Thanks

Here are my 30 things, in no particular order.

1.) M- She is my reason for everything. She completes me.

2.) Ryan- My missing piece isn't missing anymore, I found him 11 years ago and I've refused to let him go.

3.) Sugar- It makes everything delicious and without it I wouldn't be a very good baker.

4.) Peanut butter- I can eat it with a spoon or slathered on anything. It's perfect.

5.) TV- I love tv.  Lately, I've been especially thankful for bad teen tv shows (Revenge, Pretty Little Liars). It's my guilty pleasure and the perfect background noise to keep me company while I cook or clean during M's naps.

6.) Money- I'm glad we have enough to pay our bills and live somewhat comfortably but a little more money never hurt anyone. Well, except maybe Hurley from Lost. Lost!!! 6.5) I'm thankful for Lost but it pissed me off so it doesn't deserve a whole number.

7.) Toilet Paper and Baby Wipes- What would we be cleaning our booties and patooties with if we didn't have them? Leaves? No thanks!

8.) My family- The family I was born into and the members I've claimed along the way these 27 years. Some of you have been pretty amazing and I really appreciate it. Some of you have been more trouble than you're worth but at least you give me something to laugh about.

9.) Snacks- Snacks save the day pretty frequently around here. They keep M occupied when I am trying to shop or get something done.

10.) Indoor Plumbing- It might surprise you to know that I have actually used a real old fashioned out house. Before my Great-Great Grandmother's house was torn down when I was really young, I used the old fashioned outhouse behind her house. I was a kid and curious, so I went for it. It was pretty terrifying. It's very deep and you really don't know what's down there and what might decide to try to come out while you're hovering above that giant, dark hole in the ground. Not to mention, after having Mattie, I have to urinate quite frequently and I can't imagine making 3 or 4 trips outside before bed each night. Especially in the dark, when it's freezing. No thanks!

11.) Coffee- I couldn't wake up without you. Thank you coffee, for all that you do.

12.) Clean Water and Plenty of Food- Not everyone has these luxuries that we often take for granted.

13.) Showers- Another thing that a lot of people take for granted. I don't get to shower nearly as much as I would like. So, when I do, it is a beautiful thing.

14.) Old Navy & TJ Maxx- Thank you for providing me with affordable, comfortable, mommy friendly clothing.

15.) Netflix & DiGiorno Pizza- When combined with a cheap bottle of wine, you make a great stay-at-home date night on a Friday night after the baby is in bed.

16.) Puppies- This family loves puppies. That might be why there are an equal amount of puppies and humans in our house.

17.) Picnic & The Atlanta Zoo- Nothing better than a lazy picnic in Grant Park with my 2 favorite people. Followed by swinging and several trips down the slides. Then strolling through the zoo to see the animals.

18.) The Internet- How could I live without you? You help me save money, watch movies & tv  for free and keep me in touch with friends and family. You are worth every cent of the $25 I pay for your services each month. You amaze me.

19.) Brad Pitt- Thank you for being so handsome. I enjoy you.

20.) Mamaw & Glen- Two people who didn't have to take care of me but chose to when no one else could or would. You both did a pretty excellent job if I do say so myself.

21.) Dirty Dancing- My light in the dark. This movie always makes me happy. Does it surprise you to know that before I met Ryan, my friends described him to me as looking like Patrick Swayze. I don't see it but they're both pretty handsome fellas.

22.) Footie PJs- Thank you for keeping my daughter warm and cozy since she doesn't always like being covered up with a blanket. Mommy worries.

23.) Disposable Diapers- A big high five to all you moms who choose to use cloth diapers or who had no choice but to use cloth diapers. I've been covered in poo one to many times and cloth diapers just seem like a bad idea.

24.) My Friends- Especially my mommy friends who are always there to answer my questions or listen to me vent when I'm having a rough day (it happens). Thank you to my friends that have been around for a very, very long time (A.R., K.H, E.M and M.B.). I hope you know who you are. Thank you for skipping school with me and riding along for "drive-bys", for understanding my boy problems over the years, for somehow managing to get pregnant at the same time as me so we could go through it together. And everything else.

25.) The Backyardigans & Beyonce- Thank you both for calming my daughter during tantrums, helping her go to sleep, and just making my daughter happy. I never thought I would know every word to a Beyonce song.

26.) America- You're not perfect but you're a hell of a lot better than some places.

27.) Single Parents- I don't know how you do it but I have a new appreciation for you. I know it can't be easy and you probably don't always get credit for being both Mom and Dad but thank you for being good parents and doing what you do for your children. I appreciate you. 

28.) Coupons- Free money? Yes, please!

29.) Chapstick- If I were stuck on a dessert island, I would hope for a giant crate of chapstick to magically fall from the sky.


30.) Ryan & M- You deserve more than just one "Thank You". Thank you both for making me so happy and letting me snuggle you even when you don't want to be snuggled. Thank you for listening to me attempt to sing silly songs. Thank you for your laughter & smiles that always brighten my day. Thank you both for being goofy and making me laugh. Thank you for loving me and letting me love you.