Looking on the bright side..

Firstly, my heart goes out to all those involved in the Christchurch earthquake. It must be a frightening time for those missing family members and you're in my thoughts. It's moments like these, in times of tragedy we tend to count our blessings. For me it's a time to step back and be thankful for what I have. So what am I thankful for? Mostly my children, those gorgeous boys with eyes of blue and being able to give them a bath, fill their tummys with a good meal and have a warm and safe place for them to sleep. I think we tend to take these small things for granted. I'm also thankful for my man, he is my rock and is rediculously hard working and appreciative of me. When you've been caring for loud, rampaging boys, you've been cleaning up the house just to have that cleaning undone less than 10 minutes later by those darling kids. When your kitchen is a mess, but you have to cook dinner, when you've run out of coffee and almost break your neck tripping over lego and when you finally collapse on the couch in an exhusted heap it's nice to hear the key in the door and a greeting of  "Hey, the house looks great babe, whats for tea, it smells good." - and this is the norm, like I said, appreciative, that's just the type of guy he is. It's not like we havn't had our ups and downs but now we are solid, its a good thing and for this I am thankful. Like alot of people I've always had a connection with places that hold great memories, where I grew up, driving up my old road towards what was the house my Mum and Dad built, I know every bend in that road, infact I could probably drive up it with my eyes closed. It brings back childhood memories. Ohakune our first family holiday with my boys and my first trip ever to see and touch snow, again, great memories. So I'm greatful we have a place to call our own, a place my children will have a connection with when they grow up. We are making great memories here and for this I am thankful.  For people that would rather love than hate, these people honestly make my world go around...we are a blended family you see, a loving muddle of step, half, siblings and parents and I'm greatful that our family puts aside differences and loves one another for who they are. Half, step, no matter, we're family and how cool is that!! These special people know who they are, Bigs stepmum- wonderful, my sisters-inspiring, love to you all. And finally, great mothers, you've got to be thankful for good mums, a mum that for a long time was your everything but eventually helped you to stand on your own two feet, so thankful for women like this!! My Mum is great Mum! Count your blessings people, life's to short, what are you thankful for?