Giving Thanks

It's been way too long since I've written, but I guess that's bound to happen when life starts speeding by.  As this is the first day of my Thanksgiving break, it's natural that I should stop and think about how many things in my life I have to be thankful for. 

First, I am very thankful for a wonderful family, especially with all the changes that Derek and I are seeing now.  I am also thankful for my new extended family, and that I was able to see them a couple weeks ago, even though the circumstances were sad.  On that note, I'm also thankful that I was able to meet Derek's grandfather, George Shaver, back in June.  His passing saddened us all, but I'm so glad that Derek and I were able to fly out before his passing. 

I'm also thankful that I was finally able to meet, fall in love with, and marry such a wonderful man.  Especially now, that we are planning for a family of our own.  I am thankful that I get to wake up next to him every morning, and fall asleep next to him every night (with exceptions, as when he falls asleep on the couch watching tv).  I'm thankful that he loves and supports me so much, and that he's so protective of his pregnant wife that he goes out of his way to make sure I'm comfortable and well. 

I'm thankful for our new son, due in March, and thankful for every little kick I feel, reassuring me that he's growing healthy and strong in there.  I'm thankful for a wonderful friend who donated maternity clothes so I didn't have to buy a completely new wardrobe.  I'm thankful that there are so many family and friends who are almost as excited about our new little addition as we are, and knowing that he will be one loved little boy. 

I'm thankful that I have a job that I love, a place to go each day where I know that I'm making a difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families, and that I work with families who let me know that they are thankful that I work with their children.  I'm also thankful that I'm able to work with wonderful people who care about our students as much as I do. 

I'm thankful for wonderful friends, even if I don't seem to get to see them nearly as much as I'd like to, and I'm thankful that even though our busy lives sometimes get in the way, I know that my friends will be there when I need them. 

Last, but certainly not least, I'm thankful that we all seem to have our health, that we are all happy, and that I have so much in my life to be thankful for.  God has been good, and for that, I thank Him.