Shameless. . .and incredibly thankful

So, I'm sure I'm not the first blog you've seen lately that has done the blatant Shutterfly advertising, but hey, for 50 free photo cards (and they let you get the "fancy" ones - that are like $1 each!) I decided I could pimp out my blog.  I mean, it's not like the hubby and I aren't shamelessly into saving money these days. 

I know I've posted this in the past, but my DH has turned into quite the coupon king.  I can't remember exactly when it started, but I know that when I was pregnant with Maggie and Ben and couldn't stand the smells in the grocery store, he became our primary grocery shopper.  Shoot, he became our only grocery shopper.  I'm not allowed to go unless I have all the coupons, and I've approved my purchases with him ahead of time.  Well, not exactly, but close enough.  I don't exactly mind.  I mean, first of all, I get out of going to the store (and I'm never expected to do it with two toddlers in tow), AND he regularly saves us up to $50 on a trip.  There was a trip recently where he saved half of our $200 grocery bill.  He rocks my socks when it comes to saving. 

There isn't a whole lot we wouldn't do to save some money. . . although considering the time of year, I guess I should add that there is not a chance in the world you'll find us out on Black Friday this year.  I shudder to even think about it.  Nope, Friday morning I plan to make us a nice breakfast and hang out in our pjs. 

I think this will be my last post for a few days (I've been blogging extra this week) so I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  Going through other blogs during ICLW always seems to remind me of how many people are struggling this time of year.  I almost feel like I no longer belong in the ICLW group because my blog is full of babies.  I think after you go through IF there is a certain guilt attached to being happy.  You don't want to be that obnoxious parent who only talks about their kids when people around you are struggling to become parents.  You don't want to be the person at the mall who made you feel like crying when you were the one struggling.  You don't want to be the pregnant lady who complains when she doesn't feel good, because you KNOW how many people would kill for the chance to feel that way. 

For anyone who knows what I mean, or for anyone who is struggling with this time of year because you don't have a baby in your arms, or hope in your heart, I want you to know that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel.  Miracles happen.  Those of us who "graduated" still remember what it was like to struggle.  I'm reminded especially at Thanksgiving of how thankful I am for my blessings.  I have two beautiful toddlers, and I have been blessed with two surprise pregnancies when I wasn't supposed to be able to have it happen once.  Losing a baby, losing my job, feeling like I was losing my mind with the depression made this a hard year in many ways.  But thinking about what I have, what I've experienced, and what is hopefully to come next year, I am reminded that I have many reasons in 2010 to be thankful. 

This year when I count my blessings, I think I'll count them twice and I'll remember to never take them for granted.