Oh So Thankful

I am sure this is a tradition for many.  But each year my family states what they are thankful for before we eat our Thanksgiving meal.  I tend to always say the same thing.  "I am thankful for my family and my health."
And it is the truth.  I am thankful for those things.  100%.

After I saw this link up this morning, I thought about it all day.

Last Thanksgiving my grandma passed away.  She lived next door to me.  I was sad when she died, of course, but I was grateful that I had spent time with her.  I had 35 years of shopping, sleepovers, vacations, and conversation.  I had memories.  As I grieved and reflected on the time that I spent with her, I realized that this was something to be truly grateful for.

What am I thankful for this year?

Time.

Time to spend with my two little girls cuddled up on couch reading together, snuggling together watching a movie, or running around in the yard.

Time with my Ben to talk and continue to grow the relationship that we have together.

Time to visit the library and then gather with my family at Dewey's for pizza every Wednesday night.

Time to go to the Art Museum on a Saturday afternoon, take a weekend to hike, swim each Tuesday during the summer with friends, or impromptu roller coaster riding.

Time to nurture friendships with blogging buddies that mean so much to me but live afar.

Time with friends to chat, shop, or eat without children.

Time to spend with my teammates because they inspire, support, and energize my teaching heart.

Time at school to breathe a little and share the duties and responsibilities that I have always liked to put on only myself.

Time that I have allowed for myself to read, puzzle, or just sit.

And finally...time to provide a wide variety of experiences to my girls. 

Although I am 100% grateful for the health and family that I have had this year, I am especially thankful for the time that I get with them.  Because this is what I have right now and I want to do my best to make the most of it.

What are you most grateful for this year?  Please comment or link up with Jennifer!