Top 10 Thanks of 2010

We're going to the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday morning. It's going to be cold and miserable, so it's a miracle that we're all looking so forward to it! I feel like a Thanksgiving Day parade doesn't count unless you can see your own breath.

Of all the things that I am thankful for this year, here are my top 10 (in no particular order)!

1.) My family. Our health. Our ability to stick together through the tough times.

2.) My husband, who loves me even when I'm unbearably grouchy, dramatic and disorganized.

3.) Moe, the exterminator, who saw us through to the bitter end!

4.) The neurology department of Jefferson Hospital, who diagnosed Jay's transverse Myelitis, treated him and took care of him for the week- all the while being totally reassuring that he'd live and somewhat reassuring that he'd walk again.

5.) Holistic Family Healthcare, who have completely changed the way I feel about myself, food, my body and my health.

6.) The fact that I never have to torture myself with theories about Lost again.

7.) Our Elementary School. For any complaints I have, I do know that my children are getting a superior education that far exceeds the standards of the Philadelphia public schools and we are fortunate to be a part of the ICS community.

8.) Big Green Earth Store, especially Larry, who was encouraging about giving me a job when no one else was nice about the fact that I'd been a stay at home mom for so long and had practically no work history.

9.) For every stranger who has smiled at me on the street, held a door, given my children a compliment or extended a gesture that made me feel part of a community.

10.) many, many, many, many thanks to all of my friends and family who have been there for Jay and I during our tough times this year. Mostly, thanks to my parents who have been there for us every step of the way, Jay's parents and family, the friends who call and ask how I am and comforted me when I cried or agreed to let my children and I come and live with them if we couldn't get rid of the bb's. Thanks to my friends who sent me pick-me-ups and gifts. My friend Julia, who sent my children toys when they had none. My friend Jack, who brought my children bags of toys one night like he was Santa Claus. My friend Ginger who sent me a gigantic care package that I never expected! She's one heck of a baker, that one. My friend Victoria who forgives me for completely ignoring every wonderful thing that she's feeling during her pregnancy because I've been so self absorbed. And who loves me and my family and cared for my children even though she was probably scared that they'd be contaminated with bed bugs. And showered them with gifts! And for the month that we lived with no furniture but a few new mattresses and a card table... the card table was actually hers! My friend Erika, who made the most beautiful gifts for Lila's birthday and my friend Megan, who sent the girls arts and crafts and helped me replenish my kitchen with loving bake ware! She scarified her crock pot to the US mail system and it died a noble death, returning to her in a million pieces! (and if I'm forgetting anyone here, please forgive me. I'm still on my first cup of coffee)!