The things a busy mom is thankful for

The things a busy mom is thankful for


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SALT LAKE CITY — It's the middle of November. We have all hopefully recuperated from the sleepless nights fueled by all the candy that entered our homes late last month.

We were also given an extra hour that although, in foresight, seemed to be the answer to all our sleep issues, proved to be deceitful and rather counterproductive — apparently children don't get the memo.

So, what in the midst of all this cynicism might I be writing about, you ask? Well, it is November, aka, “the thankful month.” What better than a column dedicated to just that (being tankful), in order to dissipate such thoughts?

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Moreover, as I sit here in my solace-less corner of the house, with one ear listening to a child read, the other for the sound of the toaster, and with one hand typing, and the other signing a permission slip, I will begin with just that: I am thankful for hands and ears. Although I have wondered many times why creepy arachnids were blessed with eight appendages instead of us moms, and I would prefer a set of ears that came with an “on” and “off” switch, this job of being mom would be challenging, to say the least, without these luxuries.

I am thankful for a bathtub. Now, before you think that I spend my afternoons soaking up the suds, getting lost in my favorite romance novel, think again. It is the perfect calming mechanism for fussy, or otherwise unruly kids. Pour in a little lavender, add a bucket of their favorite toys — and of course the bathtub paints — and I have just bought myself a good 30 minutes of “ahhhhh” time as I sit close by — on the toilet, nonetheless — brainstorming ideas for my next column.

I am thankful for microwavable popcorn. This is a simple, inexpensive and delicious treat that will satisfy any salty or sweet craving at the drop of a hat. Furthermore, I am thankful for a “popcorn” button on my microwave that my kids can easily push without my help. This must have been a mother's idea.

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On that note, I am extremely grateful for the modern convenience that is a vacuum. Not only does it rid our house of unwanted dust mites and popcorn kernels, but it also creates a sound barrier that the kids are well aware of, and know not to ask me anything until it is off — thus the reason I vacuum multiple times a day.

I am thankful for Fabreeze and other odor-eliminating devices. Without which, our home would smell like … well … us.

Finally, what list would be complete without the kitchen sink? The way in which it rinses and cleans dishes, putting forth hot, cold or lukewarm water, is remarkable. How it so amazingly disposes of unwanted food particles and then serves as a holding mechanism for all the dishes awaiting their turn in my “glorified sanitizer” of a dishwasher. No mom's day would function very well without one.

All of these conveniences and more are what make a busy mom's life that much easier, and I am so thankful for all of them.

On a more serious note, I am thankful for the opportunity to be a mom and for all that it has done to complete me as a person. Busy or not, I couldn't ask for a better way to spend my days.


Arianne Brown is a graduate from Southern Utah University, mother to five young kids and an avid runner. Contact her at ariannebrown1@gmail.com.

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