Post-Thanksgiving...

...and still giving thanks..

The last couple of years I took the "30-days of Thanks" challenge and for each day of the entire month of November found something for which I was grateful.  This year, I decided not to. Not because I'm less grateful, but because I wanted to do something different. I've given being grateful a lot of thought.  Kevin and I have taken time to notice just how blessed we've been over the last year.  Quite frankly, I am a bit overwhelmed with gratitude.

I am grateful for Amanda being willing to come over and help me get the house ready. She always brings such a joyful spirit when she comes over. I love getting to be her Mom and friend. I love the fun, silly relationship she has with her Daddy, and how much his opinion matters to her.

Jackie lends a flavor to our family that is uniquely her own. How grateful I am for this child of mine who allows me to view life through her eyes. I get such a singular perspective from Jackie that I could find no where else. I still say she's going to grow old and become the crazy cat-lady...

I am grateful to finally have a son.  The depth with which he loves my daughter truly endears him to me all the more. Chris is a good man in so many ways!  The fact that he can reach the top our 7 + foot Christmas tree is icing on the cake. lol

Kevin is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but whatever it is...I am glad I did. He's my best friend, confident, and the love of my life.  He "sees" me...that's a gift that is rare and very precious!

I am grateful to have a warm and welcoming home. The kids always told their friends that if they came over more than twice, they were family.  This year we "adopted" Kevin's friend from work, Fraz. Fraz spent all of Thanksgiving day with us and got his first taste of an all-American Thanksgiving celebration.  I am also grateful for traditions that last through the years...like gathering to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

I love getting my house all dressed up for the Holidays. I love the light and cheer these decorations bring to our home. I love the traditions that go along with them, and all the happy memories each one holds.

Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the gift for which I am truly most grateful. The knowledge I have that He took upon Him my sins and suffering gives me peace and hope. I am grateful for that knowledge and that hope which provide such a strong foundation for my life. Heavenly Father has truly opened the windows of Heaven and poured out blessings upon me and my family beyond our capacity to hold. In added measure, He has opened our hearts and lives and filled them with wonderful family and friends who bless our lives everyday.  Truly, I have much for which to be thankful!