (I'm still waiting to receive some checks), which is just astounding. Even more amazing is that I haven't been blocked by every one of my Facebook friends for posting about the Buddy Walk every day since March 21st. We appreciate your support!

Gratitude Challenge: Day 3

It has been a long, challenging evening with Alex, so I am digging deep to identify three things for which I am grateful today:

1. Febreze Sleep Serenity spray: fingers crossed it helps me relax enough to get to sleep tonight. If nothing else, it smells nice.

2. Old photos: while looking through a bunch of stuff to find something (it is around here somewhere, but I just can't find it, and that is infuriating), I came across a bunch of old photos which gave me pause to stop, smile, and remember days gone by. (Throwback Thursday will be fun this week!)

3. Hostess Cupcakes: don't judge me.

Gratitude Challenge: Day 1

There are several trends circulating on Facebook, as always, but the Gratitude Challenge is a good way to remind ourselves of all the things in our lives for which we are thankful. I can say, with complete certainty, that it is easy to forget these things when life's chaos escalates (back to school, ugh!).

So, I give to you my first three things for which I am grateful:

1. Inclusive Opportunities for Alex: As many parents of children with special needs do, we struggle in securing inclusive experiences for Alex. School, sports, and extracurricular activities all present many opportunities for Alex, but not everything is adapted as easily as it could be. When Alex came home last week and expressed excitement over the 4th Grade Strings Program, I was both happy and apprehensive. I thought it would just be one more battle. I am relieved to report that it's been surprisingly easy so far! Not only is the teacher excited to have him, he should also have an aide for the after-school program (I didn't even have to ask!), and the staff at a local strings store was lovely and didn't bat an eye because Alex isn't the typical student. It's been awesome. Alex is still quite excited!
2. Confidence-Building Opportunities for Addie: Ad gets her shyness from me, I will admit. She is quiet and reserved, until you really get to know her. I have seen how my introverted ways have held me back in certain situations, and I'm eager to help her learn how to not be so quiet. Addie has an opportunity to serve as a class assistant for her dance studio, so she will get to help teach 5-6 year olds in addition to taking her own classes. She is over the moon with excitement, and I am hopeful this will build her confidence so her inner light can shine through a bit brighter.
3. Snuggles from Andrew: Last week, I took Andrew to a friend's birthday party. Before we left the house, he informed me that I shouldn't talk to him at the party, because I might embarrass him. KINDERGARTEN!! He is in Kindergarten. This is way too early to start being ashamed of his old mom, and apparently, my expression reflected this sentiment because he quickly retracted it. He still needs snuggles throughout the day, and I do appreciate each one, because I know that all too soon he won't take back his instructions to not embarrass him in front of friends.

Stay tuned for the next three items in tomorrow's blog...