A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings

My dear blogging friend, Judy, over at A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this meme every Wednesday. Simply list five things (or a prayer or any thoughts) for which you are truly thankful this week. Voicing my thanks helps put my life in perspective & realize that, no matter how bad things might be, there is still MUCH good surrounding me.

I'm going to take a different approach to this week's list. I'm having trouble finding things to be thankful for, so I'm going to list those things troubling me & find something in each to be thankful for.

1) Even w/ the newest medicine we're trying for The Archangel, he is still having at least one of his emotional meltdowns each day. (I think I'm going to do a whole post on what we've been facing w/ his ADHD & aggression.) We probably should have waited to start it after the holidays. I'm hoping that once we get back on a somewhat regular schedule next week that things will get better.

I'm am thankful that he is a healthy, active boy. He loves to learn & will often check out science & math related books at the library.

2) I am frustrated by my back pain. There is so much that I want to do (exercise, clean/re-organize the house, etc.) but the pain limits how much I can do at one time. I go to the neuro surgeon later this month & hopefully I'll be able to find some relief.

I'm thankful that it's not a serious issue & that I can still do most of my normal tasks...they just take a lot longer & I need to take more breaks. I'm also thankful that Casinodad has been so supportive & helpful.

3) The munchkins have been fighting so much the past few months & I can't seem to find a way for them to get along. Most of it is between The Archangel & The Princess...he can be so mean to her at times. I know a lot of it is due to his ADHD, but that does not excuse his behavior.

I am thankful that they are all healthy children & that when they do get along, they play very well together.

4) At two years old, The Saint still needs us to stay w/ him until he falls asleep. I know that of lot of this issue is our fault. All we have to do is leave the room & after a few days, he'll get himself to sleep, but it so hard to hear him cry.

I'm thankful that he finally sleeps through most nights (as long as he's not sick). And when he does end up waking often throughout the night, I'm thankful that he likes to cuddle!

5) I wish I had more time to deepen my faith life. I use The Word Among Us for the daily readings most days & I pray my rosary at least four times a week. I struggle trying to get up earlier though, especially after those nights I haven't slept well. In the evenings, once the munchkins are in bed, I'm so tired I can't seem to focus. And finding quiet during the day? See #3 above! I really need to start up our quiet time in the afternoons again, if only for 1/2 an hour-45 minutes.

I'm thankful that God knows my heart! He knows the struggles I'm facing & will not leave me. All I have to do is reach out to Him, if only just to say a quick "Thank You!" or "Help Me!"