It almost happened. There I was…5 am, painting walls and thinking about my to do list and errands on Christmas eve. Will I get the painting done? Will I be able to get the house cleaned? Will I finish my shopping?  Do I have everything on my grocery list? Why didn’t I take a day off?

Oh no…STOP!

There are times, like so many,  I get caught up in not being that perfect mom, friend, family member… I often envy those parents that bake and make homemade thingamabobs and crafts. Don’t get me wrong, I am a woman who loves to cook, but the mom “Martha Stewart” gene is clearly not something I posses (as I stare in confusion at my daughter’s bracelet making kit thinking WTH!). So here I am, early in the morning, with paint in my hair looking at my un-manicured nails thinking…

Dear Self,
You are doing the BEST you can.
Love,
Me

So I am taking a little time this morning to sit and enjoy my coffee and my daughter’s left over kids quesadilla. I know, not the glamorous spinach and tomato omelet I wanted, but that’s life! And I am ENJOYING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!  Even with my little one yelling at the puppy in the background.

This morning, I am taking a moment to be THANKFUL!

I am THANKFUL for the texts and Facebook messages this morning from family and friends.
I am THANKFUL for my beautiful daughter, #LittleLove.
I am THANKFUL for my friends and family.
I am THANKFUL for my pain in the butt puppy.
I am THANKFUL for #LittleLove’s dad who makes parenting easy.
I am THANKFUL for COFFEE.
I am THANKFUL for all the soldiers sacrificing so much today and every day.
I am THANKFUL for my health and my family’s health.
I am THANKFUL for GOD and all the blessings he has given me.

If you find yourself like me this morning,  getting caught up in today’s stress of having it all done before tomorrow, please take a moment and pause to be THANKFUL for all of life’s BLESSINGS. Take a deep breath. Enjoy your coffee. Smile. Laugh.

Be gentle with yourself, you are doing the BEST you can. 

Fuel The Soul