Everyday is a day to be thankful but for many reasons this time of the year is an especially opportune time to appreciate all the little things (and big ones too).

In some ways I feel as though I am still adjusting to having a bit of extra time. Two straight years of graduate schools, and before that young children, take up a lot of time! I can never say thank you enough to Chris for being Mr. Mom and picking up more than his fair share. For twenty years and multiple adventures he has been there with encouragement and support. There are not enough ways to say thank you. And he set that example for the boys. I am so blessed to have the best boys in my life.

And to the village- all the people who love our kids and help us parent- thank you does not seem like enough either. Parents who babysit so we can enjoy a night out, in laws who take care of after school pick ups and aunts who give two lucky boys anything they want. There are friends (“pretend aunts and uncles”) too. They come to events and engage them in conversations about the important things in their lives.

Our friends are the most amazing group of people. We are fortunate to have so many people in our lives who we have known for so long and through so much. We have become the people we are- the parents we are- because of them.

Thank you.