I have a lot of things to be thankful for this year. First among them is the health and happiness of my children. But I am also grateful for the many opportunities God has given me this year. It has been a year full of exciting challenges and new projects for Grupo Utopia, and despite losing my entire blog early this year, the Blog has also accomplished some milestones.

But putting all that aside, I am grateful for a another year of life. I am grateful that my children are not old enough to be in Iraq. I am grateful for the country and people of Costa Rica, who have given me an opportunity to live out my dreams. I am grateful for the patriots I left behind, those who continue the fight for the America I once knew and will always love.
I am grateful that despite problems, I have held my family together. I am grateful for the new friends I have made, and for the adventures I have had. I am grateful for my existing friends and the support they have given me through good times and bad. I am grateful for the patience that God has given me through the rough times and the success that has resulted from that patience.

I am grateful for love, in all the forms it has taken. The Anderson family will be celebrating thanksgiving on Saturday, since my kids are in school today, but I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge this day of thanks, and to perhaps reflect a bit on why we should all find something to be grateful for EVERY day. One love to all of you who have stuck by me and ISOU, through the inconsistent posting, the blog crash and everything else. Special props to Rogue who has been my Blog Mama and has managed to help me keep ISOU alive. Will always love you Angel! And as always, wish I was at your house for turkey day!

Crossposted to Blogs of War, where I will be occassionaly guest blogging. Thanks for the invite John!