Even though this is the time of year we are all supposed to be listing what we are truly thankful for, I find myself burdened with stress as I try to get everything done before the holiday. We will be spending it with family after watching our lovely niece walk down the wedding aisle. I am truly thankful that she has found love and can't wait to see her in her white gown, even though in my mind it still feels like she is eight years old. Once again I'm stumped with the eternal question of the ages: how does the time fly by so quickly when you are old but so slowly when you are young and waiting for life to begin?

Because our southern dogs aren't used to the weather in Delaware, I tried to get them matching fleece cover-ups so they don't have to warm up by lying on top of the heater vents



Luna was thankful for her festive jacket after her beautifully flowing Cocker spaniel coat had to be completely shaved off after a romp in the sticky burr bush. Birdie, on the other hand, acted like she was being punished, giving us the poor pitiful me face as she imagines herself confined in a full body cast.

Who would have imagined a power outage right in the middle of baking the holiday cookies? Although they will probably turn out looking more like chocolate chip crepes, or sweet Thanksgiving nuggets, if I am truly thankful I can be gracious enough to realize that we have enough food to make cookies, perfectly baked or however they come out.

I am thankful for everything in this last picture. God has provided me a life of abundance with everything I need to thrive, whether I realize it or not. I have the love and support of my wonderful family to share the holidays and the normal days.

And finally, after the stress I put on myself trying to make everything perfect, I am thankful for being able to sit in my hot tub with a glass of red wine. Life is good.