It’s Thanksgiving week. And we have so much to be thankful for. My thankful list begins and ends with God. Maybe more so than any other year. Today our pastor spoke about is your spirituality worth imitating…and while I’ve thought it was in my past, I truly BELIEVE it’s much more worthy this year than any other. Being at WRCC has changed my faith. I feel it so much deeper now than I ever have before.

Todd-Todd and I have put a lot of work into our marriage in the last year. He has become my best friend again, and he has been trying so very hard to be a more present, patient and supportive husband and dad. We still have a ways to go and I think we will have to work hard in our marriage forever, but I also feel like most couples do and that it’s worth the work now. We are in a completely different place now than we were last thanksgiving.

Jackson-I’m thankful that he has found his place and his people at Purdue. He’s on the downhill slope with his undergrad degree now, has landed in a good research lab, has a damn good GPA and enjoys his 21 yr old status, but with the protection of God and the help of some good friends, does so safely. He’s living his best life in pep bands and concert band and his new girlfriend. And he still calls me as he’s walking home from a game or walking across campus to his next class just to say “hey.” I am blessed beyond measure by him.

Tommi-wow. In the last year, Tommi has grown so very much. There are days where I look at Tommi’s peers and feel sad or longing in my heart because they all seem to be growing up so much faster than Tommi. But I cannot do that to myself or to Tommi. Tommi has had a lot of growth since last thanksgiving. And Tommi carry’s more heavy baggage then some of his peers. We are traveling roads of transgender, adoption, online school, autism, coping strategies and family learning/loving/living while planning for his future and living in the present. We think he has IBS and we’re struggling with being tired all the time, motivation, age-regression and a period blocker that isn’t blocking the period. It’s a lot. But he is advancing in his baking skills, has a new skill in soap making, has great grades, smiles a lot, laughs more than he ever did before and is taking on more responsibilities. He also has a new counselor, through school, whom he has really accepted and looks forward to talking to each week. Mary is a blessing for Tommi (and me). Overall, I can be nothing but proud of and grateful for Tommi. He’s winning at life right now and I’m thankful for him.

I’m thankful for good health, constant support and good relationships with mom, dad, Tina and Kyle. For AMW, a friend and business partner who makes going to work and running a business together a complete joy and who daily fills my soul with laughter, love, support and problem solving. For Ren who loves me after all these years and who gives me unlimited mental, emotional and spiritual guidance and love. Who isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions and give me a new perspective. For Tosh who fills my bucket with a listening ear, a giving spirit, a loving heart and laughter in the midst of tears or tears in the midst of laughter. For StaceyP who has a Godly spirit worth imitating and is there for prayers, breakfast, amazing hugs and is game for anything our crazy minds dream up. And of course for Brad, who creates a safe space for me through a computer screen, who makes me face the hard things but walks through them with me and encourages me to reach for Todd in those moments where I used to retreat. Brad has changed my life and I thank God every day that he sent us through that red door on 8th street almost 4 years ago.

To all of those friends and family, near and far, who love and support us through ordering food from Tommi makes Goodies, send cards to us, encourage us through social media and pray for us…we are so thankful for all of you as well.

God helps me find a word with each new year to focus on that year. I think my word for 2022 was growth. Personal, professional and family growth. As 2023 approaches, I keep landing on the words faith, forgiveness and forward. Growing my faith, forgiving those I need to move on from and moving forward with progress I’ve started this year.

Happy Thanksgiving week to all of you. If you need people, food, prayer-reach out. We are here for all of you. As we step into the holiday season, stop on a daily basis and take the time to breathe and appreciate your world.

Tommi’s artsy side has taken on another new hobby. Soap making! Watching soap making videos is an anxiety release for Tommi and he’s decided he wants to try his hand at it. Alright! Let’s do it! He’s done so much research. Read, watched videos, had me watch videos and take notes. It amazes me sometimes when Tommi gets super focused on something how quickly he can take in and be knowledgeable about something! He’s ready and excited! Maybe we can make some Christmas presents! Wish us luck!

In other news, Tommi and his school therapist have decided that Tommi should enroll in INCAs sister school, INCC where Tommi would have the opportunity to take career preparedness courses his Sophomore year and be in their culinary career center at J. Everett Light 1/2 days his junior and senior years of high school. He would graduate with both his HS diploma and a culinary certificate and would be ahead of the game for culinary school. Tommi is very excited at this prospect and so are Todd and I. Pursuing Tommi’s passion and being 1/2 day in-person would be wonderful. We will finish out his freshman year at INCA and enroll in INCC next year. Say some prayers on this.

And I am pushing all of us out of our comfort range again by deciding I want to go on a mission trip. I have thought about it previously, going with a medical team as an audiologist, testing hearing and fitting hearing aids in third-world countries. But since beginning to attend White River CC, the opportunities for mission trips with them, teaching people about my God, has turned the little whisper of an idea into a full blown shout. Why is this pushing my family out of its comfort zone? Because, as Brad put it so bluntly last night in therapy, me desiring to do this in and of itself shows huge personal growth, but someday leaving for this trip for 7-10 days, means I will have to give up my control. I have to 100% trust Todd to take care of kids, pets, and house. And that might be the best damn thing I could do for myself, Todd and Tommi. Keep that in your prayers too.

Happy November, everyone!