Even though Thanksgiving has now passed, I think this year it's more important than ever to keep gratitude in the forefront of our minds as we head into the Christmas season. 2020 has been more than challenging, leaving probably all of us feeling stuck, lost, and overwhelmed at some point. My husband and I spent our Thanksgiving (and the full week+ prior to it) quarantined after being exposed to Coronavirus. This was absolutely heartbreaking to process, but we made the best of it and had a small Thanksgiving dinner, just the two of us. Although it wasn't the big family meal we look forward to every year, it was nice to slow down and spend Thanksgiving alone together before the birth of our son. I want to take a moment to share what I'm most thankful for this holiday season and I hope you do the same.

I'm thankful for my growing family. My husband and I have been together since high school, 13 years this February. We are expecting our first baby, a little boy, due the first week of February. We've dreamed of this life for so long and it's absolutely unreal that we are living it. 

I'm thankful for our extended families - Our parents and siblings. We have an amazing support system and I know we are blessed to have so many people who care about us. 

I'm thankful for my best friends. My best friend and my husband's best friend are married. We are beyond close with them and their family. The bond we have is truly special and I cherish it every day. 

I'm thankful that for the first time in my life, I have a job that I love. I finally feel as if I am doing exactly what I'm meant to be doing and I feel so fulfilled and happy. Having a hand in shaping small minds gives me such a sense of purpose and I'm so grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded in being lead down this path.

I'm thankful for another year with my golden girl, Sophie, who is aging gracefully. I pray for many more years with her, but for now, I am grateful for every day that passes that I get to love her and be loved by her. I hope that someday, you have the good fortune to love a dog like this. 

How are you bringing the feelings of thankfulness and gratitude with you into the holiday season and beyond? Share what you're most thankful for with us on our socials!

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