Thoroughly Thankful {Thanksgiving!} Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! It seems like a tradition of sorts has developed over the past few years (Facebookies like me should know what I'm talking about!) where people list one thing they are thankful for every day in November leading up to Thanksgiving. It always seemed like a nice idea, but between the unexpected happenings of life with little kids, and--quite honestly--general laziness, I haven't been motivated enough to jump on board. Maybe next year. But I've also realized that I shouldn't focus my entire week on how to mash potatoes by hand, either. So I've decided to pause for at least a few moments and join Sarah over at ...and Twins Make Four for Thoroughly Thankful Thursday--Thanksgiving style!

Things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving:

-My beautiful kids. They are the absolute light of my life.

-An amazing husband who is truly my best friend!

-My kid's dad. He's not only an amazing husband, he is the most incredibly active, loving, and FUN dad to our kiddos. I've always hoped that my kiddos would have a great relationship with their father. But the kind of dad he is has far exceeded all of the hopes and expectations I might have had!

-My wonderful family. Even though they are 1,612 miles away, I'm thankful that Skype, in-network calling, and 'letters to grandma' help keep us as close!

-Having family in town. After being so far away from both of our families in the Army, the luxury of having my in-laws ten minutes away is just awesome! They've made the transition so much easier, especially when I'm missing my family so much.

-Our country. Freedom is unfortunately a privilege denied to many. 

-Those who have fought for that freedom. Specifically for all the friends we were lucky enough to serve with, and for those who continue to serve and are sitting in a mess tent on a military base right now instead of around a table with loved ones this Thanksgiving. And most importantly, for all of our friends who have sacrificed their very lives for our freedom.

-A fully-stocked pantry when there are so many empty bellies out there.

-Our community. I love our community. Pretty much everything I could possibly want or need is nearby--the grocery store, Target, church, school, a free gym, nature trails, the playground...I never have to leave my three-mile radius if I don't want to! Our town was literally designed for families with young kids. It's just perfect for us.

-Dear friends, new and old. My life is filled with SO many wonderful friends who love and support me in the good times and bad! 

-The open field behind our backyard. It's part of a running/biking trail network that runs throughout the entire community. During late afternoons in the fall, when the sun starts to set and reflects off of the prairie-like grass, the whole field suddenly transforms, blazing with the most beautiful golden light. When we used to visit Colorado I couldn't understand why people thought it was beautiful. I thought it was brown and ugly. Confession: Now that we live here I've had a [BIG] change of heart. I've affectionately dubbed it our 'Fields of Gold.'

-Rocky Mountain Sunsets from our backyard. Just like those fields of gold, I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching unbelievable sunsets like this one. The best part? They happen all the time!

A little bedtime gift from God--just stunning.

-The chance to stay home. There are many women out there who don't have the option of staying home with their children even if they want to. I used to be one of them. But now I get to be present for the most important moments in my kids' lives. I watch as the scribbles slowly become recognizable shapes and letters, I listen as the babbling morphs into words, and I coach as the things that seem so impossible to little hands suddenly become accomplishments. I am so, so lucky.
-My daughter's school. I just love our daughter's pre-school and her wonderful teachers. It's absolutely amazing to watch her learn and develop so quickly!
-A roof over our heads...particularly one that is large enough to fit all of us comfortably and then some (hooray for closet space!). And all around us we have wonderful neighbors.

-Our 130-pound "puppy." He's the total package: snuggle buddy, foot warmer, body guard, conversation starter...and he's also pretty regal-looking when bounding through the snow!
-Our church and freedom of religion. I don't know what I'd do without a place each week where I can strengthen my faith and be reminded of the things that matter most in life. And I've especially loved getting to work with the high school youth group in the past few months--it's so hard to be a teenager these days...I loving being able to give back just a little!
-Our health. We all are able to get up everyday, put both feet on the ground, get ready on our own, drive to work, lift children, do chores, exercise, and so many things that others cannot!
-Reliable (new!) transportation. Even if we didn't exactly plan on having a new car so soon, we are lucky enough to have not only one, but two functional vehicles!
-The blogosphere. It sounds a little silly, but blogging gives me a chance to do some of my favorite things--write, share what's important to me, and connect with others. I've "met" some amazing people through the blogging community, and in many ways they've become a sort of second family.
-All of the little blessings we overlook everyday. Heat and warm clothes in winter, air conditioning in the summer, the love and comfort fills our home, an excess of accessories, toys, tools, and other nice things..and all of the other seemingly little things I can't think of right now but I definitely take for granted far too often. We are blessed beyond measure. May we try to become more thankful for all of the the blessings we usually take for granted!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us!!!

Don't forget to visit Sarah's blog and check out all the blessings that others have to share!