The Colvin Spot: 30 Days of Thanks

So, my friend posted on facebook that she was going to do 30 days of thanks - which meant that in each of her status messages she's said what she's thankful for. Instead of doing it on there I made a post about it. Each day in November I've added to it until today, the last day of the month. Sometimes I had to do two or more days at a time because I forgot but since I also did defensive driving online this month I was on the computer every night! (I wrote this paragraph on November 1st, and am here to tell you on November 30th that I did not do defensive driving every night. In fact, I smashed it all into about 8 days toward the end of the month like the good little procrastinator I am.)

This is not in priority order or anything - this is what, at the end of the day, I was thankful for that day. Obviously I am incredibly thankful for my husband and my wonderful kids and our families but I was trying to be a little more broad than that (though they have been included in the list). So, here it goes.

Stroller Strides! It will get me back in shape! And gives us something to do 3-5 days a week!
Online defensive driving! I can do it a little bit each night from the comfort of my own home and not have to go somewhere and sit for a full 8 hours!

Clean teeth and no cavities! Had a dentist appt today for the first time in almost a year and for maybe the 2nd time in my life I didn't need any work done! Yay!

Sales on chocolate chips! I had stocked up and so glad I did because today Kayla and I could make some yummy brownie cookie bars that needed lots of chocolate chips!

Naps, even late ones! Kayla has decided she doesn't need to nap every day, which is really hard on both of us. Today was one of the no nap days... until I put us in the car at 4:30 to go to the store and she fell asleep at 4:34! Little late for a nap, but we let her sleep until 6pm and she still went to bed pretty much on time and was a happy little camper until then. I will always be thankful that she naps, even if I don't love getting her to nap.

Clouds! That's right - I'm thankful for clouds. You know why? Because they make the most beautiful sunsets! I could say I was thankful for the sun, or for my vision, but I'm going with the clouds. I love CA sunsets, especially winter ones or ones where you can see the rays coming down through the clouds. Awesome!

Crafty friends! My friend made this super cute hat and diaper cover so my little man could have adorable, and blackmail worthy, pictures!

The Internet! Especially email and Facebook. I know, I know, not everyone likes facebook (my husband included) but I know more about my distant friends now than I did before. There's not always time to talk to everyone you want to talk to but quick little updates on Facebook or short emails are enough to keep you in the loop.

Thinning hair shampoo! Tried it yesterday (after my postpartum hormones kicked in a few weeks ago and made sure that I would go bald sooner rather than later) and already I see a difference.

Surgeons! My step nephew obviously had fantastic surgeons working on his little 6 month old heart today! I'm so thankful that medicine and skill has progressed to be able to fix his little holes!

Veterans! My grandad and my brother in law both served in the armed forces, in wars no less, and I am thankful that they put themselves on the line to protect us. I hope they got some free food today - lots of places were offering it!

Mom friends! There is no one else in the world who can relate to you like mom friends can. We aren't free from judgement but there is always someone who has been where you are and always someone who can commiserate with you.

Playgrounds! They kept Kayla busy aaaaallll day today - at Mickey D's and two parks and through naptime. Up the stairs, down the slide. Up the stairs, down the slide. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

So Cal Dallas Cowboys Fan Club! Sure I might not like Eric to be gone any more than he has to be but I'm glad he has a group of friends that he can hang out with, relax with, have fun with on a regular basis. We all need that. Speaking of Eric...

My husband! I am incredibly thankful for what Eric does for our family - from now being the sole financial provider to making us laugh to doing the laundry (yes, ladies, you read right, my husband does the laundry!).

Pump It Up! We went there today after not having gone in a while and Kayla had sooooo much fun with the other girls we went with. Such a good way to spend $3-$6! Her little smiling face is worth so much mor1

My sense of hearing! (bet you never thought I'd get to the simple stuff, huh?) I love that I can hear Kayla and Tyler both babbling/talking away or - better yet - laughing. It's such a sweet sound!

Mom's Night Out! Once a month I get together with my mom friends, no kids, no husbands - just something fun to do and food to grub on. Soooo nice!

Google calendar and tasks! If you know me you know I love lists and (as I mentioned) I love the Internet so naturally, I'm thankful that I can do my lists and see all the stuff we've got going on a calendar online! Still gotta remember to actually update it, and it'd be nice if I could see it when I'm out (like on a Droid phone!) but I make it work.

Second hand baby stores! I can still spend a pretty penny at Kohls or Target on clothes, but I love that I can also get onsies and shirts for $2-$5 at these handy little stores - and I've got 2 within walking distance of my house. (Not that I've ever walked to them, but I could.)

Family Pictures! I am so thankful that my husband indulges me once a year (or more) and gets the family pictures done. I love seeing how our family is growing.

Fast food restaurants! I know, we shouldn't eat at McDonalds or Burger King or Chick Fil A but we do, especially on days like today when I'm absolutely exhausted and do not want to cook at all. Luckily they are starting to offer healthier choices... for when you don't feel like clogging your arteries.

Pudding paint and other non-toxic paints! I am so thankful Kayla can enjoy these things and I don't have to worry about stains or, ya know, accidental death.

Friends who keep their kids clothes and give them to you! We definitely have been blessed by a good friend of mine who keeps Kayla in cute, barely used, clothes for free. Clothes, ski jackets, shoes, ugg boots... you name it. My checking account thanks you, Kelly.

Trader Joes! They had a nice little frozen turkey breast and stuffing entree that was ready in the oven in less than an hour for our cozy little Thanksgiving meal. I only had to make green means, mashed potatoes, rolls, and pumpkin cheesecake!

Skype! Being able to call and video chat with family any time you want, for free, is definitely something to be thankful for.

The California sun! I love that even if it's 50 degrees outside, with the sun shining I can stand outside in a tank top and watch my little girl play while holding my son. There are few things better than the sound of children's laughter and if the sun lets me hear it outside, I'll take it.

Children's libraries! I am so thankful that there are places where my daughter can be surrounded by books, cozy places to read them, and the quiet isn't fully enforced.

My mom! She has done so much and offered so much to get us to TX this Christmas. We definitely could not have done it if it weren't for everything she's done.

My children! Of course. Who isn't thankful for their children? I am absolutely blessed to have them in my lives. Most of the time they are super sweet, super happy little munchkins and such joys to be around. I could not love them more.