Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is what I am thankful for.
1. A Very Amazing Husband: I know there are many ideas I have that anyone else would say NO WAY! But I am grateful that Justin not only supports my ideas but actually helps to make them reality.
2. (Related to #1 since Justin's supported my visit to see Renate and her whole family) I am thankful that Renate reminded me that I actually DO like to cook- I just needed to add a few quality tools to my kitchen. After seeing Renate effortlessly prepare tastey healthy food every day, I decided to put a little more effort into my kitchen habits... I still have a ways to go but very thankful to Renate for the inspiration.
3. Friends and Family who know when to talk and when to keep quiet. I know my idea to head to CO sounded crazy to most. But I appreciate the support when I needed it and not telling me what you were really thinking.
4. Becoming ever so less of a worrier - There were such big unknowns these past few months like if I would get my teaching license in time, when Justin would be able to join us, when the house will sell, wondering if there was something more to Owen's frequent and intense migraines... that I simply had to learn to worry less or else I would be crippled with worry that wouldn't change any of the outcomes anyway.
5. Thankful for Change: Change is not easy but it is worth it. I am grateful that we had the guts to try a new place out. If nothing else we are making new friends and finding new places to enjoy on the weekends.
6. Music: Music has been a big part of this move. On our drive out, the three of us would sing along to The Plain White Tees. Then when we got here we would all share the same bedroom until Justin got here and fall asleep to The Lumineers. I also made a playlist for each child to play when they are feeling down. Now that we are settling in we enjoy live music when we can. Overall music is just a great way to feel alive and connect with people.
7. Can't say it enough- I am grateful for my health. Just got a note from my good friend that her infant son is in icu. In a second everything can change. That it is why I try to keep it in perspective and enjoy life. It sounds cliche but there is nothing more important than the health of our loved ones.
8. Thankful that my children share so much with me, even though sometimes it hurts to know when they have been hurt, I am grateful that we talk, laugh and enjoy each other.
9. Thankful for traditions- old and new. I love all the things that make the holiday season special. I look forward to keeping some of the old traditions and also starting some new ones.
10. Thankful for laughter. Most of my favorite memories involve either awesome food and funny, funny stories, or both. I hope, above all, no matter what comes our way, my family will always remember the importance and joy of laughter.

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks
It has been awhile since updating this blog. Way back in August I was hoping that by Thanksgiving things would be settling down a little. It looks like that is happening. Here is a little run down of what is happening here:
Laurel is doing a good job with school. The weather is cooperating well and now that we fixed her flat tire she is back to biking to school. I am really happy with her school and the balance that she has- learning a lot of school but also growing as a person and having time for family outings and cooking. She really enjoys chopping and experimenting. Lately her specialty is a killer tuna sandwich.
Owen is still going strong with scouting. This weekend he is making a rocket for the space derby. Last weekend he helped collect food for the local pantry. He is also in a jump roping group at school. Soon basketball will be starting up.
Justin likes his new job. For the first time he has his own office and Boulder is a nice place to work.
We have an offer on our house in NJ and hope to close before the holidays. That will be a wonderful gift. Then we can start looking for a place to call home here. As much as I was surprised by the hot weather in the summer, I am equally pleased with the warm autumn. It has been a wonderful month- lots of sunshine, warmth and time to be outside. Last weekend was the first weekend we got to enjoy Colorado as a family. On Friday Owen and Justin and I went PlanetBlueGrass in Lyons to see a bluegrass band. Then on Saturday Justin and I went hiking up to Button Rock for a really nice hike. On Sunday we all took a family bike ride which got cut slightly short because of a flat tire. There are these things called goatheads out here and they really do a number on our east coast tubes. I have since ordered new tubes for our bikes that are much thicker and resistant to these thorns.
Well- now that I have been mostly positive I can mention a little bit about the reality of moving. There is still a lot of drama in the Robbins house. I am not sure how much is pre-teen hormones and how much is from the move but there are certainly days that I think I am in over my head in the world of parenting. Some days I think it is impossible to be a working mom and other days I think it would be impossible to be a stay at home mom. So the bottom line is- it just feels impossible. But then there are those wonderful moments of playing catch with Owen or snuggling up with Laurel or taking a great walk with Justin and it all feels right. And those are the moments I try to focus on.