Giving Thanks!

Today may be somewhat of a sentimental post, so if you're not in the mood, you may as well call it quits here.
As Thanksgiving Day is only 3 days away, I have been thinking about all the wonderful things in my life that I am thankful for. There are so many things, I would like to touch on a few:
#1 - My husband and my babies - I waited my whole life for a man to sweep me off my feet and love me the way that Joe does. He is so wonderful and I don't think I could live this life without him, I love him more than words can say. I am also so blessed with Kailyn and Myer. I know Myer is not here yet, but he is a miracle every single day with every single movement he makes. I cannot wait to meet our sweet baby boy and kiss him all over. Kailyn, oh Kailyn, is the most amazing little girl on the face of the planet. She is super intelligent, gorgeous, compassionate, imaginative and everything else you could think of to describe the perfect daughter! I am so lucky.
#2 - My family (with an emphasis on my mama) - Where to even start.....I was raised in a very close knit family and was taught the value of togetherness from birth. And honestly, to get the world's #1 mom mixed in as a best friend, it doesn't get any better than that. My mom is amazingly smart, strong and adventurous, she is my HERO. Also, from the time I was little, I always begged for a little sister. Who knew I'd have to be 18 to finally get one? While Jordan and I may be 10 years apart, we certainly don't let that bother us. Speaking of 18, today is my sweet baby sister's 18th birthday. Happy Birthday, Jordan! Jordan is beautiful, ambitious, goal driven and extremely dedicated. She is a role model for anyone!
#3 - My friends - There's no need for any explanation here. Bottom line is this.....I have the best friends on the face of the planet, and I'll argue you to the death over that statement. Once you get a certain age, you realize that friendship is more about quality than quantity, and you see through your tough times, who sticks around. My 4 greatest girlfriends, Mandi, Becca, Erica and Cathy have been at my side through thick and thin, and I hope they feel the same about me, because I would go to the ends of the Earth for them in a heartbeat. I love them very much. Speaking of best friends, there are only 22 more hours before we get to meet Baby Girl Coleman! I am ecstatic, Good Luck Bucky and Erica, I am thinking of you every second! Also, if you are reading this and you don't have plans tomorrow night (Tuesday, November 24, 2009) between 5pm and 8pm, there will be a "Ladies Night Out" Open House with At Home America, Lia Sophia, Thirty-one Gifts, Jordan Essentials and Mandi with her Pampered Chef. All these vendors will be at Wanda Frain's home--just go out towards 240/41 highway from the north end of Lafayette like you were going to Slater, but instead of going to the right and up onto the highway, head straight ahead under the overpass and on straight to the stop sign and back into the "woods" through the wooden gates there to Wanda's home!
#4 - My health - I almost hate to say things like, "I am thankful for my health", because I am very, very supersticious (however you spell that), and I feel like as soon as I say it something horrible will happen. Anywho, it's too late, I said it and I am. I am also thankful for the health of all the people who mean the most to me, for sure! (P.S. - Knock on wood)
#5 - Furry friends - I complain quite often about a certain mastiff at my residence, but the truth is, I am head over heels in love with all 3 of my dogs. Morgan, Missy and Marli are such additions to our family. They each have their own sassy personalities and love us unconditionally day in and day out. Joe and I have both been raised with loving furry friends and are hard core animal lovers for sure! This brings me back to my fabulous, strong mom. In September of 1996, my mom and stepdad brought a surprise over to see me while I was at Mandi's house. I teeny little black schnauzer puppy whom we named "Beau". Beau has been my "brother" for 13 years now, and is the reason I bought Morgan, my own miniature schnauzer. Morgan and Beau have been together for 9 years. Beau has had a few problems over the years with some fatty tumors, but they were removed and labeled "nothing serious". As he has aged, the vet always said that it was more of a risk for Beau to undergo the surgery to remove non-invasive tumors, and not to worry about them unless they were harmful. Unfortunately within the last week, two of the tumors on Beau's chest have caused him to not be able to walk or eat very well. On Friday, the vet told my mom that the larger tumor has grown into his nerve, and that even if Beau could withstand surgery, they wouldn't be able to get it out. The vet begged my mom, saying for Beau's sake and quality of life, to let him go. I've never lost a pet like this, I've come close with my dad's 10 year old St. Bernard, Kaytee, but she pulled through. Not this time. Kailyn and I went out to my mom's on Saturday and took Morgan so we could hang out with Beau on his final weekend. Before we left, I went inside by myself and kissed my sweet childhood pet and told him how wonderful of a dog he was and how much I loved him. Tuesday is the day. My mom and stepdad will take our beloved Beau to the vet's office and stay with him while a sedative is administered and love on him until he is sleeping soundly. They will then leave and Beau will receive the last dose of medicine. I am 100% not ready, but this is not about me. I am so thankful for the time I have had with Beau. I am thankful for the times he has listened and not judged and has loved me unconditionally, no matter what mistakes I've made. I am thankful for everyday I have and will have with my three dogs. They are truly like my children. I am also thankful that I can get all this off my chest on here to my 2 or 3 readers so that I may be there for my mom when she needs me the most.
Whew.....Well I guess that wasn't too awful except for that last one, right? I am super thankful for all the wonderful things in my life!
BTW, I had a friends baby shower this past Saturday, and our little Myer now has diapers and wipes, lotion, soap, towels, toys and clothes! He can be a fresh smellin', fly dressed, fun lovin' sweet baby boy. (Thank you so much Mandi and Nancy and everyone that came!) I have a family shower on December 5th too. YAY! He's going to have to look super cute for his first meeting with Baby Girl Coleman, you know!
I'm sorry if I brought you down, but I'm not sorry if I made you think, even for one single second, about all the things you're thankful for. Life is too short to take anything for granted. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, all!