Thankful for Hunting, Home and Hooligans

‘Tis the season for gratitude and recently my cup has been running over. I can’t count all the ways my family has been blessed but let me name a few.

After a two-year streak of bad luck, I was finally able to punch my tag on a Nebraska doe this rifle season. It was my first time finding success during a solo hunt and proof that patience pays off. She nearly busted me several times as she stepped out of the brush and into the open. I held my position, not moving a muscle until she eventually gave me a broadside shot.

There’s nothing quite like the rush you get when you know you’ve gotten a good hit. After checking on the deer, my first thought was to Facetime my husband who was home with the kids. A huge thank you goes out to my dad who kept an eye on the boys so we could field dress the deer and get her home to hang. I might not have gotten the antlers on the wall that I was after, but a freezer full of nutritious meat is more than enough to be grateful for.

The house my husband has worked tirelessly to improve has become a home indeed. With only a few projects left to wrap up our addition, I’ve begun to rearrange and redecorate the space. This has included shifting furniture around to accommodate our upcoming annual Thanksgiving meal, which has left our house looking a little different. This recently perplexed my almost-2-year old, who walked into the strange new living room and said, “what happened?”

His speech development has definitely come a long way in recent weeks. Slowly but surely, we’re understanding more and more of what he says. Bedtime has become such a sacred time, tucking him into bed, exchanging kisses and getting my nightly “I love you.” Even on days when he’s been challenging, those special moments make everything better.

Little brother has been growing up a little too quickly as well. Fueled by pure determination, he’s becoming mobile. Rolling, scooting, and pushing himself around, he’s starting to get where he wants to go. And where does he want to go, you may ask? Everywhere his brother goes.

While the toddler isn’t always thrilled about the tagalong little sibling, the baby absolutely adores big brother. Bath night has especially become an adventurous occasion, as these two hooligans splash and giggle. Mom might be a little soggy by the end of it, but there's a smile on my face.

Outside of my family, I am also blessed to have an incredible job with supportive coworkers that cheer me on with all my endeavors. Being able to share my children’s books has been an incredible milestone in my writing career and it wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunity my work has provided.

Being grateful is a choice and I challenge everyone to seek out the things you’re thankful for every day.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!