Giving Thanks

"I don't know where it all begins, and I don't know where it all will end. Better off for all that we let in." -Indigo Girls

As Thanksgiving approaches I have been putting a lot of thought to what God has given to Nathan and I in this last year. It's almost hard to even conceptualize the transformation and intervention. A year ago Nathan and I were both full swing in our Master's programs at National-Louis. Nathan was student teaching at Mather High School and I was working at JVS. We were renting in Evanston and in the midst of infertility treatment.

This Thanksgiving, Nathan and I are owning our first place and have completed our Master's degrees. Nathan is teaching 4th grade in a school that challenges him while also confirming his teaching philosophies. I am counseling and feel validated that my gifts are being used. And most miraculuously (and obviously no surprise) we are growing a baby.

We are thankful for these gifts.


And we are thankful for the gift of your friendship. For the support in ways that have given us the energy and hope to meet our toughest challenges and to embrace our deep joy. Two weeks ago we put a counter on our blog and have received over 600 views. You are a community of friends and family that we love and that we need. Thank you for allowing us to expose our fears and our failures only to find open arms of support and kindness.

So for a holiday that is so often overshadowed by Christmas marketing and a list of to-do's, we wanted to take time to give thanks. To God, to our baby, to our marriage and to you.

We love each of you and the unique way you have and continue to embrace us.