What I am most thankful for?

Today, I have been thinking a lot. I was making a mental list of all that I am thankful for and I realized that what I am most thankful for is perspective.

I have spent a lot of time whining this year. To be fair I had reason to be downtrodden. That fall I took in June really messed things up for me. I was in pain (still am actually) and it just really complicated my life. But with all of that said...things could have been so much worse.

I have gone on and on and on about my pain. I have lamented about the the inconvenience and how long it is taking to heal. I even grumbled about having to put my surgery off until December. I should just be grateful for the fact that I didn't do any permanent damage. I should be grateful that with my surgery looming there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel and I should be grateful that the Navy is working with me and allowing my husband to take two weeks off during my convalescence. I am going to put some serious effort into seeing the silver lining and knowing that things can always be worse.

Of course, I am grateful for my family. My beautiful, smart, sweet, fun loving, affectionate, creative (is this too many adjectives?) little ones. My life has changed so much in the three and half years that I have been a mommy. I believe with all of my heart that being a mom is the most rewarding job I have ever had and ever will have. They fill my days with joy and happiness and I truly feel blessed to be with them everyday and experience everything with them.

I am grateful for my hubby. There are no words for how wonderful my guy is and how happy he makes me. Bryant is steady and honest and hardworking. He loves my children so much which actually makes me love him more. He is handsome and smart. We have so much in common and he is best friend. We have fun together. I couldn't be luckier where love is concerned and I know it. I try and let him know everyday how much he means to me.

My parents are also on the top of my list. They have been super supportive all of my life. No girl was luckier than me. They have loved me and done everything they can to make my world a good and happy place. They are even better grandparents than they were parents (and since they were such amazing parents that is saying something.) My children are as lucky to have them as I was.

I am also grateful for the friends I have. Honestly, I have some of the best friends a girl could ask for...really.... I have learned over the course of my adult life that where friends are concerned it is quality over quantity. I dont have tons and tons of friends but the handful of friends I do have are worth a million bucks...I fully accept that I am hard person to love but these people love me for me.

Natalie...my person ...my non romantic soul mate....Even though I haven't laid eyes on her in nearly five years I feel her presence in my life. I know that when I need her she is there. Even though we are both super busy we are always aware of what is going on with each other and we are never far from each others thoughts ( I hope so anyway.)

My Ashley...She gets me. She has seen me at my worst and still wants to be my friend. We can go days or even weeks without talking but when we finally talk again it's like no time passed at all. I wish there were more words for her but they all so sound so cliche. I just love her...Period.

I am also grateful for friendships renewed. I recently started talking to my friend Mandy again. We have known each other for 16 years which seems crazy. I mean that is more than half of my life. We recently reconnected. I am hoping we stay this way for many years to come. I am proud to be a part of the wedding she is planning for next year. I am just proud to be her friend and I am proud to be a confidante for her.

Piper... we drift a little sometimes but I know you are there. I know I can turn to you if I need to fan girl out...and yes, I will totally take your dog if something happens to you ( you will be lucky if I don't take the dog before something happens to you...I'm just saying....)

This is not all. I am grateful for my extended family. I am grateful that Hurricane Sandy did almost no damage to the area in which I live and my heart goes out to those who have been deeply affected by Sandy. I am grateful for my health and that of all the people I love. I am grateful for my freedom and for those who protect it. I am thankful that I love in country where I can worship how I want and disagree with the people in power and I am glad I live in a country where I can have a voice. I am thankful for DVR and my TV shows and my kindle. I am thankful for our forthcoming reenlistment bonus. And mostly I am thankful for having so much to be thankful for...

Thanksgiving is almost over and now it's time to think about Christmas ...33 days and counting....