Generosity

2008 was a tough year. I'm sure most of you understand that having a baby and dealing with economic crisis at the same time, all the while trying to make do on self-employment, can be rough. I'm sure a lot of my frustration has to do with fluctuating hormones, but there's also a toddler who's almost 2, a house that needs serious repairs, health crises, and an amazing lack of sleep.

Amazing to me is that you all really do seem to understand. Or at least sympathize.

Seriously though. I have the most generous friends and family known to man. I mean, it's not like anyone I know has boat loads of money they can throw around, but the people I know are incredibly generous with what they do have.
Some examples:

* It was awesome to be able to drop kids off with my sis-in-law yesterday so Brent could get lots of work done while I went to visit my adorable cousin's baby (you get to decide whether "adorable" applies to the cousin or the baby - I think it works for both).

* The non-boss that fired Brent 2 1/2 years ago and then decided he was needed... the one who now contracts work out to Brent... sent us a Christmas card. That card contained a gift card for $500 at Wal-Mart. Guilt money? Gift horse, for sure!

* A brother-in-law donated his time (and will for gas money donate a bunch more) to install our kitchen cabinets.

* The website owner where Brent spends a great deal of time moderating sent him a check for $500 as a "bonus." Considering it's a volunteer position, that's a fortuitous windfall.

* A great friend donated a toddler bed and a travel swing for our new baby.

* My parents regularly let Felix run free, allowing Brent and I to have some time "alone" (I put it in quotes because with an infant it's only sort of alone, right?).
Truth is that I can't detail all the ways that people have been wonderful with us. The time that people have donated to us, even by just understanding the difficulties of having a new baby, it all means so much. As overwhelmed as I am by the frustrations of motherhood and life in general, I am just as overwhelmed by the amazing people I am blessed to have in my life.

I love each and every single one of you. Thanks for your support and understanding. And thanks especially for your tolerance. It really is appreciated. If there's anything I can do for you, please, please, please... let me return the many many favors.

As Felix would say, "tay tew!"