Taking time to give thanks.

Thursday was Thanksgiving. But who would have guessed that? Christmas decorations went up in malls about a month ago, radio stations have been playing holiday music since mid-October (or earlier).

Thanksgiving is Brad's favorite holiday. We do what we can to protect it's sanctity. No Christmas movies, no decorating, nothing more than discussion of Christmas until after the day of thanks (which means not until we wake up Friday morning...I put the tree up one year after the meal, and that was an error.).

Each year, one gives pause to the things one is thankful for. This year, I found myself giving special pause.

Of course, friends and family top the list. Sadly, there are those out there with no family or friends, or the ones they have shouldn't qualify for the definition. Also, we have been lucky enough to make it through the year with our families in tact. We have not lost anyone to Heaven (save one special one) in the six and a half years we have been together

We are both gainfully employed. There are many out there who cannot say the same thing today as they could only a short time ago.

We purchased a home this year. A home that is in good shape and required only cosmetic work. It has a sturdy foundation and a new roof to keep us dry. That home also came with the best neighbors anyone could ask for - a warm and inviting community that has been of incredible help in the short months we've lived there.

And of course, the most important, is the presence of our little Squirt. While s/he isn't here to hold just yet, this little creature has already changed our lives so much. All things considered, the last 18 weeks or so have been pretty smooth. We know how lucky we are right now. I don't know why God has smiled on us so brightly with this pregnancy, and I can only thank Him every day and every night.

A few years ago, my Grammie gave us all special cookbooks as Christmas gifts. Many of our favorite foods are included in this book. At the bottom of some of the pages are quotes - some humorous, some not so. One that I read stuck with me, especially in these tough times we face as a county. To paraphrase: If you can't be thankful for the things you have, be thankful for the things you don't.