I shouldn’t be writing right now.
I’m more exhausted than I’ve been in recent memory.
Last night I fell asleep, mid-conversation with my husband. I hadn’t washed my face or brushed my teeth, and was still dressed. I stayed that way all night.
But my exhaustion is not for nothing. I realized while driving today, and drinking my second mug of coffee, that the things that are making me tired are all things that I would never want to be without. So I can find joy, and in them, a reason to be thankful.
Day 17: I’m thankful for the hard, good stuff.
I’m tired because my husband is in the midst of a busy tour season. A busy tour season means lots of work. Lots of work means good financial provision for our family. Thankful.
I’m tired because we have a sweet wee babe who still needs to nurse at midnight, and again at 6am. She is smaller than the boys, and requires to be fed more frequently. She’s such a sweet presence in our lives, and I am blessed beyond words that she is ours. Thankful.
I’m tired because I am playing General Contractor on our home renovation. We get to remodel an amazing home. We get to make it ours. We get to pick every little thing. Thankful.
I’m tired because there are three tiny humans who depend on me for everything at this point. These little ones are the biggest blessings in my life. They are the reason that life is fun. They are loved. They were created from love. They make life worth living. There’s an intangible, indescribable part of parenting that can only be experienced. I will forever be grateful that I am able to have this experience. The tiredness is so worth it. Thankful.
Day 18: I’m thankful for decent boxed wine. Every few nights, a glass of red wine (cabernet or pino noir) sounds nice. Now, the practical side of me will never open a bottle just for myself, knowing that it will go bad before I finish it. Which is why I am thankful for mid-grade, decent quality, boxed wine that actually tastes pretty good. I can have one glass, every few days, on the cheap. My favorite right now is called “Pinot Evil” and has monkeys on the front, it’s from Costco…cute yes, but also fits the bill.
Day 19: I’m thankful for the huge storm that just rolled through our town. It kept the Halloween festivities at bay, and our City recommended that everyone stay indoors tonight, and go trick-or-treating tomorrow. Which means that Hank will get to be a part of it. My little fellas were a bit disappointed about tonight, but are excited to get to go with their Daddy for the first time ever tomorrow. Thankful.
Sleep well, friends.
Oh, and speaking of sleep, Hank got to hang with one of my absolute favorite musical artists tonight, Sleeping at Last. His music makes me so happy. I often put it on in the house and it calms everyone down. The kids get quiet, the baby rests peacefully, I am immediately relaxed if it is a particularly chaotic day. Goes perfectly with a glass of Pino…
live well. be well.
