Gratitude

This year, I’m thankful for so many people and I’m afraid I may forget someone.

Anyways, here goes:

• I’m so grateful for my parents, for so many reasons but especially (this year) for being so supportive while I try to make ends meet and raise my son thousands of miles away. And also for showing me what it means to love unconditionally. They are by far the most awesome grandparents to my son whose love for them grows as he does.
• I’m thankful for my sister and her boys for sharing their stories with me and making me realize how lucky I am to have little ones in my life that are not my own. It’s amazing how much love there is to go around.
• I’m grateful to the father of my child. For being a constant in my son’s life and for truly being the best dad a little boy could hope for.
• I am indebted to my son’s teachers, both his current teachers and those who have taught him in the past, for encouraging  him, inspiring him and guiding him. He has learned to read, write and love numbers with as much confidence as a superhero and I am blessed that they are there to teach my son respect by giving it in equal measures.
• I’m thankful for my clients for allowing me to share my experiences and expertise with co-parenting issues and for allowing me into their homes and hearts. They each teach me as much as I teach them.
• I’m so thankful for Mr. Right, my best friend. He’s been there for me over twelve years and I appreciate how supportive, loving and funny he is. He continues to impress me and has me falling in love all over again each time we talk.
• I’m ever so blessed to have met some pretty amazing friends over the last few years that also continue to be a major support system to me. I’ve made some pretty amazing friends through my son’s school who invite us to play dates, carpool (because they too love playing chauffeur) and who love my son as if he was their own. (I love your kids too!)
• I’m thankful for the many friends and contacts I’ve made on-line and through social networking. I’ve learned so much about you and your families that I think of you as a part of mine. Thank you for letting me into your lives and allowing me to be a part of yours.
• I’m ever so grateful for my friends back home and spread around the country who make time to catch up with me when we are in the same state. It’s rare that we get a chance to spend time together, but they always embrace me with open arms and we go right back to where we were ten, or fifteen years ago.

I am grateful to you, for reading and for continuing to support me just by showing up. I hope you are able to spend some quality time this weekend with the ones you love, whether it’s face-to-face, over the phone or in spirit.

Hugs to you and your family and cheers to another wonderful year of minutes and moments to be thankful for.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Giving Thanks

We all know that no one gets into writing – or blogging – for the money. So, what’s it all for? I ponder this very question from time to time and wonder what it is that keeps me going, or coming back for more.

Without a doubt, I would have to say that being introduced to so many amazing writers, inspiring individuals and awesome parents is what makes this whole ride worthwhile. Knowing that there are people reading these words and sharing similar ideas and experiences encourages me to keep writing, sharing and reading.

This year on Thanksgiving, I want to take the time to thank each and every one of you – especially those of you who took the time to comment on my blog this past year. Many of you I have had the pleasure of meeting in person, either at BlogHer, or here in San Diego at a local event.

It’s been an absolutely fantastic journey so far and I look forward to getting to know each of you even better.

• Ali @The Rehan Family
• Amy @AmyMusings
• Ann @AnnsRants
• Astacia @Mamikaze
• BlondeMom @BlondeMomBlog
• Carrie @ItsFrugalBeingGreen
• Cat @SparksPhotography
• Christina @ChristinaRodriguez
• Deborah @ComfortJoyDesigns
• Deanna @LilDevilMama
• Diane @TheMommyDiaries
• Dr. Leah @SingleMommyhood
• Emmie @LifeBehindTheCurve
• HeadlessMom @TheHeadlessFamily
• Heather @RookieMoms
• Janice @5minutesformom
• Jason @KimandJason
• Jennifer @MySailorsMistress
• Jenny @JennyOnTheSpot
• Jessica @BernThis
• Jim @BusyDadBlog
• Joe @Joeprah
• Kelly @ChildhoodClothing
• Kelly @MochaMomma
• Kristin @HalfwayToNormal
• Leah @Bookieboo
• Lotus @SarcasticMom
• Mary @MamaMaryShow
• Matthew @ChildsPlayX2
• Mel @ADramaticMommy
• Rachel @ASouthernFairyTale
• Rachel @SingleMomSeeking
• Shauna @ShaunaGlenn
• SingleMom @SingleMomSurvives
• Sugar @SugarInTheRaw
• Theresa @RockOnMommies
• Tonya @ThisAndThat

Thanks to everyone who has visited here, read my words, laughed out loud, cried with me, or simply clicked here by mistake.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Thank goodness for that!

Books of all different shapes and sizes spill from my son’s shelves and luckily he’s grown to be as much of a bookworm as I was at his age.

From time to time, something happens or someone says something that causes one or both of us to say, “That reminds me of that one book…” Typically, when one of us can’t remember what the book was, the other one can.

Today, I was trying to figure out what book we have that best represents Thanksgiving and shows what it truly means to appreciate someone or something in our lives. While we have many books about Halloween and Christmas, not one single title came to mind that really focuses on giving thanks.

Without realizing what I was saying (to myself), I found myself thinking, “Thank goodness for that,” and was suddenly reminded of a great picture book with simple sentences – many with just one or two words – that shows early readers the meaning of being grateful in a way that is both fun and simple.

Cat, written by Mike Dumbleton and illustrated by Craig Smith, repeats the phrase, “Thank goodness for that,” as it follows a mischievous cat, along with the bird, dog and child that the cat chases, runs away from or plays with. With its up-close illustrations, Cat will have any animal lover laughing out loud and appreciating even the little things in life.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Giving Thanks

This year, I’m grateful for:

My son - He’s nearly five and he is becoming such a mature young man. He makes me laugh on a regular basis and inspires me to be the best mom I can possibly be. I’m so proud of him and all he’s learning and accomplishing.

My son’s teachers – There are many teachers who work with my son on a weekly basis. From the two teachers in his classroom, to the Spanish, Art, Music, PE and Enrichment classes, these amazing educators put so much time and energy into each and every child that they teach.

My parents – My mom and dad are always there for me when I need them. They’ve flown out to San Diego so many times since my son was born that I couldn’t possibly pay them back for all the miles and airport adventures they’ve experienced on our behalf. They’re flying out again in mid-December and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them here for both Christmas and my son’s 5th birthday.

My sister – She’s put up with me for years and still manages to listen, offer advice and know me better than anyone ever could. She’s a great mom, a super-cool aunt, a wonderful friend, fabulous wife, and an amazing massage therapist!

My ex-husband – He’s put up with my moods and listened to my opinions whether he’s agreed with me or not (mostly not). He’s always there for our son and helps me out when I truly need it. He’s a fantastic father and I love seeing my son’s face light up when he gets dropped off at his dad’s house or when he gets picked up from mine.

My co-workers – These are the women I see on a daily basis. They’ve seen me through a wedding, pregnancy and supported me through my divorce. They have truly become great friends and mentors who have guided me in my career and helped me in “real” life.

My colleagues – For providing emotional support, offering suggestions and allowing me to do the same.

My clients – For trusting me with their parenting issues and allowing me to work closely with their families and recommending me to other moms and dads.

My readers – I’m truly grateful for my readers, who loyally visit the sites I write at (here, Intent, and the Examiner) and leave comments, provide great feedback and share my site with others.

My friends – For those who follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or who know me in the offline world, I could not have gotten through the last few years without them, especially those who listened to me bitch, complain and allowed me to share my random thoughts at wee hours in the morning.

What and who are you thankful for this year? If you have a blog, add yours to the I am Thankful Meme, hosted by Mommy Community.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home