It's easy to get caught up in the cooking and cleaning and traveling and planning and shopping that all slam together in a pumpkin spice scented whirlwind on Thanksgiving. Easy to forget that at it's core... the 4th Thursday in November (2nd Monday in October in Canada) is a day to stop and reflect on the blessings in our lives. To say thank you to the people and circumstances responsible for bringing good things into each day. All of us at "Morning Express with Robin Meade" and HLN hope you have more than your share of things to be thankful for this year... here are some of the things (in no particular order) we are giving thanks for today:

HLN Anchor Jennifer Westhoven:
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite - this year Im deeply grateful for the new seat at the table – a high-chair. Last year at dinner was the moment when, after years of effort and some heartbreak, I told my family that a baby was on the way. Baby Jamie is my biggest dream come true. Also thanks to my company’s benefits to support that! And thanks to friends & family, for the support and love they give.

Morning Express Producer Wade McKinney:
I am thankful for a God who knows my name and loves me unconditionally, and pursued me even when I turned my back on Him. I'm also thankful for the wonderful family He has put in my life: my wife, Michelle, and my two awesome boys, Bennett & Alex.

Morning Express Anchor Robin Meade:
I am thankful for our troops who are braver than I.
I am thankful for the unconditional love of pets.
I am thankful for a family that mostly has a great longevity gene and a funny bone too.

Writer/Producer Rick B.:
I'm thankful for First Amendment rights. And the Muppets.

Morning Express Web Producer Grayson Thagard:
Thankful to BE thankful! Thankful for all of you who are reading this because without you I wouldn't have this amazing gig that allows me to work with the people on this page. Thankful to the volunteers at Meals on Wheels in Atlanta who have shown me how easy and fulfilling it is to give back. And mostly, thankful for the love of the two families in my life who are the most open, honest, welcoming and accepting people on Earth.

Morning Express Producer Shaneika Dabney:
A wonderful family, the greatest friends in the world and my soul mate puttin’ a ring on it!

Morning Express Producer Tim Melligan:
Be thankful. You hear it a lot around this time of the year. It’s something I try to remember each and every day, but fail to. In the past week I have been given true reminders of just why we should all stop and be thankful. I’ve lost friends and co-workers this past week to sudden and long fought illnesses. I have other friends and loved ones dealing with serious illness. We look around and see people out of work, people fighting for their lives and for freedom-both theirs and ours. There is so much that we-I take for granted, and that shouldn’t be taken for granted. These real-life reminders make me so thanksful for everything I have, especially my wife and sons, our health, our loved ones, friends and our life and all that comes with it. I AM THANKFUL TODAY, TOMORROW, AND HOPEFULLY REMEMBER TO BE THANKFUL EACH AND EVERY DAY AFTER. I wish all of you reading this, a very Happy Thanksgiving.

HLN Sports Anchor Carlos Diaz:
I'm thankful to be spending my first Thanksgiving with my new broadcasting family at HLN. Robin, Jen and Bob are like my new brothers and sisters... only a tad more dysfunctional.

Morning Express Writer Mike F.:
I am thankful that my father’s recent tumor surgery went well and that he is doing great. I’m also thankful I got 3rd row seats to the upcoming Noel Gallagher concert.

HLN anchor Susan Hendricks:
I am thankful for my 2 year old daughter. I am also thankful for the opportunity to meet Eric LeGrand who showed me what the true definition of bravery and inspiration really is.

Morning Express Writer Erin Lindsay:
I’m thankful my boyfriend made it home safe from deployment, and even more thankful for his teammates who helped make it happen.

HLN Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen:
I am thankful for the health of my family, and having a job I love even with my limited skill set.

Happy Thanksgiving!