Gratitude Lately

There has been a lot of talk in the mommy world lately about comparison.  We are the first generation of parents to raise our kids with social media and it's influence.  Social media is playing a huge roll in how we think of ourselves and of others!  We are constantly comparing, even when the comparison isn't fair (because we are just seeing the "highlight reel" of someone else's life).

One of the speakers at MOMCON said that we need to combat comparison with kindness and to celebrate ourselves and others.  We are good at mourning with others, but we need to be good at celebrating other women as well.  "Celebrating is the counter to comparison."

I have really been trying to work on loving my life.  Not loving the life I hope to have.  Not mourning the life I once thought I might have.  But to be present and grateful.  I don't want to look back when my kids are leaving the house and be sad that I wished these years away.  I want to remember the memories and be thankful for the opportunity I had to spend with them!

September has been an amazing month for us/me.

*We got to take our kids to the beach for the very first time.  This was a vacation that we so desperately needed as a family.  It wouldn't have been possible without staying with my dad and Judy, and I am so grateful for them opening up their home, loving on our kiddos, letting us rest, and feeding us well! Thank you!

*While we were on vacation, we CLOSED ON OUR CONDO!  It's gone, y'all!  Can I get an amen?!  We didn't make any money on it, but we aren't paying for utility bills, condo fees or a mortgage on a condo that is sitting empty!  (Our renter broke her lease and moved out months ago.)  You do not even know how happy I am to have that burden lifted!

*I came back from vacation and found out that I got a dollar an hour raise.  I was already pretty happy with my pay (I got a 10% raise in May!), so this was just icing on the Target cake. ;)  Oh, and that sweet girl babysat for us this month so we could go on a date night.  Our free babysitter moved to Colorado, so while we did have to pay for babysitting, we actually got our dinner for FREE and a gift card for next time because of slow service (we didn't even complain! They just offered).  I'm going to go ahead and say that is the Lord looking out for us!  Woo hoo!

*Not only did I get a raise, but a former boss of Michael's has since switched companies and contacted him to do some extra contract work on the side.  This is where being a hard worker with integrity pays off!  Why yes we will take that check, thankyouverymuch!

*I ended the month with 4 days away at MOMCON.  It was perfect, and I'm so thankful that I was able to go.  And along those lines, I'm thankful for a husband who believes in me, supports me, and wants for me to be able to do things like this.  Who also has absolutely no issues holding down the fort.

*I'm thankful for these goofballs daily, but one of the things I've been reminded of over and over of lately is their health.  There are so many kids (and parents) out there struggling with so many different things.  Both of our kids are perfectly healthy!  No food allergies, no occupational/speech/physical therapists, no developmental delays, no issues whatsover...  Even something as simple as Logan's speech.  He speaks so clearly, can talk in sentences, and communicates very well for a two and a half year old.  I take that for granted!  Or the fact that I can buy them any treat I want, and I don't have to read the labels for hidden allergens.  They don't get swollen eyes or runny noses due to seasonal allergies.  It's so easy to forget for us, but I am being reminded more and more how lucky we really are!

So that's what I'm celebrating!  I'm ready to end this year strong!  (Can you believe it's already October?!?)  How about you?  What are you celebrating?