I love Thanksgiving.  You get to enjoy great food, good friends and time away from your daily grind without the pressure of gift giving and over-the-top decorating.  I also love the point of the holiday which is to remind us that no matter what we've come from or to in life, we have reasons to be grateful.

As a parent, I am always looking for signs that the life lessons I am trying to instill in my child are actually sticking.  I was so happy to spot one the other day when I asked my daughter to decorate a Thanksgiving turkey (a cut out of a hand that you are supposed to make into a turkey) for me to take into work for our holiday pot luck.  She happily complied and proceeded to create this interesting design with all the brands she loves right now like Betsey Johnson, Dooney & Burke, Tarina Tarintino and Coach woven into it.  It looked cool but it made me wonder if that was all she was thankful for.  

Then I noticed the 3 other designs she made on her own.  One is pictured here.  It features some of the things she is thankful for from me and her dad.  Yes, there are material things like purses, clothes, food and pens (go figure on that one).  But more importantly, she lists love, fun, advice, ideas, help and encouragement.  Not only does she recognize those gifts, she is grateful for them.  Now that is something to get excited about.

What are you thankful for?  Have you shared that with the person or people who make you feel that way?  I confess I don't always do that.  So let me take a few minutes and say a word or two of thanks right now.

First, to those of you reading this post, thank you for joining Jane Nation and supporting us in whatever way you can.  Whether you read our content or contribute to it, you are important to us...to me.

Second, to my fellow "Main Janes"--Elizabeth, Katrine, Jennifer and Kristen--this community wouldn't look or sound as beautiful and smart as it does without you.  I appreciate you more than you know.

Finally, to all the "Joes" who have helped us reach this point, know that Jane adores you for your patience, commitment and belief in our mission.