November always nudges me into a deeper sense of gratitude. Maybe it’s the crisp mornings, the cozy evenings, or the way Thanksgiving quietly reminds us to pause and appreciate what truly matters. For me, there’s one blessing that stands out above the rest this time of year: my village.

As a set of two full-time working parents—juggling careers, multiple side gigs, school schedules, church commitments, sports, music lessons, and the never-ending to-do lists—it often feels like we’re sprinting through life. And truthfully? We could not do any of it alone.

The Gift of Grandparents (and Great-Grandparents!)

We are beyond blessed to have grandparents and even great-grandparents who love our kids deeply and step in whenever we need them. Whether it’s early-morning school drop-offs, shuttling kids to activities, or keeping an eye on things while we run to yet another rehearsal or work event, they do it all without hesitation. Their presence isn’t just helpful—it’s grounding. They’re an anchor for our kids and a lifeline for us.

There’s something incredibly special about watching your children spend time with the people who helped raise you. They learn stories, traditions, and values that go far beyond what we can teach during our busy days. That connection is priceless, and in this season of Thanksgiving, it sits right at the top of my gratitude list.

Friends Who Become Family

And then there are the friends who show up—honestly, sometimes faster than we can even ask for help. Friends who say, “I’ve got them,” and mean it. Friends who take a kid to practice, grab an extra snack, or entertain your crew without batting an eye. Friends who understand what it means to be tired, stretched thin, or overwhelmed, because they’re in the thick of it, too.

These people are the glue. The grace. The laughter when everything feels chaotic. They fill in the gaps in ways we didn’t even know we needed.

Why Having a Village Matters

Parenting today is beautiful, but let’s be real—it’s hard. The schedules alone could take out even the strongest of humans. Having a village matters because none of us are meant to do life alone. We need people who will step in, cheer us on, and help carry the load.

A village isn’t just childcare or convenience. It’s a community. It’s support. It’s a shared strength.

And here’s the good news: you can build a village anywhere.
Even if you live far from family, your community can become the place where you are supported and known. Church families, school parents, coworkers, neighbors, friends—you never know who might become your person until you let them in. One small connection can grow into something life-changing.

Counting Down to Thanksgiving with Gratitude

As we move through November, I’m reminding myself to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the blessings that hold our family together. Our village is one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever received, and this month of gratitude feels like the perfect time to honor them.

To the grandparents, great-grandparents, friends, neighbors, and everyone in between who show up for us and our kids—you are loved more than you know. You make our busy lives possible, and our hearts are so full because of you.

Here’s to a season of thankfulness, and to the beautiful people who make life richer, easier, and filled with love.