Gratitude

Thanksgiving weekend gave Brian and I some much needed down time with the family. We went to Seattle to stay with Annie and Tyler and have our 2nd annual Thanksgiving dinner at Salty's on Alki Beach. Probably the best food I have ever eaten. The girls about had a heart attack when they saw the size of the chocolate fountain. It was great to get away, spend time with my sis, and just have a lazy weekend.
I have so much to be thankful for.
Brian who is a fantastic husband, who has been so supportive. My going back to school has put a lot of additional pressure on him and he has not complained once. He makes sure we have a sitter at least once a week and I treasure our dates more than he knows!! He is such perfect balance of romantic, funny, serious, protective, encouraging, playful, sensitive etc. My friends still tease me that he has a huge crush on me, but I have one on him as well and I wouldn't change it for anything!!! Every day, I am grateful that our paths crossed, and I have no doubt that we were meant to be together forever!!!
Our kids, I wouldn't trade our crazy life ever!!! They are all so very different and that it what makes our family so fun.
Haley...The mellow one. I couldn't ask for a better example for the other kids. She is smart, pretty, nice, and has Brian's dry sense of humor. I love that she is old enough that I can talk to her like a friend.
Michael...my only boy. So maybe I complain about the dirt and the destruction, but i love him just the same. He has a heart that will not quit. When he decides he wants to do something he goes for it, and puts in whatever time and sacrifice needed to achieve his goal. He is also a best friend to Sydnee. They bring out the best in each other and it is so fun to watch them in action.
Sydnee....My tenderhearted one. As long as everyone else is happy so is Sydnee. She is forever looking out for the underdog. Often when she comes home from school she tells me about things going on in all of her friends lives, and shares in their joy and sorrow as if they were her own. She can make a new friend with anyone in about 3 seconds, and sees the best in all people. I used to worry that she would get walked on by people, but I have noticed that people rise to the occasion around her. She sees the best in them and that is how they are around her!! Kelsei...such a strong will. So shy and quiet in public, so in your face at home. She makes all of us laugh all the time. She loves to play, and dance and sing and dress up. She is the ultimate girly girl. I love how she struts out of her room in the morning to ask Brian and I if her outfit is "fashionable" or "hip-hop". I love that she wears the same black skirt every day, whether it be as a skirt, as a top, over her jeans, as a head wrap whatever...she is just Kels, and I love it!!!
Brian and I both have great parents and siblings and friends, and I am so very grateful for all of them, and the roles they play in our lives.
Hope all of your holidays are fantastic!!