Giving thanks

Good evening folks and Happy Thanksgiving Eve! I should be organizing my closet tonight but I thought it was important for me to sit down and record all that I am thankful for.. Warning - there is a lot and I might get teary (good thing I am behind the screen). And I am on my second glass on wine (pre- babies this would have been a non-issue).  Anyways, lets go. These are not necessarily in order, except maybe the first. 

1. First and foremost I am so very thankful for my beautiful family.  We were fortunate enough to grow our family this year. 

2. I am beyond thankful and grateful for my Mother in Law.  She selflessly gave up 6 months with her husband in Beirut to come here and live with us to help me out.  She has been an amazing help.  I can't quite wrap my head around the fact that she is leaving in a week.  There will be major heartbreak around here. 

3. I am thankful that Amelia and Sammi have been able to spend so much time with their Teta (Grandma).  Especially Amelia, she will be unbelievably sad when she leaves, as will I. 

4. I am thankful for my husband who works tirelessly for our family and allows us to have a pretty crazy, awesome adventurous life! 

5. I am thankful for my Mom and Mick (Grammy and Grampy) who take time everyday to Skype with us.  Even though we can't be with them Amelia and I get to see them almost everyday. 

6. I am thankful for the kiddos Jido (Grandpa) who also takes the time everyday to Skype with us.  We are so very sad that he isn't here with us and miss him every single day. 

7. I am thankful for our neighbors who have taken us as family.  The kids love their Grammy Sandy Boppy Bob and Aunties Heather and Taylor.  We are so fortunate to have friends so close that not only love our children, but treat them as their own (and us too).  

8. I am thankful for Mary F who I was introduced to by another person I am thankful for, Katie S.  Mary befriended me no questions asked when we moved her and has been so accepting of myself and my family. We love you Auntie Mary! 

9. I am thankful for Katie S. who introduced Mary and I.  I am also thankful for Katie who never makes me feel silly when I come to her with my Mommy questions or when I cry over FaceTime with her because I have life changing news!  I love you and miss you Katie! 

10. I am thankful for my first 3 Mommy friends here.  Amanda J (our first neighbor who was so kind to us) - you often answered questions and pointed me in the right direction :) Camille - Turns out we were going to have more in comment then 2 people could ever imagine including but not limited to getting pregnant within days of each other before we even knew each other! and Olivia - Well you kind of deserve your own, you are next! 

11.  I am thankful for my friend Olivia.  You and your family have been amazing and quite frankly have gotten me through the past 6 months or so.  Mason has been the perfect little boyfriend for Amelia and I love watching them together and show their love for each other.  For you and Jimmy and Mason I am forever thankful. 

12. I am thankful for French nursery rhymes that seem to calm my daughter in an instant when she is having a meltdown (and yes she looks sweet and innocent but she can throw a tantrum with the best of them)

13. I am thankful that all friends and family in France and Beirut are safe in this crazy scary world that we live in. 

14.  I am thankful for my best friends who take the time to Skype and call often.  Not only do I love hearing from them, but it makes being homesick a little easier.  Danielle, Kate and Kerin.  I love you more than know. 

15. I am thankful that I am able to stay home with my children, as hard as it may be some days it means the world to me. 

16. Last but not least, I am thankful that when my MIL, my husband and I sit down to a casual dinner and Real Sex 24 comes on the channel of the movie we were watching, at 8pm that we can all sit and laugh as none of us can find the remote! Only in California folks, only in California. 

17.  Ok, one more - I am thankful for this wine I am drinking. 

With all that said (there is so much more to be thankful for, but I would be here all night). I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your families.  It is most certainly my favorite holiday! 

Cheers and Love, 

Sarah R.

Our giving thanks feast before the feast :)