I am thankful for...

My husband.... that he texted me on that July day in 2004 to see if I wanted to meet him for lunch in Santa Cruz. It had been 10 years since we first met while camping along the Yuba River. I would look forward to seeing him every year we went camping, and always wondered what life would be like married to an amazing man like him. I am thankful he never gave up on us and the feelings we both had for one another throughout the years and forced me to open up to him and allow his love into my heart (=

Without him I would not have my beautiful children, a nice warm house to sleep in, food on the table and clothes on our backs, and the ability to stay at home and do what I love doing most- being a mom. I love you hubby and am so grateful to have you in my life!

My girls... for the laughter they bring into our home each and every day. For the love they give and for the hugs and kisses that just melt my heart. They have taught me so much about myself without even knowing it. They have forced me to become a better person and to grow in ways I never would have imagined a child can do. I am so grateful for their health and their ability to brighten up my day just by looking at me. I am thankful to have such sweet, caring, happy little girls to spend my days with.

My Mother.... for being a mom AND a dad to me throughout the years and for teaching me the importance of working hard to get what you want. I am thankful for all the fun times I had growing up and am happy to have such a wonderful grandmother for my children.

My In-laws.... who raised my husband in a very loving, fun family with many values. They taught him to work hard at what he loves to do and most importantly, to spend the time that he is not working- with his family. They've created a wonderful man and I am so grateful for their love and ability to make me feel like family from the first moment I met them. What great role-models to have in my life as well as my children's lives!

And last, but certainly not least My Grandmother.... who is basically the glue that holds our family together. She is a wonderful lady who is fun and doesn't act her age one bit- and that's what we love about her! She is not afraid to get out and try new things (sky diving, race car driving, etc.!) She is very welcoming and has always been there for me when I needed her. She is the most self-less person I know and I am so thankful to have her in my life. My children just adore her and love visiting Great Grandma Shirley!

Soo much more... I am thankful for sleeping in while my hubby takes care of the kids, girls night outs with friends, my sister, my brother-in-laws, my darling little niece, the relationship I have with my MIL (= and like I said SOO MUCH MORE that I would write about but don't want to bore anybody!

I hope this Thanksgiving we all take a moment to think about what we are thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving!