Thankful

I am thankful. Very thankful. As we embrace Thanksgiving, I find myself thinking of the gifts in my life. Life is far from perfect--marriage is difficult, motherhood is trying and successfully blending the two is the ultimate challenge, but I wouldn't change a thing. God has a plan for each of us, which has given me faith to push the bad and focus on the good. I have an incredible family who will tell it like it is, supports me in ways I didn't know I needed, and drops everything and anything to help me. Chris is a great husband and partner. We work hard on our marriage, working to be a team, and maintaining focus on our future goals, Our marriage needs constant checking and adjusting, and although it could probably use more attention than it is getting in the midst of our craziness, Chris and I have successfully established our team. We work hard to provide a united front to our children, make decisions as a couple and prioritize our togetherness as a family. We do most things together and we like it like that. He is loving, supportive, knows what I am going to say before I say it, listens to my complaints, offers advice at the right time, and is an incredible Daddy who is a hero to our children. In our girls' eyes, Chris can truly do no wrong. Of course he is far from perfect (I'm sure he'd disagree ;), but he is open to change. I think that quality is the one I am most thankful for today. However, Claire and Mya are the center of my thankfulness this Thanksgiving. During each difficult moment that we've encountered this past year, our girls have kept me going. Claire was a fabulous distractor when Chris was/is away, she is senstive, loving, funny, gentle, innocent and too darn smart for her own good. It is as if there is a 10 year old trapped inside her little body--ok, maybe not 10 as she can't multiply yet, but you get the point. She is wise beyond her years. As we get to know Mya, she is more of the same. She is laid back, loving, curious, funny, and all things good. Having children fills a place in my heart that I didn't even know was empty. They have given my life purpose. They are the most incredible gift. I love our babies far more than I ever thought I could. Each second, minute, hour, day with them is one I cherish. I could go on and on about my love for my family. I feel so blessed as I know not everyone feels this way about their own. I have a similar love and appreciation for my friends, both new and old. I am not one to have volumes of friends. I just don't roll like that. I prefer to have a handful of great friends from each chapter in my life. Great friends are those who I can talk to everyday or once a year and it is like we've never been apart. I am fortunate to have those friends. They are truly blessings from God. I am thankful for other things...great health, our house, food, my job, Chris' job, our babysitter who loves our children like her own, etc., but my family & friends are my everything. They truly are what makes my world go round. So with that, you know who you are---my friends new and old and my family, I love you. Thank you for all you give me each and everyday.