Finding my "Roses"

Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. ~Proverb

After my therapeutic rant a few days ago, I have tried to calm myself a bit, and try to be a bit more optimistic. Yes, the kids are still here. And yes, they are still trying my patience, BUT I have tried to lighten up a bit and look for whatever positive things I can. (and believe me, it has taken a bit of searching to get into my "Gratitude Groove" again...)

Here's my findings...

1. I am grateful for kids that don't know how to use scissors. I have always felt a little bad when my kids show up for preschool without a clue as to how to use a pair of scissors. I have to be honest. It is COMPLETELY MY FAULT that they lack this basic skill. I have never had much patience for watching my kids glue, stab, and mutilate unsuspecting pieces of craft paraphenalia. The mess it creates drives me insane. You can ask my mom- when we made gingerbread houses last year I couldn't stand to be Caleb's partner because he was gobbing sprinkles and frosting and candies on so quickly that he was making a royal mess of things. I could hardly stand to watch. My kids have access to crayons, paper, and coloring books... I can handle that. But for my sanity's sake I leave the scissors for when dad's on watch. It is true that they have an adjustment period when they start school and have to learn to cut properly... but I think I can deal with that. Atleast my kids have NEVER attempted to cut their own or each other's hair, and for that I AM GRATEFUL. :)

2. I am grateful for husbands who sometimes "take the hint". I am not proud to admit that I had a complete "Holy Cow- Get out of the Way- She's LOST it moment" this week when I put everyone in time out and screamed at the top of my lungs. I think I may have threatened to put Matt in Time Out too. (sorry, sweetheart!) I thank heaven that at this point my husband "took the hint" that I really was losing it and was not just complaining to complain, and he took over a bit. My driveway is now rock-free... the unfinished landscaping is finished... we have paint purchased to finish the trim... my furniture is back in place... and whatever he said to the kids is evidently helping because I have only had 1 Time Out from them today instead of the 15- 20 we were averaging earlier this week. I am so grateful for Matt, who thankfully, sees to my sanity needs occasionally.

3. I am grateful for kids who say the most random, wonderful things. Completely out of the blue this week Caleb told me that "The reason I was born so late was because I wasn't through snuggling you from the inside yet!" Now, how can you stay mad at a kid who says such cute things like that?
I love that Kellie has taken to stopping by my lap several times a day for a quick snuggle. I am looking forward to our new baby, but am having a hard time adjusting to the idea that my baby girl isn't really a baby anymore.
Aaron is so smart. He frequently surprises me with his random facts on just about everything. Keeps me laughing, too, because if he doesn't know a lot about a certain topic he starts making something up. It's quite the riot.

4.I am grateful for friends and family who take time to sympathize, even though they have trials of their own to deal with.

5. I am grateful that our problems (in the big scheme of things) really aren't all that terrible. Yes, my kids have been squawking lately, but I have hope that this phase will eventually pass. Our children are beautiful, smart, and bring so much joy and laughter. We have our health, and that is so important. We don't have to deal with the heartache that cancer or other serious ailments brings.
My husband has a really good job. I know of many people who are being laid off right now, and my heart breaks for them. We are so blessed to be able to pay our bills, have a nice home and plenty of food to eat.

Yes, I suppose it's better to count your blessings. It really does make a difference. :)