I am thankful

. . . that I am able to use this blog for self-expression, and I don’t have to use it as a therapy-dumping-ground for crap in my life.

. . . that there is not much crap in my life.

. . . for my beautiful family, my amazing Mr. EK who is the love of my life and my very own in-house cheerleader.

. . . for my First who brings me joy through just being himself, whose love of all things small, cute and fluffy (human, animal or stuffed) warms my heart and who is quite tolerant about us slogging through parenting using him as the field test.

. . . for my Second who allows me to shep much naches watching his compassion and kindness for others, and who is a bouncing ball of energy, laughter and “boy-ness” who spreads happiness wherever he goes.  And he makes me snarf on a regular basis.

. . . for my Third, our Beautiful Light, our unexpected blessing who plows through life with a determination and tenacity that is going to carry her far, whose “shnuggle factor” is so high that we often find her in the arms of even the most crochety congregants at shul, and whose love of “the 3 P’s” (Pink, Princess and Ponies) reminds us of the beauty and neccessity of childhood fantasy and allows my mother to indulge this in ways she was not able to with me the not-so-girly-girl.

. . . for my Fourth Feline Child.  Well, really I’m thankful that Mr. EK understands that I need a feline child and tolerates his presence.

. . . for our ancient, falling apart house that is the leaky roof over our heads we don’t have to worry about losing.

. . . for the bounty that is my over-stuffed refrigerator.

. . . for my friends and extended family.

. . . for just being here.

A happy, meaningful and delicious Thanksgiving to all.