Thanksgiving

I'll be sappy and use this time to be thankful for all the blessings I have in my life.

I am thankful for my wonderful, handsome husband. He is always there when I need him. He always helps me when I need help. He is a financial wizard, wonderful provider and awesome father. He shows me a love like I have never known. I don't know what I would do without him. I am truly grateful for him.

I am thankful for my six children.

Amanda ~ she has grown to be a beautiful, intelligent young lady. And while she frustrates me at times, she couldn't be a better daughter. She helps me with her younger siblings. She helps around the house. And though she screams and pouts and displays all the "wonderful" qualities of teenagedom, she is truly a blessing to me. And I'm sure she wouldn't believe me, but I love her like no other as she is my first child.

Anthony ~ he is growing leaps and bounds. Taller than me and almost as tall as his dad. And while he and his father don't always get along, I'm sure Rich loves Anthony like no other because he is his oldest son. He is a strong, young man, who is willing to help * most times * and he is highly intelligent going for a 4.0 during his high school years.

Sarah ~ she is such a joy to be around. She is a no nonsense kind of girl, just like her Great Grandma J. She loves her little brothers and loves to mommy Nathan. Just the good parts, not the stinky ones, like diaper changing. She also loves to help in the kitchen. She is such a pretty little girl. With a mind of her own, she won't bend to anyone's will but her own. She is very stubborn and if she doesn't like something, she won't hesitate to tell you so. She is working on getting and keeping straight A's on her report card.

Zachary ~ he is such a little stinker. He is such a smart little boy, but he doesn't apply himself as he should. He's is such a smart little boy, but he's a slacker, so his teacher says. I think it's a way for him to get some extra love, he may fill he's missing. He is always vying for attention being in the middle of the pack, especially with his younger brothers needing more of my time. He is friendly and kind and reminds me the most of his dad.

Nicholas ~ he is a blessing in and of himself. He has overcome so much adversity. Whatever is thrown his way, he finds a way to survive. He has a will to live, plain and simple. He is a friendly, precocious little guy. He always wants to know "why", I believe that is simply the fact that he's six and exploring this world around him. Learning to read in kindergarten is just another adventure to him.

Nathaniel (Nathan) ~ he is the light that shines in all our lives. A little guy from the start, losing even more weight in his will to survive. He preserved and still keeps going to this day. He, like his brother Nicholas, has shown us true miracles. He is the youngest and will probably command my attention for quite some time. I can see alot of Rich in him too. He looks like Rich, especially when he makes certain facial gestures. It's odd seeing my husband as a little boy.

All three younger boys (Zach, Nick and Nate) have acted more like their dad than they will ever know. When life was bad and he got kicked around, he just got right back up and kept on fighting. That is what each of these little boys have done from the day they were born. Life throws them curves and they just keep playing. It's amazing to me how they just keep going. Zachary was our smallest baby at 4 lbs and 13 ozs (his twin sis was 5 lbs and 1 oz). He struggled to make his way here, so did Anthony, I lost alot of blood giving birth to him. Nathan was 7 lbs 7 ozs and lost so much weight that he went all the way down to 6 lbs. That's alot for a little newborn. I have already dicussed what amazing feats Nicholas has surpassed. All my children have this amazing will to live, to fight, and to get back up and do it all again. I love my family. I don't think I say that nearly enough. I'm very proud of my family and I love each and every one in it. I'm so happy I have such blessings in my life - all seven of them.

Happy Thanksgiving!