Grateful

Oh, Thanksgiving. This week has been a little emotional for me. Not anything specific. Times of overwhelming gratitude for the people in my life. Crankiness from late holiday nights and early mornings (why can't kiddos sleep in too?). Guilt for being cranky. Excited for Christmas and decorating. Depressed and my own scanty 1/4 a box full of Christmas decor. Satisfied and even proud with my TWO Christmas displays (even more satisfied when Eli called it pretty and wanted to look at it all evening).

I want to thank those people in my life.

Thanks to the nice people in the grocery line who see me with a cranky child and three items and tell me to go ahead (even when they only have one item). Bless you!

Thanks to my friends who are the best examples of great mothers, ambitious women, generous spirits, and kind hearts. You who love me and forgive me for all my faults even though you don't have to. Someday I hope to have become more like you.

Thanks to the authors of good books who help me escape the stress of life, for just a few chapters every now and then, to explore new places.

Thank you to Eli. You try my patience. Sometimes it feels like you try it all day. Thank you for doing so. Someday I'll actually succeed at being patient. Thank you for your baby smiles. For your love of life and everything new. Thanks for not crying once in a million times when I say it's time to go inside after our bike ride/walk. Thanks for letting me cuddle with you more when you are in those fuzzy pjs I love so much. Thanks for the kisses and hugs that melt my heart. Thanks for making me laugh at your dancing and your sliding down the stairs on your belly.

Thank you to my immediate family (in-laws included). Thank you mom for letting me talk your ear off every time I call. Thanks, for being examples of every Christ like attribute. You are my tangible examples of how to be better. Thanks for the laughs, and late nights talking. Thanks the emails, phone calls, blog posts that make me feel a part of your lives even though I'm far away.

Last, but not least, thanks Aaron. My sweetheart, my rock. I love you so much. Thanks for encouraging me to accomplish my goals. You are my enabler. Thanks for working so hard (nearly 10-11 hrs a day) so that I can stay home and be with Eli. Thanks for giving me a break when I'm on my last mommy leg. Thanks for trusting me with the finances and budget. I couldn't have chosen better for me. We make a dynamo team!

I hope I didn't miss anyone. I love you all!