Taken for Granted

There are so many things I took for granted before I became a mom
Sleep
Showers
Random daily naps
Eating a full meal while sitting
Eating a full meal without someone stealing half of it
Eating a full meal. Period.
Going to the grocery store ALONE
Going to the bathroom ALONE
Privacy.
Laying on the couch without having a Lego thrown at my head
Watching a TV show without the volume turned up ridiculously high
Being able to just walk out the door at any given moment
Having the ability to just skip a meal because I didn't feel like cooking


These are just  a FEW of the many things I used to take for granted. I don't want to take anything for granted anymore. I sometimes find myself forgetting the fact that I am blessed to be able to stay at home with my children. When I'm trying to wash the jelly out of my hair from a PB&J gone bad, after the little monsters thought it would look "pretty" in mommy's hair, I sometimes forget that those are the same little monsters who steal my heart everyday. The sweet random kisses I get as they run by. Or the big hugs I get around my legs as I'm washing dishes or cooking a meal. The sweet cuddly time they beg for. There are so many things that my kids do that can drive me insane, but there are so many things they do that make my love for them grow everyday. 


I have read so many stories of women who have multiple miscarriages, or of the newborns who just don't make it home, or of a toddler who is sick with cancer. I am so blessed to have happy, healthy, thriving children who I get to stay home and take care of every day. I am married to a happy, healthy, loving and devoted husband and father, whom I cannot imagine my life without. I'm tired of taking it all for granted. I don't know why God has blessed me with so many wonderful things, but I am truly thankful. 


Not taking anything (or anyone) for granted anymore, and making everyday count! Life is too short and too precious not to.