The things for which I'm thankful

There are many things in life I am thankful for, but here's my top 25 coming off of Thanksgiving weekend, in somewhat random, stream-of-conscious order.

1. My fabulous, loving and perfect-for-me husband, whose health seems to be much better this year than last.

2. My wonderfully bright, adorable, yet irritating children. As one of my best friends put it, there's just enough "squish" to balance the cuteness.

3. My far-off family who never seem to find time to visit me in California. You know who you are, and I'm not going to stop bugging you. No, I'm not thankful they don't visit me. I just like to bug them about it whenever I get a chance.

4. My far-off relatives who do come to visit me. You know who you are, too, and I miss you all terribly.

5. My friends, whom I've covered in previous posts. Without them life would be a little less colorful, a little more boring and a lot more depressing. You are my lifeblood!

6. The fact that I've gotten to spend an entire year at home with my kids.

7. Hugs.

8. The beauty I can find in my own backyard, the flowers, the beach, the palm trees, the weather here.

9. My home. My fortress of solitude, my own little island of sanity (most days at least).

10. Books.

11. Strawberries.

12. Chocolate.

13. All those people who have made me who I am by being a part of my life. Some are still here, some are not. My Mom, My grandmother, my great-grandmother and my grandfather are just a few that are no longer with me physically, but their mark is on my life and heart forever.

14. Afternoons at the park with the boys.

15. Days at the beach.

16. My son's wonderful charter school and its sense of community.

17. Facebook.

18. Las Vegas

19. Sy-fy (even though I don't like the change in logo)

20. Wilson Creek Almond Champagne

21. My husband's pumpkin pie and Toll House cookies

22. Video Games

23. Backyard parties

24. Halloween

25. Christmas