The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is heating up for many of us this week as we rush to get things done ahead of Thanksgiving travel or hosting. Still, it's a good time for a little quiet contemplation of what's behind those thanks we'll be giving - the things for which we're grateful.

Each year my friends gather together for a potluck dinner affectionately called "Friends Thanksgiving". It started when we were fresh out of college and wanted to create our own holiday traditions and has grown to be one of our favorite events of the year. It has also grown from a measly eight people eating with chopsticks because we didn't have enough forks, to a group of thirty or so sitting around a moist white truffle butter turkey.

After stuffing ourselves with everyone's delicious concoctions we go around the room and say what we are thankful for. There are always a few tears of joy as we look at each other and reflect on how our lives have changed and grown together, the accomplishments we've made and those who have supported us through them, and the faces of new friends who have come into our lives over the past year.

I'm thankful for my amazing fiance and the adventure we are about to embark on as we prepare for our wedding this New Year's Eve. I'm thankful that we were fortunate enough to buy a house this past summer and we now have a place to call home. I'm thankful for healthy family and friends who have been there to support the two of us, and who will continue to be in our lives as we look to the future. I'm thankful I have the opportunity to quietly reflect on the challenges and opportunities that life has brought me over the past year and share them with you.

I hope you will take a moment to share with me and KidsQuest what you and your family are thankful for this holiday season.