I GIVE THANKS . . .

I love Thanksgiving. No, not just for the fabulous banquet meal my mother prepares (although that is a big plus), but also for giving me a reason to reflect on all I'm thankful for. So here goes. Snooze if you'd like, I just wanted to get it down for journaling purposes for when my Alzheimer's is diagnosed.

I'm thankful for many things this year. I'm thankful for my new grandson, Nixon, and for the amazing blessing of being a grandma. I'm thankful for Heidi and for what a great mom she is. Nixon is one lucky little fella to have her! I'm grateful for my son-in-law Peter for being such a wonderful husband and fabulous dad. Nixon gets so excited when he walks through the door at the end of the day! I'm thankful for Jill and for the smiles and laughter that she brings into our home. She'll do anything for anyone and has a heart of gold. I'm thankful for my Molly and the way she is so thoughtful and kind and doesn't mind (too terribly much) being seen with her stalking mother. I'm thankful to Kevin for providing so well for our family. He worries tirelessly and I want him to know he's done a FABULOUS job at taking care of us. I'm thankful for my posse (Baxter, Scooter and Marley) even though I can't even go to the bathroom without them on my heels. I'm thankful for wonderful sisters, Kay and Elaine, who are my best friends in the world. We tease relentlessly and laugh until we wet our pants (which is getting more frequent the older we get!). I'm thankful for the best parents in the world who taught me how to serve and how to love. I'm thankful for such amazing friends who are always there for me. LDS forever! (Laurie*Denise*Shirley) And to one of my best friends, Lana, I will miss you terribly even though you're only moving twenty miles away! You've always been the shoulder I could cry on and I love you like a sister! I'm thankful for my calling in Special Needs and for all of my Special Needs girls and both Karens who have become good friends. So basically, my life is bounteously full and rich of blessings that you can't put a price tag on. I could go on and on with people who have blessed my life but the list would be endless. So, with a grateful heart I welcome Thanksgiving Day 2009.