I started writing this little (embellished) acrostic poem on Thanksgiving weekend, and I suppose now we’re officially in the Christmas season, but I think verbally acknowledging what I’m grateful for has so much value, perhaps especially around this time of year. So, here are just a few of the things I’ve been thankful for lately:

Time. This is perhaps my most precious commodity these days. The hours and days seem to fly by, and it seems like a year has passed in a timespan that feels equivalent to a month was when I was a young child. There never seems to be quite enough time to do everything I need and want to do lately, but I’m grateful that I get to have these days with my girls, and for our “extra” time with them at home.
Husband. My rock. I don’t know where I’d be without him there to catch me when I fall, encourage me to try new things, and always remind me to have fun. He’s the most hands-on dad, too, which I definitely don’t take for granted.Art. I’ve really learned the value of the process of creating. Art for me is anything that can be made, regardless of the result. A home atmosphere, a baked good, painting, drawing, writing, photography… And, I absolutely cherish all the art my children make for me every single day.Naps. While Michael was off for Thanksgiving, I probably slept for half the week, due in part to a cold, but otherwise just catching up on much-needed rest.
Kids. I’ve said it so many times, but I never could have imagined having four precious baby girls in a row. I also could have never predicted how sweet, funny, loving, and generally amazing they all are, not to mention that they’re all best friends. I wrote a post similar to this one four years ago (here), astonished that I had two kids at the time. It’s amazing how things change.Family. I have such a loving, fun, caring extended family on both sides. Who is so lucky to say that? I’m grateful for the family I was born into and the one I married into.
Unending chances. I feel as though I’ve been humbled so many times already as a parent, and I’m certain I have so far to go. I’m grateful that I can continue to work hard, be forgiven, try again, and improve.
Laundry. This might seem a bit like a silly one… but we haven’t had a working washer and/or dryer for weeks now, so I am extra-thankful for clean laundry. I’m glad the laundromat is an option, but I will definitely never complain about folding clean clothes again.