Thankful

Tis the month to Give Thanks, is it not?

So this year has been a SHITTY year to say the least. 

For many, not just us. 

I know that our situation could've been much worse. I know there are a lot of people still suffering. 

But this year has definitely rocked me to my core. 

First, a Global Pandemic took over our lives. 

Schools closed and we were instructed to "homeschool."

Steve was/is considered "essential" so he thankfully kept his job. 

But that meant that he still went to work on a regular schedule and I was left home to take care of the kids, animals, homeschool them, AND work full time. 

At home. 

Without leaving. 

Ever. 

I damn near lost my mind after 6 weeks - finally accepting help from my mom who had just moved back to the area, but we were staying away from due to the pandemic. She finally just said "fuck it, we're all healthy and you're losing your mind, so just drop them off!"

And that helped immensely for a couple of months.

Then, I lost my job. 

The job that I was recruited for (as in, I wasn't looking when I got this job, I was 'happy' at my previous place...but got recruited for this position).

Then Steve needed back surgery.

Like really? 

Like come the fuck on. 

BUT.

I got a new job.

Steve is recovering well.

And I'm trying hard to be super thankful for everything I have. Even though it's been such a shitty year, I know it could've been worse. 

It WAS worse - for a lot of people.

Anyway, back to being thankful.

I'm thankful that I have my village back.

My mom moved home right before the pandemic hit and her support and love and PRESENCE has been beyond helpful and appreciated.

Moms have a way of just knowing when you're in a shitty spot.

We fight like crazy, but it's because we are literally the same person. Only I don't think I'm a narcissist (It's a long story). I love my mother to death but I also know my mother. If you know my IRL, you'll know what that means. 

Anyway, having her around lately has been so important to me. 

This woman shows her love by feeding you. A LOT. 

Isn't she just the cutest thing? 

My kids love being at her house (getting spoiled the second they walk in the door) and I'm so grateful for that. I never had a relationship with my grandparents because they didn't live in this country. And back then we didn't have FaceTime. And we didn't speak the same language. 

So when my parents moved away initially, I was heart-broken. 

But now? They spend so much time with my mom and sister and I'm SO THANKFUL for that.

This will be the first holiday season with my mom in person in like 10 years.