I am Thankful....

for the routine in our lives. I am thankful that each morning we get up, get ready, have breakfast and never have to worry that we will have food. I am thankful that on some days Nick and I both go to work and Emma knows it is "Bang's day" (her babysitter). I am grateful we each have a car to get to work and that our kids will be taken care of that day. I am grateful on "Preschool Day" that we can send Emma to preschool where she learns things that I cannot teach her. I am grateful on "Preschool Day" to spend some alone time with my baby Brielle who is growing up quicker than I want her to. I am thankful for the same rotating lunches with my girls (Pasta Roni, tuna, Macaroni and Cheese, leftovers, soup). I am grateful that we have "Quiet Time" where each of my girls have a warm bed to sleep in. I am grateful for some down time while they rest when I can catch up on cleaning or enjoy some hobbies. I am thankful my husband comes home every night and gives the girls some fatherly attention. I am grateful for the day that Nick is home with the girls to bond with them (and to remember that motherhood is not easy). I am thankful my job is flexible with the days that I work so we can maximize the time with our children. I am grateful for always having food for dinner even if it is chocolate chip pancakes! I am thankful each Sunday we can rest from our week, renew our spirits, and spend more time with our family. I am grateful there is not a lot of chaos in our lives. I don't have constant worries about food, money, or shelter. My girls never wonder where their parents are or if they will have food or if they will be safe. Some people might think that my life is boring. Sure, we throw some "spice" into it like-- birthdays, swimming, shopping, holidays, movies, vacations, picnics or eating out. But the basics are always there. I am thankful for those basics. I am thankful for my wonderful family, my testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ, my safe shelter, my job, and my routine life.