The Day I Was Grateful for Freedom

My friend teaches in the UAE.  She posted this link on her facebook page.  I scanned it and am so grateful I don't have to be stealth about my freedoms.  I am grateful to live in this country, flawed as it is.  I see how women are suppressed in other lands and am so glad that if our government even considered doing anything remotely like they do across the ocean, there would be a civil uprising like you have never seen in the history of the world.  I once tried on a burka and couldn't wait to get it off.  I'm not claustrophobic, but being in the full length black gown and headdress with only my eyes visible, I felt oppressed.  I am grateful that my boys are taught that women and men are equal.

So, here's to equality.

Here's to freedom.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Dad

This is my Dad.  He's 81 today (this picture is only a few years old - looks pretty good, huh?).  This man means to world to me and I hope he has a wonderful birthday.  He has really made me the person I am today (you hear that, Dad, I'm so stubborn because of you :) ).  He not the perfect dad, but he's the perfect dad for me and I'm so glad my mom found him.  I still think about what my dad would think of the decisions I make and I want to please him even though I know he'll always be proud of me.

So, here's to my great example.

Here's to a great year.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Safety

No.2 was jolted awake a couple nights ago during a huge, and close, thunder storm.  He'd been okay with thunder before, but this one was just too close I guess.  Well, we had another storm tonight (hello, Spring).  Mr. took this picture as I was already in bed.  He said No.2 stayed, shivering, behind his arm for about an hour while the storm went over our house.

Mr. just continued to assure No.2 that he was safe and allowed him to bury his face in Mr.'s sleeve.

So, here's to comforting.

Here's to safety.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.  (or in this case, a Better Daddy He)

The Day I Was Grateful for Sleep

No.2 was just so sweet snuggled up to his "Bacon" tonight, I couldn't help but take a picture.  He'll be down to join us in a few hours and my sleep will be interrupted like it has been almost every night for the last 2 and a half years, but I will give up those seconds of sleep to cuddle my little man like he does his Bacon.

So, here's to silent nights.

Here's to soft cuddles.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Jam

No.1 thought Friday was Mother's Day because of the Muffins with Mom at school.  That morning he brought me one piece of bread, spread with the jam he made, and a heart cut our of the center.  I thanked him for it and told him Mother's Day was actually Sunday.  He told me he had a plan:  since he brought me one piece Friday, he would bring me two Saturday, and three Sunday.  He stuck to his plan.  I love this boy.  He really is giving and thoughtful.  He oftentimes teaches me more about selflessness than I could ever teach him. Yes, the strawberry freezer jam gave me a sugar jolt each morning, but I loved every bite.

So, here's to sweet boys.

Here's to heart-y bread.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Restaurants

Because tomorrow is Mother's Day, I had my boys take me out to dinner tonight.  I have learned that among all the things I need to teach my boys (husband included), I need to teach them how to treat their mother/wife.  We tried a new place, sort of a dive on the outside, but well reviewed and it was pretty good.  I loved the special drink the waiter made for the boys.  I am just glad I didn't have to cook.  I've really been craving pasta and this Italian restaurant hit the spot.

So, here's to no cooking.

Here's to letting my boys pamper me.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Muffins

No.1's teacher, independent from the other 1st grade teachers, held a special Mother's Day Muffins with Mom in her classroom.  She had a beautiful spread of delicious (and huge) muffins, fruit, and juice.  All the children made paper flowers, a thumbprint necklace, and a hand print flower for their moms.  (No.1 wouldn't give me a good smile.)

It was a sweet morning.  This is why we love his teacher so much.

So, here's to moms.

Here's to sweet memories.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.