It's just a few hours until Thanksgiving day. I have much to be thankful for. I thought it'd be fun to share some of the things I am thankful for. I know it matters more what I do with the blessings in my life, but I think it's also important to share them. Not only to encourage and inspire others, but to really open ourselves to all the little things that matter.

I'm thankful for being in charge of dinner this year. I've never really been in charge of Thanksgiving dinner before. My husband has worked on Thanksgiving day only 1 other time that I can think of, but he still planned our meal and everything. All I did was put the turkey in the oven. This year however, I got to do the planning (with him helping me out when I needed it.). I got to plan the schedule for how it's all going to run as well as who is going to do what. It's going to be a small Thanksgiving. Just us and the kids. As much as I'd LOVE to have more company, because I love having company, I'm still thankful that it'll be just us. An intimate Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for my kids and all the joy and light they bring into my life. This one can be so easily forgotten when I'm pretty much with them 24/7. I suppose that could be one benefit to an out of home school. I'd actually have to miss my kids. Although, I do when I'm at school. I have been so blessed to have these 3 not so perfect little ones in my life. They fight, they bicker, they whine, they complain. They make messes they don't clean up and blame others without ever taking responsibility for their actions or choices. They can destroy a room in a matter of seconds. And they can push my buttons as easily as they can change the chanel on the tv. They scream and yell as they run around the house playing like wild animals. They often forget their manners and hardly ever appreciate all they have. And I so often fall into the trap of seeing all those things, that I forget all the good there is to see. These wonderful little people, who are growing and blossoming right before my eyes as time runs away with them. I often forget that this is just ONE day and, if tomorrow comes, there will be a new opportunity to give them my best. And it breaks my heart to think I fail them, but I know (even when I don't always believe) that I'll only really fail, if I give up. The truth is, yeah they really CAN be like that. However, they are also eager to help with chores they love. Whether it be washing dishes, vacuuming, raking leaves, or sweeping. They give some of the best hugs and kisses ever. They are creative and funny and amazing. They take care of one another. They are blooming and blossoming each and every day and some of the things that annoyed me yesterday are becoming a distant memory as they learn their manners and how to treat others. As their worlds open and their hearts expand beyond themselves. Desiring to share with and care for others. They have taught me so much.

I'm thankful for my husband. The ups and downs and ins and outs. The growth and the strength. The friendship and love that we share. It hasn't been easy for us. There have been times when it has seemed like the world was against us, but we still strive. We still thrive. We're growing and learning so much together. And even though we aren't always in the same place or on the same level, things manage to find a way to balance us out. I've had my doubts and I'm sure he's had his, but at this time, I have peace about us and I'm thankful for that.