It's time to give thanks

 

What I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving:

The basics – a home, food in our cupboards, heat and happiness. J

 My amazing, supportive, loving husband, Aaron.  He’s my best friend and my partner in crime.  We met 10 years ago (on Black Friday while working together at Best Buy).  Words cannot explain how thankful I am for his love and commitment to our family.  He is an amazing Dad, but an even better partner for me.  I’m thankful to call him my husband. 

Aaden – I’m thankful for my happy, healthy little boy.  You gave me the most important role in the world, Mommy.  I love that you are my little peanut, and that you love to give smiles.  You bring so much happiness to our family!  We love you more and more each day, and enjoy watching you brighten other peoples lives too! I’m thankful that you’ve been so healthy given your unexpected arrival into this world.  I’m SUPER thankful that you are consistently sleeping 7-9 hours at night now, and take nice long naps in the afternoons. 

Vada – our puppy!  I’m thankful for her constant acceptance and cuddles!  While she’s been getting more jealous and possessive of my time and attention, it just makes me love her even more!  She’s such a good dog and I love having her as part of our family.

My family -  I love my parents and sister more than anything, and I love spending time with them, especially around the holidays.  While we wear on one another’s nerves, especially after limited sleep and hours spend shopping on Black Friday, we do it because we love the time spent together and the tradition of it all. I’m very thankful to call them my family, and that we always have their love and support to guide us through life.

Extended family – We have some awesome grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  With such a big family, there are always challenges and people/things to worry and pray about.  I’m thankful for the successful surgery my Grandma had in October, and for everyone else’s continued health, happiness and security.

Friends – I’m thankful for my true friends.  The ones that still love us, even though we’re parents.  The ones that were ecstatic to hear we were expecting and the dear friends that showered us with support and gifts and welcomed our bundle of joy into their lives.  They have been understanding and patient with us as we grow into our new roles.  They’ve given us space when we need it, but also are at the ready to offer help and encouragement. We have some of the best friends, and we are excited to continue to grow old with them. 

My job, and the management team -  I’m thankful for my dream job at the ripe young age of 27 (although I was promoted to the role at 26 – whoop whoop!) I’m thankful for the challenge of managing 16 employees, and the continued support of the management team.  I’m thankful that my job pays our bills and affords us the opportunity to have Aaron be the stay at home Dad he wanted to be (even though it’s temporary!) The owners of my company, as well as my immediate boss are easily the best team I’ve EVER worked for.  They are fair, thoughtful and encouraging individuals.  They have a good sense of humor and truly appreciate their employees.  They take the time to show their appreciation, even when the company is growing faster than they ever expected.  I just hope that one day I can be as good of a manager to my staff as they are to their team.     

I’m thankful for my life, and every aspect of it.  While some days are rough, and challenging, they are few and far between.  Those days make us appreciate the normal, uneventful days even more.  We’re healthy, happy and a new loving family of 4 (counting Vada!).  I love my life, and hope that I never take it for granted.