Working out my mommy-hood

I have now lived in Turkey for 8 1/2 years and my oldest child is 9 1/2 years old. That tells me that of the 9.5 years of parenting I have parented 8.5 of those years overseas in a different culture, with children who have embraced two cultures and languages. Yet in all these difference there are times I still try and fit into the mould of something I am not "a typical American mommy" and I try and force my kids into a mould that they are not "typical American kids."  Learning to know who our family is and our unique thumbprint takes time and disicpline on my part not to compare myself with great intentions/books/families that don't even fit our life here. Also that I would let go of old ideals that need to be laid to rest. (I think one of my ideals looks a bit to much like perfection. :))

I am struggling these last few weeks being a mama, doing this job and giving 100%. Wondering so much if I am doing any of it right, seeing more negatives in myself and my kids then are healthy.
SO I have been looking for ways I can give thanks, and not just the obvious ones like... my bed, home, husband etc but really find how to be grateful in the hard situation I may find myself in today.  There are days I just have to stick it out until I can find something to be grateful for in the situation, and not stop until the well breaks and I can't stop thanking God for all his benefits.

Today I offer my sacrifice of thanksgiving for: the constant challenges of raising these three kids. If these challenges were not here that would mean my kids and their unique persons would not be here either, and I am without words when it comes to my gratitude to God for giving me these three kiddos and there specific personalities that give our family that unique thumbprint I am talking about.

"I will praise the Lord @ all times. I will constantly speak his praises." Ps. 34:1

"Be thankful in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thes 5:18

"Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God..." Ps. 50:14a

Here is a verse that I have been re-reading this week:

"The steps of a good woman are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in her way. Though she fall, she shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds her with His hand. " Ps. 37:23-24

In my west corner working out my mommy-hood in this culture,
Becky

and I am thankful for knowing two languages, that my children know two languages, that my children accept different types of people, that my children are not intimidated by others beliefs and are confident in their own, that we are together a lot seeing each others weaknesses and strengths and loving anyway, that we always have what we need and my children are not surrounded by the constant excess in the States, that I have to run to Jesus all the time for wisdom, grace and patience, that I am not alone in the challenges of motherhood, that my husband is an amazing sounding board and Baba.....