Happy Thanksgiving

When I asked Lily if she knew what Thanksgiving was all about, her response involved something along the lines of being thankful for family.  Realizing that she was about to receive a full blown explanation involving tales of Pilgrims and Indians, she quickly informed me she was not interested in hearing the story.  Further realizing her statement had not deterred me from further explanation she asks, "I don't really have a choice, do I?"  NOPE.

We have so much to be thankful for this year, it is hard to know where to begin.  Makes sense to go with Lily's theme and start with family.  Despite all the chaos and craziness, the sleepless nights, the sprouting gray hair, the constant interruptions and messes around the house, life would be unimaginable without the monsters.  I'm thankful for Lily and the beautiful intelligent young lady she is turning into.  Her humor and wit makes me laugh daily, and her curiosity reminds us how much fun it is to learn and experience new things.

I'm thankful for Abigail and the way she reminds us to live life to the fullest, and there is nothing wrong with wearing your emotions on your sleeve.  Not a day goes by that she does not experiences utter joy and laughter, nor has a day gone by that she has not been so hurt or saddened that she cries uncontrollably.

I'm thankful for Chloe who teaches us that life does not always have to be so serious.  She has a way of taking a serious moment, a bad situation, or just a tough day and giving you this look with a smirk on her face that will make anybody smile and forgot what was so important.

I'm thankful for Lawson Boy who gives me a buddy to hang out with every day and reminds me what it is like to think like a child.  Dreaming about the future and the possibilities for him coupled with his charm and humor provide hope because all we really want is for our children to be better and have it better than we do.

I'm thankful for Kasey for cooking my Thanksgiving dinner.  In fact she does most of the cooking after she has made sure the kids are taken care of, their extracurricular activities are managed, and she has put in a full days work for her job.  Really not sure how she does it everyday while putting up with me, but I'm truly grateful for all she does.

I'm thankful for our parents who pitch in and help at just the right moment to help with the kids before we lose our sanity.  We have been blessed with loving families that provided a good foundation and support on which to build our family.

I'm thankful we have good jobs to provide for the monsters.  Even though we work way too many hours and would rather be home with the kids, they are learning the importance of hard work.......hopefully.

I'm thankful for our friends who share their lives with us.  Knowing we have others to share our stories and trials with, and listen to theirs in return is comforting.

I'm thankful for our country and the men and women who put their lives on the line.  Thank you nephew Stephen Hale for your service, it was great to speak with you today.

I'm thankful to God for providing all the gifts he has given us.

Someday when the kids are grown and we are sitting around the Thanksgiving table with their husbands, boyfriends, wife or girlfriend, I envision them breaking out whatever form of technology we will read from and reading some of these blogs and laughing about all their shenanigans.  I'm thankful for what the future holds for us and our amazing children.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jeff, Kasey, Lily, Abigail, Chloe, and Lawson Boy