Every Thanksgiving, I ask the boys what they’re grateful for. Their answers are always a little window into their world, and this year they made me smile in a way I really needed.

Pierce is grateful for swimming. Bence is grateful for his family, our beautiful house and his birthday. Of course his birthday made the list. LOL. And Wilce? I think it’s safe to say Mommy is at the top of his. My little Velcro baby is happiest when we’re together, and Pierce says Wilce is grateful for his freedom, too. Apparently his big brother has a few insights to add!

There’s something so lovely about how easily children can tell you what they love. I’ve needed a little more time to find my words this year.

Finding gratitude in a difficult year

This past year has brought loss and changes in some relationships that have meant a great deal to me. It’s been a difficult season, and there have been days when feeling grateful hasn’t come easily.

I’m keeping the details close, but I wanted to acknowledge that part of my life here. If you’re coming into Thanksgiving with a lot on your heart, I hope you feel a little less alone.

I’m learning to let myself feel sad without feeling guilty about it. I can appreciate the life we have and still be affected by what’s been hard. Some days, gratitude comes simply from being home with Gary and the boys and feeling that I can take a breath.

Slowing down with my children has brought me more joy and peace than anything else this year. Being with them gives me somewhere to put my attention when my thoughts feel heavy. They have their own very important things to tell me, and I’m grateful I get to hear them.

My boys and this season of motherhood

Pierce, Bence and Wilce are growing into such different little people. Motherhood with three boys is busy, loud and full of competing needs. Someone always wants Mommy, and sometimes everyone wants her at once!

I get tired. I get overwhelmed. I also feel so lucky to be theirs.

With Pierce and Bence both in school now, and Wilce still wanting to stay so close, I’m feeling the different stages of motherhood all at once. The older boys are building more of their own lives, while my youngest would quite happily keep me within arm’s reach all day.

I’m grateful for the closeness we have right now. For getting to know what matters to each of them. For their affection, their funny answers and the way they keep bringing me back to what’s happening right in front of me.

I want to remember this version of our family, even the parts that leave me needing a quiet minute at the end of the day.

Gary and the home we are making together

I’m so thankful for Gary and for the family we’ve built together. Raising three children takes so much of both of us, and I’m grateful to have him beside me through the everyday responsibilities and the more difficult seasons.

There’s something special about sharing a life with someone who knows and loves these little people as much as you do. Watching him with our boys is something I deeply appreciate.

And I’m grateful for our beautiful home. You know how much I love decorating and making a space feel welcoming, but this year I’ve felt especially thankful for what happens inside it.

This is where our boys are growing up. Where we get to come back to each other at the end of the day. Where we’re creating memories that will become part of their childhood.

Bence including our house in his answer really touched me. I love that he appreciates it, too. I hope all three boys carry that feeling of home with them as they grow.

Making room for peace

One of the most important things I’ve been working on this year is creating clearer, stronger boundaries.

Saying no still takes practice. I care about people, and I don’t like disappointing them. But I’ve become more aware of how much it costs me when I say yes without considering the time or energy I actually have.

I’m learning to pause before committing. To make decisions that leave me with more of myself to give to my family, and some energy left for me, too.

It’s a journey I’m still on, but I’m thankful for the peace those choices have started to bring. I’m getting more comfortable with letting a slower day be enough.

For any mom who finds herself managing everyone’s expectations as the holidays approach, I hope you give your own needs some consideration, too. You’re allowed to decide what you can comfortably take on.

A little room to enjoy Thanksgiving

I still love a beautiful table and all the cozy details of fall. This year, I also want to leave enough room to enjoy the people around it.

If the boys remember being together, feeling loved and making us laugh with their Thanksgiving answers, I’ll be happy.

And if asking your children what they’re thankful for isn’t already a tradition, try it. You might get an answer that touches your heart. You might also get a birthday wish list. Both are worth remembering. Haha.

Thank you for being here and sharing in these seasons of my life. I’m so grateful for this community of moms and for the connection we’ve built over the years.

Wishing you and your family a lovely Thanksgiving, with a little time to slow down and enjoy each other.

What are you and your little ones thankful for this year? I’d love to hear their answers in the comments.

With love,
Natalie xo