I had a case of the grumpies this morning, so I thought I would take some time to count my blessings and be a little more grateful for what I have. I thought I would start with my family. You are awesome. Maybe next time when you have the grumpies, you can look at this list and know that someone cares about you. Some of these may seem pretty small, but they weren't too small for me to remember them.
Bart: What can I say? You are perfect for me, and absolutely the most thoughtful, selfless person I have ever known. If any of you know how much sleep means to Bart, you will particularly appreciate this. For the past 3 nights I have had what I would like to call "crap sleep." Each night, Bart has lovingly scratched my head for a long time (up to 45 minutes once) to help me go to sleep. In so doing, he lost that amount of sleep, but he never complained or even thought about not doing it.
Mom: You are ridiculously sassy and will always listen to me feel sorry for myself or talk endlessly about whatever thing I'm doing, even if it's inconsequential, even if you are actually the one who needs someone to talk to.
Dad: You always ask how the car is running (even though, I secretly know that you are asking me how I'm doing).
Julie: You ate the burnt monkey bread I made when you came to visit, which is representative of how you try to see the good in all things. You didn't even make fun of me when I cried because I was so touched by that example and love.
Granny: Words cannot express how much I love you. But to keep it short, I will say that you are awesome at emailing and inspire me as you try to learn new things every day.
Richelle: You are so thoughtful! You always remember what is going on in our lives even though we live like 5 billion miles away!
Andy: You took me fishing, which was the highlight of my summer. Oh, and you didn't make me put the worms on my own hook!
Shawn: You know about computer stuff and are patient when we bother you with dumb questions. You also always ask me how I am because you genuinely want to know.
Mindy: Martha-Stewart-example-extraordinaire! I love that you make being a mom fun and still have time to pursue your own interests.
Derek: You work so hard for your family even though it's not easy most of the time. You have courage and fortitude and you don't even know it.
Becca: You love your son (and impending child) so much that you teach him every day. I can tell that you love learning and that James will excel because you work so hard to teach him.
Kurt: You are quiet but you have your own ideas and goals, and it is encouraging to me to see how you take things seriously and aren't afraid to pursue the hard road.
Bonnie: You love life. I can tell every time I'm around you. I want to be more like this.
Jon: You are a goofball. But I like it because I know when it comes to Ashley, you will do anything for her.
Ashley: You love your family so much, which is probably hard since you have 4 older brothers. You are goal-driven and focused and it will pay off. (If you don't agree, look at what you have accomplished in your life and you will realize I am right.)
All my nieces and nephews: You give me courage that parenthood is soooooo worth it. I love how each of you are unique and bring something important to our growing family.
Family... Isn't it about... TIME? hehehe. Sorry, I couldn't stay serious forever.
Playing in the Sun (June 2015)
9 years ago
Wow. Katie, daily you are an inspiration to me, but this time you've outdone yourself. When I'm grumpy I say (or at least think) rude things about people. Instead you uplifted many others. Thanks for this, and a million other ways you show me how I should be!
Amen. Really, what a sweet, touching post. Thank you. And I hope you feel not-so-grumpy soon. :)
Okay, now I'm crying. How did you know that post is just what I needed? This is what I think of you: I know that all of us can be loud and overwhelming but you took us all in stride and love us. I love you for that. You are also genuinely sweet and kind and so fun to be around. Love you much!
Love you so much Katie! You are a sweetheart. I'm glad to have you as family! :)
P.S. Do you two know when you are coming home for Christmas yet?
Katie- It says a lot about you that with the big family you are a part of now that you can not only remember our names (which is about all anyone could reasonably expect), but that you have actually got to know everyone....all this while living in Philly, nowhere near any of us. That takes a lot of work and courage. I have been having a few reasons to be grumpy lately too, and was doing alright at keeping a good attitude for most of it, but started to lose it toward the end. Now you got me back on track with your gracious example.
WOW! I don't even know what to say. That was really, really sweet and such a good example of how to overcome being grumpy. Of course I cried (Like mother, like daughter!).