The good thing about falling apart at the seams...

is that you can get sewn back up by sweet friends.

Here are some recent blessings:

1) Abby babysat Ben, again, on Tuesday so that I could work without stressing about childcare.

2) Alison Tarka took Ben to playgroup and watched him so that I could take a 2o minute shower in peace! And write emails, and work, and just breathe.  I love that kid but we had been battling, literally, since 11:00am on Wed morning.

3) The Beltzner's came by and visited and Chris wrestled with Ben and Andrea held Sam.  I just sat. They brought a delicious dinner of sausage, grilled peppers and pasta and the most amazing soft italian bread.  

4) Jenn Sadlier came over and shared some of it with me (thank God she was here or I would have plowed right through that loaf of bread!), drove with me to DQ for hot fudge sundae's and then did my dishes.

5) My sweet husband sent me a beautiful, colorful bouquet that was delivered to my doorstep! The first time in our relationship that I received delivered flowers-- and I know it shouldn't mean much with the state of the economy and such, but it did! It did! It meant the world to me!

6) 2 different wonderful friends invited the boys and I to their special Halloween parties.  I can't attend either, but loved that they thought to include us.

7) Barbara Gillette dropped off a bag with the cutest little pumpkin, delicious tomato soup and crackers when I was sick.

8) My mom and grandma really cared for me and the kiddos allowing me to take care of myself this last weekend by babysitting and keeping me company (and doing laundry).

9) Lovely Abby soothed my parenting fears and guilt and spoke truth to me and gave me good advice and let me know that everything is okay.  Big picture parenting, right?

10) And just to make it to number 10, I love Ben hugs.  The sweetest, chubby arms thrown around me with cheek rubbing, sweet smiling love.  He usually says "Mommy" in the most precious voice while he is hugging me, like it is his favorite word. He still gives them to me even after a million time outs.  I know he should get the time outs no matter what, but I'm still always grateful for the hugs.

So, even though it has been rocky, and my jaw is clenched and my teeth feel weird and my emotions are getting shot all over like a ping pong machine, I can rest here on Thursday night and let myself be washed over with care and gratitude for it. Thank you, friends, for making this life not only bearable, but sweet.