Thankful

While it's cliche, I wanted to put out there into the blogesphere the things for which I am thankful:

1. My health, the health of my children and of my husband. Sinusitis notwithstanding, it's been a good year.

2. That I had 44 years with my mom. She was far from perfect, but loved me and provided for me the best way she could. She always put her children out front, and died having the good fortune to know that she raised 5 really good people. And dozens of really good dogs.

3. For the really cool things we've done as a family this year. Mexico, Italy, Croatia and San Francisco's pins were added to our family map this year. And it was great fun. Mostly. :)

4. My home - I adore the house we live in. While I would change some things, it is ours... it is where both of my babies came home from the hospital, where Jeff and I realized we were the grow-ups (complete with mortgage) and where we have lived, loved, cried and laughed for 14 years. While those 14 years are only a fraction of this house's life, it makes me feel warm to know that, for now, we are her keepers. And dammit, she's going to wear Pottery Barn colors.

5. My Peter - he is a bright light in my life. Silly, smart, willing to do anything to bring a smile to his parents' faces... his incessant questions about life, science, numbers and everything. Peter, I know you will change the world some day with your mind.

6. My Tenley - since the moment she was born, Tenley and I have had a very special connection. She will change the world with her creativity and style. Tenley is smart, snarky (in a funny, good way!) and sophisticated. Some day, Tenley, the others will catch up to your savoir faire and sophistication. Then again, they may not. And that's okay. I want to see my favorite places again for the first time through your eyes. Italy was amazing - mostly because you were blown away by it all.

7. My Jeff - how the hell did I get so lucky? I'm so glad you found me. Without you, none of this would mean anything. With you, it means everything. Together, we make a great team - but I secretly know the truth - it's all you. I'm just along for the ride. You're the smart one, the one who makes things happen. I love you.

8. The dog. Yeah, okay, so I'm not so thankful for her NOT REMEMBERING TO STAY OFF THE COUCH! but she brings a lot to the table in the way of insight. I'm just sayin'.

9. My job - I was very lucky to have figured out what I wanted to do for the rest of my life in my early 20's. My job allows me to see the world, work out my anal retentive tendencies and affords my family all kinds of perks.

10. The final thing I am thankful for (well, at least for the purposes of this list!) is you. The person who is reading this blog*. Likely, you are my friend or family member - I don't get a lot of walk-in traffic here. The past week has been unbelievably hard, and each and every one of my friends have reached out to me in a different, important way. Thank you all.

* If you're whomever keeps spamming me comments with Brazilian porn, I'm not thankful for you.