The One with Turn that Frown Up-Side-Down

I find myself complaining a lot lately. It's hot. I'm tired. I'm constantly in pain from this that or the other, especially ever since Sunday when Jane decided to rest on my sciatic nerve. I'm sick of living on ramen noodles and mac and cheese because we've had some major unexpected expenses come up (think stupid car repairs, increasing health insurance, increasing gas prices, increasing food prices, and yet, our income doesn't increase to compensate). I feel fat and ugly; even my maternity clothes aren't fitting right anymore. And on and on.

Enough is enough. 

It's time to start thinking about all the GOOD things!

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be a stay-at-home-working-mom. Even though I work about 50 hours a week between two jobs, I somehow still manage to be a mommy to Fox and take care of all his needs whilst earning a living. I love technology and computers and the internet and my flexible co-workers that allow me to be able to work from home.

I'm grateful for on-site laundry and that this stacking unit came with our apartment. For two years we had to take our laundry to a facility (and when I say we, I mean Chris... he's the best!). Being able to do a load of laundry almost daily, from home, is an answered prayer.

I'm so thankful for my loving and ever-growing family, both immediate and extended.
Missing from this photo is Eric and Tanya, Maren's hubby Logan, Fox and the baby in my belly, the baby in Sara Jayne's belly, and Ashley and John's newest baby Carter.

Missing Eric and Tanya, Fox, and the baby in my belly.

Missing the baby in my belly, Andy and Cami's newest baby Hunter, Peter, and the brand new baby in Bethany's belly! Hooray!

I love my family and how supportive and amazing they all are. Cuz when it comes down to it, life really is about family.

I'm thankful for the art known as scrapbooking. It's been a major part of my existence since I was 16. My jobs revolve around it, I've met thousands of amazing women (and a few men, mostly co-workers) because of it, and I have stacks of albums full of precious memories that will be passed down for generations from it. I haven't been scrapping as much lately because I got burnt out a few months ago, but I'm really hoping to delve right back into it soon!

I'm thankful that my body is able to create life. There are so many couples out there that I know that struggle with this issue and I hope and pray that one way or another they will get the blessing of having children. Being pregnant is no cake walk. With about 5 weeks to go I've reached my breaking point, but hopefully this post will help me pause and remind myself that this is a blessing and a miracle.

I'm thankful for the bounteous friends I've made living here in South Pasadena. There are literally dozens of other young married families going through dental school and all living within a 5-mile radius. We get together often and I so appreciate and need those few hours of girl-talk!

I'm thankful that Fox has the opportunity to play and interact with all of these children that we make constantly :)

I love my pets, even if sometimes it seems Joey's cons outweigh his pros :) Rachel is the sweetest, fattest, laziest, nicest cat I've ever met.

I'm thankful for my religion and the knowledge it gives me. Every Sunday at church is such a boost for my morale. 

And most of all, I'm thankful for my husband and my son and soon-to-be-daughter. 

I'm smiling now :)