Daily Thanks

I like to think I'm doing pretty well for myself. I've got some degrees and a good Engineering job. Unfortunately, life doesn't care whether you make a little or a lot. Most of the important necessities of life cost money, and at least society in the US, has gotten comfortable with calling much more than that the bare minimum. All that is to say that houses, cars, and lifestyle are all expensive. I'm thankful for credit that has allowed me to live in a home and purchase cars with money I don't have yet. There is a strong argument against credit, namely interest charges and the potential for innapropriate spending, but I'm going to say the net outcome is positive. Of course I'm stressed by looming payments and maintenance on things I don't even own yet, but I think if rather have those items than not.

Hazel is a joy. She gave us some serious worry when she was born. It's terrible when doctors plant questions instead of answers. But since that time I have felt extremely lucky and blessed that her health has been so good and her personality so loving. I am grateful for Hazel's smile. While we rarely get a laugh from her we get lots of smiles. Those bring me joy. I'm thankful for her hugs and when she pats my back. I'm happy to see her becoming more physically independent too, from eating more solid foods to balancing standing up. I can't wait for her to start walking around. I am thankful for her relatively easygoing personality. She can play on her own well and is generally not fussy. She falls asleep in the car very well and loves to dance by bouncing up and down and headbanging. She is wonderful. I look forward to seeing her develop even more into a big girl.

I'll get it out of the way and say that Emery is a budding three and a half year old and a ball of energy. Her endless questions and curiosity/boundary testing can stress me out, but I sure do love her. Emery is clever, smart, thoughtful, goofy, loves to laugh (and talk way too loud,) and generally does everything with flair and enthusiasm. I am grateful for the energy that she brings to the house and her persistent laughter. I am grateful for her very strong hugs and creative jokes and stories. I love making up stories for her when she goes down for bed. I enjoy seeing her giggle and smile as she jumps on the trampoline. I appreciate when she takes initiative to sweep or mop the floor. She is my firstborn. She ushered in a new and exciting phase of my life. I am thankful for my Emers.

There are a lot of good things to say about Steph. She is a dedicated spouse and mother. She constantly thinks about and concerns herself with the needs of others, and especially her family. She is always willing to sacrifice her needs or postpone her wants to cater to her children. She is especially good at being loving and patient with me. We have had numerous disagreements that have revealed my flaws. While I don't get off Scott free she has remained by my side despite my flaws and has continually been an inspiration to do better. More than anything, she has always been an inspiration to do better. Her compassion, spirituality, dedication to morality and good, appreciation of talent, and general consistency all define her and make her a lighthouse to me, guiding me to be more like her and regain my direction. I am a better person today because of her and I'm glad to have her.