Happy Turkey Day.

Happiest of Thanksgivings to all of you in blog-land! (And Happy Bday tomorrow, CL...) I hope the holiday finds all of you well, surrounded by people you love, full of delicious edibles, and SO tired that you decide NOT to get up at 4am to go shopping, because my homies (fellow shopping ninjas) and I will be out there, taking no prisoners in our efforts to acquire cheap stuff. Please sleep in if you're tired. Leave the shopping to the pros.- or, do it at your own risk, as the case may be. I'm just sayin'...

In the interest of ending this post on a good, non-threatening note, I want to give you a quick list of things I am thankful for...

Right now, I'm thankful for health, for kids that are healthy enough to be WHINING non-stop, waiting for their turn at the yearly Playstation fest (yes, we only take it out one day a year). I am glad they are healthy enough that I can hear them whine, that I have them near me, even if they are noisy.

I am thankful for Jim- for all that he does for our family. I am glad he has found a creative outlet in his blog and I'm seeing, again, glimmers of the pre-law school man that I married. I love you, Shum. Thanks for your constant, amazing support and patience.

I am thankful for my adorable, sneaky, messy, silly, children- for each of their unique personalities, for their snotty noses, for the precious things they make for me, for their efforts to help out and countless other things. Even when they're crazy and loud I am so glad that they are here. I am grateful that they have the ability to do all that they do- even if it's naughty sometimes.

I am thankful for my amazing parents- for their support in all ways. I truly don't know what I would do without them nearby. I know that moving was a sacrifice for them, but I'm so (selfishly) glad that they did. I truly cannot count the number of times they have bailed me out with child care, cleaning abhorrent messes, sneaking in to clean my house when we're gone, building me FURNITURE!, painting, building shelving and fences, basically clothing my children, and the list goes ON... I am so grateful for all they do in our behalf. They are truly amazing.

I am blessed to have really outstanding friends. I won't list you all, you know who you are. From the ones I grew up with, to the college roomies, to the Valpo buddies, to our newer friends in Washington and B-L, I have laughed and cried and shared countless moments with all of you. Thanks for listening to me whine, for watching my kids, for tolerating the messes they make in your houses (sorry about the fingernail polish, Brooke...), for buying my bows, for just listening in general. You are all hot mamas and deserve to win the lottery. Yes, you too.

Okay, I'm also grateful for the hot chocolate I scrubbed out of my newly cleaned carpet (thanks Dad!) this morning. Having hot chocolate to clean means that we have food to eat, and a house to live in, which are both wonderful things.

And, of course, I am grateful for the Gospel in my life, for my Savior and a Heavenly Father who is constantly mindful of my needs and considerate of my pleas for help.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Don't forget to sleep in. More bargains for me. :)