I was recently approached by a fellow blogger in regards to writing about being thankful for the things that we have. Heather, who writes the blog mesothelioma.com/heather , is an eight year survivor of mesothelioma- a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. She is on a mission to spread awareness of this cancer by sharing her story. She was diagnosed in the month of November and now, every November, created '30 Days of Thankfulness' where she acknowledges something that she is thankful for. She approached me asking if I would do a blog post acknowledging something that I am thankful for! Of course I said yes!
I guess it is difficult for me though, to only acknowledge one thing that I am thankful for. I have so many blessings in my life in which I am grateful.
I am grateful for my children. I am thankful for the chaos that they bring into our lives. I am thankful for the joy and love and constant business that they give us. I am thankful for their own unique personalities that keep us laughing and keep us connected as a family.
I am thankful for my parents. I am thankful for the childhood they gave me and the never ending support and love they give to me, my kids and to Matt.
I am thankful for my siblings. My sister, who, although we may not always see eye to eye, is someone that is always there for me and is such a huge part of my life!
My brother and my sister-in-law who have given me two beautiful nephews to love and to cherish. They have given me someone to talk to when I am alone and who always brings me such comfort.
My two other brothers who keep me on my toes!
My aunts, uncles and cousins who are a constant joy in our lives! I am so thankful that whenever we get together, we get to sing, dance and have a wonderful time together! I am so grateful that our crazy family enjoys so much just being together and appreciating each other's company. From Ontario, Alberta, Vancouver Island and the lower mainland-we all love each other!
My mother-in-law who, although she lives a distance away, always thinks of us and remembers the important dates in our lives!
I am so thankful for my husband who often times gets up early just so that he has time to go to our local Tim Horton's so that I wake up to a fresh cup of coffee. A husband who always makes me feel beautiful even on the days when I am definitely not feeling that way! A husband who has bathed babies, changed diapers, done laundry, dishes, washed floors, and who now takes kids to the pool and to sporting events and who is just always willing to do anything to be a great dad and a great husband. How lucky am I ?
There are so many things to be thankful and grateful for and there is no way to mention it all. I have lived through losses of special people, illnesses of loved ones and hurt that life can bring. Through it all, there is always something that is good, something that is beyond us and something we should be thankful for!

The sun is shining! It is beautiful, but so cold! These fall days are my favourite, though! Nice and crisp and refreshing! I'm going to enjoy it before the rainy days come!

I'm home from work today because Caleb is sick. I hate when any of the kids are sick, but today, it has given me an opportunity to get some things done around the house. I was feeling a bit like my house looked like a tornado had passed through it! I have found lately that as soon as I walk in the door, I'm off to the kids sporting events or school meetings or driving someone somewhere and I never get the chance to actually clean! Today was my day! Now to just keep it this way for the next few weeks would be great!

As I haven't written anything for a few weeks, here's a recap. Adam got his first report card since entering high school. He's always been a hard worker and put a lot of effort into his school work, but I was amazed when he brought his report card home. Straight A's! I'm a very proud mom! Out of those A's, his math mark was 97%!!! For me, who always struggled with math, I couldn't believe it! He's doing so well!

Adam also has started to play basketball on his high school grade eight team. I'm trying to convince him to pick jersey # 20 as that was my number when I played. I'm thinking he doesn't really thinks it's cool to be the same as his mom! He told me he's going to try and get # 11.

Anna and Caleb haven't yet received a report card this year. I'm sure there's will be great too! They're both playing soccer and they're loving it! Caleb is the top scorer on his team and Anna is one of the top as well. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to go to a yoga class. I thought for sure that I could do it. I always assumed yoga was relaxing and peaceful. Did I ever have a rude awakening!!! I walked into the class with my friend. This was the first time either of us had ever tried yoga and we were both completely naive in what we were expecting! We walked in, rolled out our mats, and got all comfy, ready to relax. About 15 other people were in the class. They were stretching and laying on their mat waiting for the instructor. She came in, turned the lights off, and turned some soothing music on. I was ready!!! Before long, people were in the most uncomfortable positions, legs everywhere. I tried some moves, and just about died! During one of the stretches, my legs, and my friends legs, were so shaky and wobbly I thought for sure there must be an earthquake going on!We both just about broke out in laughter in the middle of the class. Once it was done, and we were able to move our legs again, we realized this was advanced yoga......maybe next time we'll start with a beginner session!

We are in the full swing of things trying to get ready for Christmas! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I'm trying to convince everyone that we should put our tree up December 1st.....not sure if Matt's on board yet!

Gotta run!! My sick boy is calling!!! Enjoy this beautiful sunshine!!!!