I am typing this with a sports-related pinkie sprain. While I have learned some great lessons this year, apparently I still am slow on the realization that my husband is a competitive beast. Even playing an innocent family game of touch football in the backyard brings out his win-at-all-costs attitude. I blame him entirely for the injury, but I blame myself for even playing in the first place.
In 2013 I think the biggest change I have noticed, especially with Full Speed, is the strange phenomena of actually being helpful without being asked. I am rendered speechless when one or both of my boys volunteers to hold a door, carry a bag, let a dog out, etc. and in turn, make my life a little bit easier. I didn’t think it was possible. That’s not to say they are perfect or that it happens all the time, it’s just a tiny, little gleaming light at the end of the tunnel for those parents up to their neck in diapers, bottles and constant demands. May this help us all set the stage for even more positive changes and growth in the coming New Year.
Another major positive change was being reunited with our dog. T.Puzzle continues to respond well healthwise to both dogs we have now, and seems to have completely outgrown his allergy to them. Honestly, we never outgrew our love for her and we never will.
Mad Dog and I celebrated our ten-year wedding anniversary. I can say without doubt, these past ten years have been the best of my life. It’s not that life somehow got magically easier once we got married, in fact, we’ve faced some pretty major life events. It has more to do with having someone in your corner that appreciates you for all the right reasons and sticks by you even when you are anything but your best. My goal for my family is to create a home that is filled with love and acceptance. With Mad Dog by my side, this goal is automatic.
Familes, people, circumstances and life are never perfect. The real lesson is to somehow find the love when all else seems dark. There are always reasons to be thankful. Sometimes it takes creativity to glean gratitude from your life. Just make sure you surround yourself with awesome people and then finding the gratitude will be easier than you think.
Writes for all Mommies 