Thanksgiving 2009

Things I am thankful for this year:

My dad is still breathing air. Yes, he's slow. Yes, he looks awful. But he's still here. That is something. I am thankful that there is medicine to help keep him with us longer. I am thankful for the Movement Disorder Clinic and Dr. Houghton.

Kyle is normal and healthy. God, I am thankful for that. I am blessed that all of my kids are normal and healthy, but I don't know what could have gone wrong with them like I do Kyle. I am thankful that his spine decided not to close down in the base instead of up where it matters. His life, my life, would have been so different if things had been just a vertebrae or two off.

My girls are pearls. Really. They love each other like crazy. They are good students. They are good athletes. They are just good. I am thankful that Emily has an eye to be black today. That the ladder hit her along the bone instead of in her eye. She is very lucky about that.

I am thankful for Kirk's job. He is such a good provider. He isn't afraid to go out there and make things happen. God forbid we were dependent on me for income. Not a pretty picture. I am thankful that his military position has kept him in Frankfort and not overseas. I am thankful we have a relationship where he lets me be in charge. He is the boss at work, but since home is my work, I get to be the boss here. I am really thankful he is okay with that. I am very thankful I get to stay home.

I loved our Disney trip this summer with friends. So much fun! How lucky we are that we got to go yet again. How lucky that Kyle still wants to hang with Mom, Dad, and Mickey.

Kyle has picked his high school. I am glad about that and thankful we can afford to pay for it. He is making good choices and has friends and does well in school. He is good with children and old people. I like the man he is becoming.

Claire is an amazing dancer. I am thankful for the grace God blessed her with. She is kind with a beautiful spirit. She is self-motivated and so smart. I am so proud to hear others brag on her.

Emily is so herself. Football to dance class. She is a funny girl with a contagious laugh. I am thankful she marches to her own drummer and prays she will always do so.

I am in love with my house, my neighborhood, my city, my state. I am planted and am thriving. I love it here in my little corner of the world. I am so, so thankful that Kirk agreed to settle here 13 years ago. I would be stunted if I was anywhere else.

I am so thankful for my wonderful sisters. I am glad our children are friends. I love being with them and sharing life with them. I wish Jennifer was closer, but I am glad she gets home as often as she does. I'm thankful for Aunt Jeri and her family and all the relatives who touch our lives on a regular basis.

I am glad to be having good communications with my mother-in-law. I hope it continues to improve.

I am blessed to have everything I could possibly need and most of what I want. Who could ask for more?