Giving thanks on Thanksgiving

Jordan woke me up this morning with the kind of excitement that comes with the holidays. She had these happy wide eyes that told me she did not remember Thanksgiving comes with visits with family and lots to eat. Randy and I think this may be the first time she really paid attention to what happens during a holiday.

We had a huge Thanksgiving dinner. 40 family members together eating and talking and seeing how big our kids are getting. Cameron and Jordan even had periodic moments of liking each other. (A quick moment was captured in this picture)

I’m so thankful for our family and friends. Our friends are so great. Some we see once a year, others live down the street. They’re all great for a smile, a hug and often a glass of wine.

I’m so thankful to have a job that has the flexibility to care for my kids and have a chance to travel for work and for fun. My boss understands I’m pushing the limits of our industry and lets me try to work outside the box. He also lets me take the time I need to care for the kids… Even if it means I’m working odd hours instead of business hours.

I’m thankful this blog and other places online have given me the chance to meet and get to know so many wonderful people – online and in person. Thank you to each and every reader of this blog. I appreciate all of your input on this site and on Facebook.

I’m especially thankful for a husband who puts up with my insanity. I spend a lot of time focusing on work, the kids and my online world. I appreciate how he finds time to get me out of the house where he and I can have fun, spend time together and usually enjoy good music. He also puts up with my drive to exercise even if it means I need to go to sleep earlier than usual or he has to get the kids to bed while I’m at the gym.

I’m thankful for my parents and my in-laws who pitch in so much with our kids… especially this year when I had knee surgery and when Randy and I went on vacation without the kids. I’m also thankful for my brother and brother-in-law and the time we all get to spend together each year.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving (if you’re in the United States) and enjoy the holiday season.