Giving thanks to all I have received

"As Americans gather for the time-honored Thanksgiving Day meal, let us rejoice in the abundance that graces our tables, in the simple gifts that mark our days, in the loved ones who enrich our lives, and in the gifts of a gracious God.

... by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 2010, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all the people of the United States to come together -- whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors -- to give thanks for all we have received in the past year, to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and to share our bounty with others."

-Barack Obama

(Thank you for posting that, Heather!)

Amen, Barack!!

Tonight I sit and reflect on all that I've been given.  All the good that is in my life.  Everything I've been blessed to have, people, things and experiences.... the necessities and luxuries.

I am Thankful for my husband.  He's my biggest fan, my biggest supporter, and my co-pilot through this journey of life.  Nothing I do or say can offend him, and he loves me for the good and bad that makes me me.  I love him with my whole heart and can't imagine my life without him.

I am Thankful for my two amazing little boys.  They are the reason my heart beats, the reason our lives are filled with laughter and joy, and the reason I have grey hairs.  I couldn't have asked for two sweeter boys to call my children.  They make me laugh (and cry), they make me proud, and most of all they've made me Mom.

I am Thankful for freedom.  Freedom to worship our God.  Freedom to vote.  Freedom to have a voice... to have an opinion.  Freedom to walk our streets and feel safe.

I am Thankful for girlfriends.  Sometimes I wonder what I would do without them.  I am thankful that we can get together with our kids and also spend time together without.  I am thankful they value our friendship, and Mom-Only time, as much as I do.  I have been so blessed with amazing girlfriends in my life, both near and far, and especially with recent events have really counted my blessings in this category.

I am Thankful for creativity.  I love creating... whether it be photography, scrapping, crafts, sewing or decorating.  I am so thankful that I have the vision to execute ideas and to create things for our family.

I am Thankful for our home.  This was the 3rd year we had Thanksgiving in our home, with both sides of our family here.  I am so thankful to have a home where we can gather, enjoy a good meal and spend time together.

I am Thankful for sisters.  I've been blessed not only with a sister I grew up with, but also a sister in law I adore just as much.  I am thankful to have them in my life, to have children close in age, and to enjoy spending time with both of them.

I am Thankful for my job.  I love my job.  I don't love going to my job, but I love being at my job.  Does that make sense?  Every part of getting ready and getting out the door to get there, I despise.  But I love my job... my co-workers, my students, and my administrator.  I'm very blessed.

What are you Thankful for today?