I Am Thankful....

For so many things.













A husband who is kind, and loves me more than I deserve. Who has a good heart and does what is right. Who is working so hard to make a good life for our family. We have our struggles, but he is forgiving, and we make things work.



For a daughter who is one of the brightest lights in my life. Who is healthy and strong and happy and smart. Who makes me laugh. Who, for the moment, is allowing me to be her best friend. Who is reminding me to find happiness in the little things that life brings - like today when we had our first few flakes of snow falling and she made me run outside just to feel them and to plan the first snowman of the season.
















For a son who is such a sweetheart. Who is as handsome as his father. Who is starting to have a few 8 hour nights. Who I can't wait to get to know better.

For a mother who is one of my best friends. Who laughs at flibbertigibbets as hard as I do. Who has passed down a talent for cooking. Who empathizes with morning sickness. Who has been by my side at the birth of my two children. Who sends us packages and does little things to let us know that she's thinking of us. Who is a romantic, and takes Quincy to the graveyard and has her lay down and look up into the sky and at the falling leaves. Who found us a caterpillar and put it in a bottle so that we could see it transform into a beautiful monarch butterfly. Who loves us.















For a father who I have complete faith and trust in. Who has taught me integrity, and the rewards of hard work. Who's sense of humor never fails him - even in the middle of a heart attack. Who's just a nice guy. Who can answer any question - not because he's a know-it-all, but just because he does know a lot. Who looks out for my mom, and tries not to worry her. Who I know loves me, and is there to help if I need it.

For sisters who are among my closest friends. Who adore my children almost as much as I do. Who watch movies with me and talk on the phone. One who's so good at planning things to do when I come to visit. One who's so good at just talking, or snuggling on the couch with a child.


For brothers who all have good hearts. Who give me buddy passes so I can come home frequently. Who play with Quincy, and paint her fingernails, and make her feel like a star.

For a grandmother who talks to me everyday, and passes on her lice (life-advice). Who unknowingly helps me see things from a better perspective and reminds me of what is most important. Who gets mad at me for disciplining my child, and thinks I'm horrible because I have a time-out chair :) Who has always said that her grandchildren are perfect, especially me!


For friends old and new, who have added color to my life. Laughed and cried with me. Worked and played with me.
For so many luxuries. For feeling safe where I live. For having more than enough food and clothing for my children. For the chance to pursue an education. For a warm home, clean water, and a soft bed. For freedom, to live my life according to the dictates of my own conscience.
For a belief that this life has a purpose. To know that life is precious, and my children are gifts. To know that the bonds I forge in this life will go with me to the next.
I am thankful to be so blessed.