10 Things I Am Grateful for This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is around the corner. Although we should give thanks everyday, Thanksgiving is the one day of the year that we can truly express our gratitude and show appreciation for our blessings. These are what I am grateful for this year:

1. I am grateful for: my daughter.

My daughter is such a miracle to me because a few years ago, I thought that I would never have a child. Just shortly after she was born, she experienced some complications with her breathing that brought her to the emergency room. Now she is almost two-years-old, and I am in awe everyday watching her grow. I melt when she looks straight into my eyes and smiles her biggest smile or when she runs up to me and hugs my leg. It's amazing how much love you can have for someone.

2. I am grateful for: being able to stay home with my daughter.

I have the best job in the world: I am able to watch my toddler grow right before my very eyes each day. I am so thankful that I get to stay home with her and experience her very first milestones. Many moms would give anything to be able to stay home with their children so this is something that I cherish very much. However, there are times when I just need my alone time or when it gets lonely. But still, I would not trade this for anything in this world.

3. I am grateful for: my fiancé.

Since I have been with my fiancé, so many of my dreams have come true: an engagement, a child, a family, our own place, staying home with our daughter. But not only that, I have found a lover and a friend, someone who is honest and open with me, and truly accepts me as I am (believe me, he has seen me at my worst!). Everyone longs to find their true love or soul mate. I believe that I have found that in this wonderful man. We are so different, yet we complement each other in every way.

4. I am grateful for: a loving relationship with my step-children.

How many step-mothers out their can say that they have a truly loving relationship with their step-children? It is a rare thing, but it is possible. Step-motherhood has not always been easy. I go through many emotional ups-and-downs about my role as a step-mom. Being with them has been a true learning experience and has taught me a lot about myself as a mom and as a person.

5. I am grateful for: our families.

My fiancé's family and my family have been so supportive of us. We are very fortunate that they are there to help us out when we are in a bind. Or even better, to babysit from time to time. His family has allowed us a place to stay. My family treats my step-kids as part of the family. It is truly a blessing that we both have close-nit families that are there for each other.

6. I am grateful for: my friends.

I admit, I am bad at keeping in touch with my friends. It is so easy to let life pass you by, especially if you have kids. I do need to make more of an effort to keep in touch with them, even if it's just to say hello. But I am truly grateful that they are still my friends despite my lack of communication. It's great that we can just pick up where we left off whenever we do get to see or talk to each other. I am thankful that they are still there for me.

7. I am grateful for: my fiancé going back to work after a five-month lay-off.

When my fiancé first told me he was laid-off from his carpentry job, I freaked out. Fortunately, his company called him back. I am still amazed, though, that we were able to survive those last five months on his unemployment benefits. The experience has taught us to tighten our belts a bit and live on less. With the down economy, we are both just thankful that he still has his job.

8. I am grateful for: our own place.

Well, it is not actually our "own" place. My fiancé's parents built a whole extension for us, adding 1500 square feet to their house. The result? A second story living space with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a master bedroom and bath, and a small living room. We have privacy and the kids have their own rooms. Eventually, I would like to have our own house. But for now, just to have our own living space in a great neighborhood suits us just fine.

9. I am grateful for: my Vegas trip back in August.

I am thankful for my trip to Las Vegas because I was not expecting to even go. My sister insisted that I accompany her, but at the time, my fiancé was out of work and money was tight. But my most loving mother made it happen for me, and I am ever so grateful. The trip was also a test because it was the very first time I was away from my daughter. We both survived and I got a great time out of it.

10. I am grateful for: life.

Last but not least, I am grateful for life. Each day I awake, I am given a clean slate, a chance to create new memories. I have the opportunity to discover something or do something I've always wanted to do. I get to make amends with someone or make a new friend. Even better, I get to watch my daughter explore her world. I am truly grateful for each day of my life.