Snowy day reflections

I remember when I was young and always dreaming about the future with a horrible case of the "I can't wait until"s.  I couldn't wait to get my first car, get married, have kids, buy a house, job, the list goes on and on. Now as I sit in my house, listening to the older kids play outside in the season's first snowfall while my youngest rests on my chest (too tired to get up and play, but not tired enough to continue his nap in his crib) and husband is in the basement having a boy day with his buddies I feel content.  We both have our dream car, mine a brand new van, his a practically new Trans Am, he has a great job as a Sr. Systems Engineer, and I have my dream job as stay at home mom to our children.  We've had a lot of ups, and a LOT of downs two of the biggest of which nearly ended our marriage, but here we are stronger for the experiences that have brought us to this point.
I think that anyone can look back on their life and wonder "what if" they did this or that differently, but the longer I walk this world the more clear it becomes that what's done is done.  The real point is to do the best with what you have, and to truly appreciate all that you have. Here are a few of the things in my life that I am grateful for:
1.  My marriage.  Some have doubted the strength of our love over the years and all have been proven wrong over and again.  We may fight, but we never go to bed angry.  We may not be perfect, but we are perfect for each other.  And through the years and through all of the high highs and low lows we are still learning things about each other and finding new ways to be better to and for one another.  I can honestly say that I can't think of a time in the almost 14 years we have been together, 10 of which married, when we have been happier.
2.  My children.  They both drive me up the wall and fill me with a sense of accomplishment, complete and unconditional love, and pride all at the same time and with equal measure.  They challenge me daily (some days, hourly) to be strong in my convictions and my love for them drives me to be a better person and mother.
3.  My job.  My job title is Stay at Home Mom.  My duties are: housewife, maid, chauffeur, cook, dog groomer, hair stylist, interior decorator, problem solver, activities planner, and last but certainly not least comforter for the sick, tired and otherwise sad of our home.  It is a job of many duties but all are worth the work it takes to do them correctly.  The better I am at my job, the happier my husband and family are.  I may not contribute much by way of bringing money into the house, but I am confident that my contributions are worth way more than a pay check ever could be.  I don't think anyone looks back on their lives and wishes they had worked outside the home more.  Many look back and wish they had had more time with their children and loved ones.  I will not have to be in that category, and gives me a sense of accomplishment that any other job could never come close to.
4.  My family and friends.  I may not have a bus load of really close friends, but the ones I do have have always been there for me and stood beside me...and got behind and pushed me when I needed it.  My family is the same way.  I know that no matter what stupid antics I may pull, that my family loves me for ME no matter what.  In fact, I have such love for my close friends that they, in essence, become a part of my family.  My mom is patient and understanding.  She listens without judging and is careful with her advice so as to avoid being pushy.  My dad was always there to listen to my problems and both helped me to come to my own conclusions about how to handle them.  I have a wonderful sister, and my close girlfriends feel like sisters to me as well.  Anyone would be blessed to have even one friend like that.  I am blessed to have three.  Having a strong support system makes this thing called life a little easier to walk through.
5. My home.  It may not be updated with all the latest trends, the paint job is clearly amateur (hey, cut a girl some slack!), and there are definite areas in need of finishing and/or repair.  But it is our home.  It houses the most important people in my life and we have created a warm and inviting space for ourselves and any who chose to visit.
6. My health.  Sure I could use to lose about 60 pounds (which was the reason for starting this blog in the first place) and I know that I will get there.  But aside from that major annoyance I am in great health.  There are many who are not so lucky, so it is important to realize and be thankful for this.

Well, I think I have rambled on enough for today.  It is important to take stock in ones life now and again and rather than just sit and think on it, to actually share with others who care to hear about it.  I hope that in sharing others may stop to think of the things in their lives that are great and allow the great to outweigh the not so great.