Tuesday, November 25, 2008

So Thankful....

On the Eve of Thanksgiving Eve....I actually find myself with a few free minutes, and I don't know the next time this will happen....so I am posting my Thanksgiving post a bit early.

I feel so thankful for so many things. My mind wanders back a year ago when Brian, Reid, and myself spent Thanksgiving week at the Cleveland Clinic after Reid's first surgery at 17 days old. It was quite a hard week to say the least, and being away from family during a very important part of the year was difficult. The hospital treated us to a Thanksgiving there, and Brian and I ate our turkey and mashed potatoes in Reid's hospital room night after night. (I think we had about 3 Thanksgiving dinners that week). It sure wasn't the same as our family get togethers, but I was definitely shown that year that I have MUCH to be thankful for. I can't even begin to explain all that I am thankful for (not enough room here)....but I will name a few of my most thankful things in my life.

If you are reading this...I am thankful for you. That means that you are a friend, a family member, someone who cares for our family, someone who prays for us, or someone who simply keeps us close to their hearts. I am thankful that you want to be such a part of our family happenings and that you smile in our day to day events. I am thankful that you let us share our lives with you.
I am thankful for little foosteps, fingerprints on walls, messes that were just cleaned, belly laughs, toothless grins, wet, messy, toddler kisses.....
Infant noises, sleeping babies, soft breathing, quiet moments, tiny hands, ears, and feet, baby smells...
Innocence, tolerance, acceptance, love that has no limits, sweet moments, tender hearts, togetherness, love pats, a brother-sister bond that was immediately formed....
Seeing my husband being a "Daddy", smiles, belly kisses, cuddles, chasing toddlers through the house with minimal clothing on (attn. Full Moon post!), family moments, completeness, laughter, love....
Brilliant ideas from toddlers (like wearing floaties in the bathtub!), baking with Ellie, reading the same book over and over until we can all recite it from memory, popcorn and movie watching (even if it is Dora or Clifford), seeing life from a child's eyes....and feeling so lucky that I am able to spend my days and nights with three incredible people. I am blessed.....and yes, I am Thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.....may you feel the blessings of the holiday spirit with those you love. We wish you much love and you celebrate with those you are most thankful for.




9 comments:

Mary said...

I definately agree with how much I love "wet, messy" toddler kisses. Ian gives some pretty sweet ones as well. :)

Heather said...

What a wonderfully thoughtful post! Loved seeing the old pictures... funny how much has changed from last Thanksgiving! I don't think I'll even attempt a Thanksgiving post now - you said it all!! : ) I'm thankful for your online friendship, and thankful for those Haberman parts, even if I'm giving up on them!

Vanessa said...

And WE are thankful that you are all part of OUR lives at the Brower household. :) We feel blessed to know you. Your honesty and courage continue to amaze me. I am so inspired by you!!

Love to you all,
Vanessa (for the bunch)

Happy Thanksgiving!

John, Shannon, Broderick, Camden, and Adalynn said...

what a beautiful post. Sorry I haven't been around as much as I would like...things have been a tad crazy. Hopefully things will slow down now (though unlikely with the holidays upon us).

Just wanted to stop in and say Hi!

Krissy said...

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and know that I am thankful that you allow me to share in your life through this blog!

Rachel said...

what a great post...i am thankful for a friend like you!

luv you lots!

Grin and Barrett said...

Janeen,

What a beautiful post..... Looking back at the pictures, its hard to believe. They grow up so fast. I am very thankful that I get to enjoy your two kiddo's every day. I wish you a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.

Jen

steph said...

Thanksgiving HUGS to all of you!!!

Anonymous said...

It is a joy to have the grandchldren to renew the love of our children all over again! You are the best gift God could ever give us.....family!

Love.....grandma Karen

Hello, and welcome to my page! I am so glad you are here. I am going to try and show you the average life of a 5 year old from my perspective. Mommy and Daddy will help me along the way if I get stuck.

Let me first introduce my family to you. I am Ellie. I am a 6 year old. I live in Ohio with my Mommy, Daddy, little brother Reid, and dog, Sophie. My mommy is a teacher. She teaches nine and ten year olds and loves it. She has been teaching for twelve years. My daddy works with computers. He works hard everyday.

We all love spending time together. I have wonderful grandparents and a terrific extended family. I am a very lucky girl. Thank you for visiting my page. Write to me any time. I love getting mail!!!

Many blessing to you all.

Love,
Little Ski (Ellie)

Mommy and me having cuddle time at Hocking Hills.

Told ya, my hair can be wild! And you thought I was kidding!

Hmmm, Blue's Brother's perhaps?