Thankful.

It's been a while since my last post, life in the fitdad kingdom has been rather busy.  Changes at work, holiday planning, birthday parties, swim lessons, workouts, it all adds up so quick and my writing gets pushed aside because it is not a priority during the busy times.

I like every other blogger it seems feel compelled to write the obligatory and sometimes cliche thanksgiving post.

I am thankful every day for a wife the accepts me for who I am, loves me even when I am ornery, and forgives me when I fail.

I am thankful for a healthy, happy, and vibrant son.  Someone who brings life to me everyday with every smile and every laugh.  My life has never meant as much as it means now, because this little person depends so heavily on us to help him grow.

I am thankful for my parents and my in laws, who are both wonderful human beings as well as beautiful influences on Noah's life.  They have done more for us in the first year of his life than we could have ever asked for.

I am thankful for my siblings, all of whom are exceptional people, forgiving, and understanding.  I wish for more time to spend with them every day, but understand when our schedules just don't connect.

I am thankful for my friends who keep me grounded, keep me sane, and make me laugh.

I am thankful to live in the greatest country on earth.  I am thankful for my freedom and for the chance to live the life I choose to.  The worst struggles of my life would be heaven on earth for others, for that I am thankful and blessed.

I am thankful for turkey, for stuffing, for mashed potatoes, for corn and green bean casserole,  for bread and butter, gravy and pumpkin pie.

I am thankful for running and biking because without them I couldn't eat without some form of guilt.

I am thankful for those who can't be with us today because they are fighting for our freedom overseas, or protecting us from those that would do us harm.  I am thankful for the military, the police, firefighters, and emergency responders.

I am thankful for failure in my life because it makes me stronger, better, and keeps me humble.

I am thankful for an education, for the blessings it has bestowed on our family because of my career.

I am thankful for Noah's laughter because if you don't enjoy a childs laugh, you probably haven't heard one.

I am thankful for books that help me understand what I don't know about parenting.

I am thankful for the handful of people that read this blog, because you give me a reason to keep writing.

I am thankful for my health, my weightloss, and my will power that has kept me sane on the days I most wanted to just go back to my old ways.

I am grateful every day for the positive and the negative that comes with each passing sunset.  I try to live everyday like I should, do the right thing, and be a positive influence on those around me.   When I am not, I am sorry and beg for the forgiveness of those around me.

I hope all of you enjoy the time with your family and friends today.  I hope the day is full of laughter, full bellies, and the joys that you all deserve to have.

Happy Thanksgiving!