Giving Thanks

Today I was thinking that I have a lot to be thankful about.

I have two happy, healthy babies. They are smart, they're beautiful, and they have sweet temperaments. They light up my existence.

I have nice older kids. They are just good, NICE kids. They try to do the right thing, they are compassionate, and they care about their world and the people in it. Their drugs of choice are caffeine, reading, and cell phones. When they're truly out there on their own, I'll be proud for people to know I raised them.

I have a husband I love...a friend and partner to share my life with. He gets who I am and (get this) likes me anyway. Sometimes I think he's nuts for not running for the hills. But he doesn't. And if he ever did, he'd do it while holding my hand and helping me over the rocky parts.

I have a family I can count on. I might not see them or speak to them every day, but they love me and are there. "Being there" is a family trait that is underrated, in my opinion.

I'm healthy, and that's nothing to shake a stick at. I have eyes that see, ears that hear, and feet that walk. My lungs work, my heart works, my brain works. If my complexion is the worst of my problems, I've got it made.

We don't have a lot of extras, but my family has been able to make 12 months of house and car payments since this time last year. We have food in our pantry and gas in our cars. We go out to dinner and shows once in a while. If I feel like buying a book or a pair of shoes or even a Starbucks coffee, I can. That's a big deal to me, since there's been quite a few periods of my life when I haven't been able to do those things without a certain amount of stress.

I have a job that, while exhausting, fulfills me and allows me to support my family. I have the pleasure of giving back to our world in a way that brings me joy.

Yeah, every once in awhile I might envy certain friends and family a little. Sometimes I get down and wish for more than I have...sometimes. But then I think about all I've got here in my own little universe. I'm happy and content, and I love my life. And I'm grateful to be so blessed.