For These, I Am Thankful

This is my lovely family:



There is my sweet husband, who loves me unconditionally. I make him mad a lot with my little quirks, but he still adores me. I take advantage of him a lot, because I know he'd do anything for me, and he doesn't say a word. He's the most amazing father and the world's greatest husband. I love him to pieces. I'm thankful God sent me such a wonderful helpmate.

There is my 9 year-old daughter, who frustrates me daily with her pre-teen angst. But she's loving and talented and smart (too smart, maybe!) and beautiful and caring and gentle and headstrong and determined and all of the things a mother wishes her daughter to be. I love her more each day.

There is my 6 year-old son, with his freckled face and gap-toothed grin. He's a lefty, which I love. It makes him more unique. This boy is so smart, so loving, so complimentary, so desperate to please, so helpful, so tidy, so imaginative, so very kind. He's my pride and joy and when I look at him sometimes it takes my breath away that he's mine.

There's my goofy 5 year-old son, with his loud screaming and his constant smiles. He's got joy in his heart, and he makes me laugh. He's a snuggler, too, and when he climbs up in my lap and rubs my arm, it just makes me feel like nothing can take away our happiness. Those moments are pure magic.

And there is my bubbly 3 year-old, whose corny faces make me laugh long and out loud, so much that my sides ache. She has personality with a capital P, and more energy than I have ever seen in a child. She goes full throttle all.day.long, and is almost instantly asleep when her head hits the pillow. Her hair smells fantastic, and she loves to be read to. She's my pixie, and I adore her.

I don't know what I ever did to be rewarded with all of these blessings, all this love, all this joy, but I work hard every day to deserve it.

Thank you, God.