With Thanksgiving a week away, I started asking the kids what they are thankful for. At the ripe old age of 5, Bailey listed out each person and why she was thankful for them. Spencer on the other hand had a one word answer “candy.” Bailey asked him if he was thankful for anything else and he said, “Nope. That’s it.” I can respect (and envy) that. While he can’t respond the way the other two can, Gavin has his ways of letting you know what his feelings are on any number of topics.

Bailey flipped the tables and asked me what I was thankful for. I was quick to respond, “I’m thankful for each of you, your daddy and grandma and grandpa.” And the conversation was left at that. But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I realize that I am thankful for so much more and to so many people.

I think like many people, 2016 was not the year I had hoped it would be. It wasn’t totally horrible by any means but it certainly wasn’t the stellar year I had placed so much hope on. But if I am being honest, it was a rough year. Nothing seemed to come “easy” (which I know, in life nothing is easy, BUT does everything need to be such a process?!?!?) We would take one step forward only to be forced 5 steps back.

But as I really take a look back over the year, I realize I do have a lot for which to be thankful. All three kids are healthy (with Gavin that’s no easy feat), happy, adjusting well to new school routines, making friends and continuing to thrive. We continue to have an AMAZING support network of family and friends who go above and beyond each and every day to help not only Colin and I but the kids as well. They say “it takes a village to raise a child” but the reality is it takes much more than that and I am so incredibly thankful for each and every person in our “village” and can only hope that each of them knows how important they are to our family.

I will leave you all on this very important thought that I share every year “gobble till you wobble” – and as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season gears up, remember to take time for what’s truly important to you. The rest can wait.