Giving Thanks

For the first time in 5 years, I won’t be cooking thanksgiving dinner.  It’s a break in tradition that I’m not crazy about but trying hard to embrace.  It’s a smaller group of family attending this year so we’ll be going out to dinner instead.  Which means no melt-in-your-mouth stuffing or creamy whipped sweet potatoes.  They may just have to make a special appearance this year at Christmas instead.  On the plus side, no sink full of dishes to wash or getting up at 6:30 am to start the cooking process.  And next year, it will definitely be back to tradition as usual.

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday of the year.  I love taking time out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life to reflect on what I am thankful for.  For those of you who are close to Matt and I, it’s no secret that it has been a rough year on us as far as losing jobs, changing careers and trying to manage financially.  But with a roof over our heads, food on our table and lots of love, I consider ourselves very lucky.  And here are just a few things that I am giving thanks for this year.

• My husband. My Matt. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I’m crazy about him.  I’m thankful for his positive outlook on life even when the chips are down, his willingness to help me out even if he’s tired and the way he laughs because no one’s chuckle is as contagious as his.
• My family.  I’m thankful for their unending support, their words of encouragement and their wisdom and advice.  I treasure this time of year with my family.  November is a month of special birthdays and Thanksgiving followed by December with more birthdays and Christmas.  Lots of family time and I love every minute of it.
• I’m thankful for my dog, Chloe.  Oh, how I love her and unconditional love and snuggles.
• My friends, both old and new. I’m thankful to have friends that are always there for me through the good and the bad.  Friends that I can always depend on no matter what.  And of course, I’m thankful for all the fun times we’ve shared.
• I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned this year, even the hard ones.  Learning to let go and let God.  Trusting in my faith and the path that I have chosen.  Becoming a person of action and not just talk.  And realizing that inner strength goes a long way.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend!  ♥