Giving Thanks (Thankfulness Challenge - Days 1, 2 & 3)

It seems with each passing year Christmas items begin hitting store shelves earlier and earlier. In fact, when I rushed out early Halloween evening for Bethany's last minute costume change, Target "Team Members" were busy stocking shelves with Christmas items. I love Christmas just as much as the next person, but it's barely November and Thanksgiving is already getting the cold shoulder.

So in order to do my part to "save" Thanksgiving, and to take on the challenge given to me by some of my fellow adoptive mommies/bloggy friends, I'm going to do my best to take part in sharing one thing I'm thankful for for each day of November. Some posts may be short and sweet, but others may fall victim to my rambling. :)

Since I'm off to a late start, and I hate the thought of skipping days, I'm allowing myself make-up days by combining three days worth of thankfulness into one post. My blog, my rules. :)

Day 1
I am thankful for God's protection. I got into a car accident on the morning of Halloween as I was on my way to check off a bunch of errands. Needless to say, none of those errands were completed. I'm thankful neither Bethany nor I were hurt, and that I got things squared away with the insurance company, auto body shop and rental car company just in time to pick Austin up from school.

Day 2
After a long day of taking care of my sick little girl, Sam and I were able to go out during the evening. No it wasn't a candlelit romantic dinner for two, but a two hour informational meeting on middle schools in the area. By the time we were finished with the meeting, I was hopelessly confused as to what middle school would be right for Austin, and my stomach was growling. I haven't had much of an appetite lately (so unlike me), so Sam suggested we go out for a late dinner. We ended up at one of our favorite hole in the wall type-ish places. My appetite slowly returned, and I was thankful for good food and the best company a girl could ask for. :)

Day 3
I'm thankful for my parents! They have experienced a lot of heartache and tragedy in their lives (more than any one person should), but their spirits have never been broken, and they continue to give of themselves sacrificially. They have and continue to do so much for me (and my family), and they are one of the greatest examples to me of how deeply and fiercely parents should love their children. They are examples to me of true strength and perseverance, and I am so thankful to be their daughter!

What are you thankful for?