With So Much Thanks

When you have the feeling that you can't quite express enough thanks, you can be certain your life is good.  I'm so thankful to have gotten a chance to gather with family this weekend and all of the other monumental blessings of which I am thankful: our health, our home, friends and family near and far.  So, as this weekend comes to a close and the holiday stretch begins, here are some not-so-cliche things of which I am thankful.

• That our kids are old enough that they are actually a help and not a hinderance when it comes to Christmas decorating. (Stringing the lights on the tree after toddler bedtime...no longer necessary).
• The knowledge that our kids appreciate our cozy home and that some days they would rather just be home than accept a playdate with a good friend.
• Our dogs.  Seriously - they bring us several laughs a day.  Today it was the photo shoot attempt for the Christmas card.  One word: SQUIRREL!
• Online shopping.  It rocks.
• My parents - for my life, of course.  But also for their open-home policy for Thanksgiving dinner, making everyone feel like family.
• Days off school.  Here and there, it is just needed. 
• Days of school.  Because getting back to routine feels good, too.
• DVR and smartphones.  Oh, like you're not.

So, as shopping, planning, baking and preparing take up much of my time in coming weeks, I am also thankful my family is dedicated to remembering the true meaning of the season.