The Birthday Story

Every year, starting on November 29th, I tell Elwood the story of his birth while we cuddle at bedtime. The three night story starts with my 2nd ultra sound and ends with the first kiss I gave him.

It is a story of beginnings - his life, our family, my journey as a Mommy. To him, it's just Mommy talking and stroking his hair softly as we settle in for the night. To me, it is the most important story I have to tell him.

It is a story that continues to be written with every milestone, every holiday, every time he flashes that beautiful, devilish grin and bats those big brown eyes.

He is smart and funny and can be incredibly thoughtful. I have seen him sing his baby brother to sleep when no one else could console him. He is generous with his hugs and kisses.

He is also stubborn and defiant. He is my summer storm. The air becomes thick and hot and you know something is coming. Then, the dark clouds gather, the water pours down, lightening crashes and thunder booms. As soon as all that energy has been depleted, the sky clears, the rain stops and the world is cooler and fresher.

I say frequently that I was meant to be a mother. The good days are more fun than the bad ones, but I've come to accept that you can not have one without the other. That's one of the lessons Elwood taught me. He has taught me so much - and here I thought I was the one who was supposed to be teaching him.

Happy 5th Birthday to my Big Boy! Thank you for making me a Mommy.

Thanks - For Nothing

We had a wonderful weekend earlier this month. On Friday, after work, we surprised the boys by taking them out for cheeseburgers and a movie. On Saturday, we cleaned, Todd worked, the boys played, and after dinner (which no one complained about), Todd and Elwood played Wii while Finn and I watched. Sunday was more of the same and after wonder pork roast dinner shared with Grandma Whitehead, we all cuddled in bed for a movie.

I've never in my life been more grateful for nothing. Nothing to do, no where to go, no one to see. We just spent time with each other and enjoyed being a family.

I started thinking and realized that so many of the things that I am thankful for involve the letters n-o.

So, here a short list of the few things that I am thankful for.

I am thankful that NOne of my brothers are overseas anymore and that both are home with their families.

I am thankful that my children have NO health problems.

I am thankful that in quiet moments, I have NOthing but love for my husband (in loud ones, NOt so much, but that's okay).

I am thankful for when Finn says "NO" (but it's cuter when he says "pumpkin patch").

This year, I will give thanks for NOthing (and for everything).