Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm thankful...

For my husband and children, who are the reason I get out of bed in the morning.

For my and Tom's extended families - our parents, siblings and spouses, niece, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins - who support our dreams, cheer us on, and catch us when we fall.

For my old friends (old as in length of friendship, not age - just wanted to be clear), the ones who've known me for years and loved me through my awkward teen and crazy college years. I love that when we're finally able to see each other in person after months or even years apart, it feels like nothing has changed.

For my new friends, the ones who've welcomed me - with open arms, both literally and figuratively - into their lives and helped me make this place my home.

For the roof over my head, the food on my table, the clothes on my back, and the ability to give a little of what we have to those less fortunate.

For the opportunity to reinvent myself professionally.

For the incredible public school system and elementary school in which my son is enrolled, and the equally fantastic private preschool my daughter attends. And for their teachers, who because I know how challenging my children can be, I consider saints.

For my - and my family's - health. It's terribly easy to forget to be thankful for our health, because when we have it, it's the furthest thing from our minds. Lately the four of us have had a few minor health issues (allergies, colds, high BP, high cholesterol, muscle pulls, tendonitis, ligament "problems", and ear and systemic infections), and I'm just so grateful we haven't had to deal with anything more serious.

And on a slightly lighter note, and though these are slightly ridiculous, I'm thankful...

For the public library, which surprisingly continues to loan books to my family.

For my drink (extra) refrigerator, without which I would have nowhere to store extra desserts, decorator frosting, Tom's pickled peppers, and my Blue Moon beers.

For my exterminator, without whom I could not live in Texas. And he's from Iowa, so I like him even more.

For my laptop computer and smart phone, both of which have allowed me to become even more OCD organized than I already was. I honestly don't think I could keep the Ferris Family Ship afloat without them.

For boots, especially my new maroonish-red (a perfect Aggie color!) cowboy boots and black knee-high boots that don't hurt my feet AT ALL.

And lastly, for the cooler fall weather, which incidentally is perfect for boots.  And jeans.  And light-weight sweaters.  And walks outside in the evening.  Fall in Texas is nothing like fall in the Midwest, but I'm thankful that a season other than summer has finally arrived in College Station.

I wish you and yours the happiest of Thanksgivings tomorrow.  May your day be full of that for which you are thankful, and may you be surrounded by those you love.