Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, Smarties. I hope everyone enjoys the day, and you get your fill of turkey, stuffing, family and friends. I love the holiday season. I love decorating my house, and the wonderful feeling that this season brings. I love buying presents for others and trying to find that perfect gift for each person on my list (also known as “screamers” in our house). I love the hustle and bustle, but most of all, I love all the occasions to spend time with family and friends that the holidays bring.

So on this day of Thanksgiving the beginning of the holiday season, I thought I would think about the things that I am truly thankful for:

Living in Charlotte. This is such an amazing city. I am so thankful that my children will grow up in such a wonderful city. There is so much to do here with culture, arts, shopping, outdoor activities, etc. And even better, it still has the charm and warmth of a smaller city where people say hi to you on the street and no one is a stranger.

My job. I am thankful that I still have a job that I really enjoy in this tough economy. I am thankful for a creative work atmosphere and co-workers that are like a second family. I am lucky to have a challenging job where my days are busy, but lots of fun.

I am thankful for my friends. Whether it is to join me in laughter, tears or a glass of wine, my friends are an amazing support system and I couldn’t live without them. I am especially greatful for the many new friends that I made this year. They are such a blessing in my life.

Health and Happiness. I am thankful for the health and happiness of my family. We made it through the swine flu and a fall filled with colds, coughs and fevers, but all is well as we gear up for the holidays. And we couldn’t be more excited.

My family. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my girls and how they make me laugh everyday. And although I wish I could put them both in the “shrinking machine” and keep them babies forever, I love watching their personalities come to life more and more everyday. It is a blast to experience. And I couldn’t do a post about the things I am thankful for without giving my husband his due. I certainly couldn’t do it all without him and I am so thankful for his support and love.

Charlotte Smarty Pants. I am so thankful that I am part of Charlotte Smarty Pants. I am thankful for everyone that I have met by being a part of this site. I am thankful for my friends, the bloggers, who put their heart and soul out there for all to read. Because of CSP, I have reaquainted with old friends and made some great new ones. I am thankful for our readers, you are what make this site so much fun. I feel like I have gotten to know so many of you through your comments and postings. And I love being part of a network where women can help each other through personal experiences, good and bad.

I am sure there are about fifty other things that I should mention that I am thankful for because I have so many blessings in my life, but I will stop here for now. I am going to ask Courtenay W. to wish all of you smarties Happy Thanksgiving like only she can do. Thanks Court.

On this day let us look around the table, see our loved ones and remember how blessed we truly are. This has not been the easiest of years for many of us but we give thanks for this moment to be with the ones we love. We give thanks for the innocence of our children and the joy they bring to us everyday. We give thanks for each new day and the possibilities that are open to us. Let us ever be mindful of the joys and blessings that surround us if we allow our hearts and minds to open to them. A very happy Thanksgiving to you all.