Very Thankful

In reflecting on all we have been abundantly blessed with, I have realized that there is much to be thankful for. I have a faithful perspective to realize that God has blessed us with so much. Even when things seem tough or life gets messy, counting our blessings really helps me to realize that our life is really pretty darn fantastic. Here's why:

• We live in a small town in a very safe neighborhood. I love that we know our neighbors and they are always willing to lend a helping hand.
• Technology is amazing! I love that Nicholas is able to be a part of his preschool classroom by using his webcam. He gets to participate in class without being exposed to all the cold & flu germs and he absolutely LOVES it. He also loves playing independently on the iPad because we now have so many fun and easy apps for him to manipulate. Communicating with other SMA parents via Facebook or SMA Space gives us support and helps us get questions answered quickly. We also love being able to Skype with friends and family who live far away. There is something so awesome about seeing a loved one's face while talking to them.
• We live only a couple miles from my parents. My mom and dad are a HUGE help when it comes to anything we need: picking up groceries, watching the kids for a few hours, and letting us stay there when we do minor home renovations. We do not know what we would do without them!
• Better credit scores. Jeff and I have been working diligently on paying down debt and living on a budget. We have been consistently making all of our payments on time for the last four years and our credit scores are now better than ever. This is so important to us as we are trying to build equity in our home and be debt free in the next two years. It also allows us to build our savings for the kids' school funds and future home renovation projects.
• Nicholas's AMAZING school teachers & therapists. We are blessed with a great team that do anything and everything to provide Nicholas with the best education possible.
• Our Health. I know it seems cliche to mention this, but I am grateful that Jeff and I can meet all of Nicholas's medical needs because we are healthy and able bodied. I am also thankful that Nicholas is quite healthy despite SMA and rarely gets sick thanks to his strict diet plus vitamins and supplements. And we are so thankful that Ella is healthy and meeting all the milestones of a typical fourteen-month-old.
• Breast milk. I am so thankful that I am still able to nurse Ella and pump breast milk for Nicholas. Breast milk truly is nature's super food and I am so happy that I can provide both of my children with the nourishment and antibodies they need to grow and stay healthy.
• Helpful siblings. I am so thankful for my brother, Eric, and his wife, Tina. They drop everything to help us out when we need them. They are always so supportive and love our kids so much. Also, my sister-in-law, Eva, will always come and watch the kids when we need her in a pinch, and she is known for buying the perfect birthday or Christmas gifts for both kids.

Happy Thanksgiving!