TGI Friday (A #R2BC post)

This is my first Reasons to Be Cheerful 1, 2, 3 post and I thought that it would be good to write down why I want to take part in this blog hop.
After seeing a couple of different bloggers R2BC posts, I was intrigued as to what it was all about, so I followed the link and came across Mummy from the Heart's blog.  I love the idea of remembering the good things on a weekly basis and think that this is something that I really need to do.
Since Noah was about a year old I have struggled with daily life as a mother and wife and eventually last year I finally went to the doctors and admitted just how down I was feeling.  The doctor diagnosed me with depression.  It feels weird to say that I have PND, when Noah was almost two by then!  He put me on citalopram anti-depressants, which did help.  As most people with depression will know, I had good days and bad days, but on the tablets I found I was having more good days.
In January I went to South Africa for two weeks for my sisters wedding.  Because of financial reasons, I went on my own without hubby and the kids.  I can honestly say it was the best 2 weeks I have had in a very long time.  It really helped me to unwind and find *me* again.  On my return I felt ready to come off the anti-depressants.  I went back to the doctors and we weaned me off the tablets.  I now don't take anything any more, however, I am starting to find daily life a struggle and very stressful again.  Noah is most certainly going through the terrible twos and at the age of four, I don't think Aled has ever outgrown it!
These last couple of weeks have been pretty hard going for me.  The Saturday before last my 13 year old son was violently mugged and we spent most of last week coming to terms with it.  He is doing much better now and although his confidence has been knocked, he is slowly regaining it.  This week Aled & Noah seemed to be on a mission to wear me down.  It feels like it's been one big non-stop tantrum from waking up time until bed time every day all week.  We are now at the end of the week and I feel exhausted!
So.....my reasons for being cheerful this week:

1. We are all here, in one piece and together.
2. Bedtimes.  I love story time at the kids bedtime.  On hubby's turn he does interactive books on the ipad, but when it's my turn we get the normal books out and I read to them.  Hubby says he doesn't know who enjoys it more, me or them!
3. Cake!!  This week I made my very first coconut cake.  There's nothing more satisfying that trying a new recipe that has come out well!
4. PJ is starting to get his confidence back.
5. I have new bedding on my bed today.  I actually can't wait to go to bed! lol.

So, there are my reasons for being cheerful this week, what about you?

Jackie. x