And I want to be like them.

In that spirit, and in honor of the holiday, here are some of the things for which I'm thankful.

I am thankful, first, for my five children. They are beautiful, smart, funny and incredibly talented. I am even more thankful for recessive genes.

I am thankful that I have lots of people who call me friend, but I am more thankful for a couple of really good friends who will tell me when I've screwed up.

I am thankful for parents who love me unconditionally, but I am more thankful that I have children whom I love unconditionally.

I am thankful for a job (actually more than one) in these uncertain economic times, but I am more thankful for a work ethic instilled by my parents that assures me I will always have a job somewhere.

I am thankful for a sound mind (debatable, to be sure), but I am more thankful for a sense of humor.

I am thankful that I'm free, but I am more thankful that I was born in the most free, most prosperous and best nation in the world.

I am thankful for all the men and women in the armed forces who are willing to sacrifice their lives to preserve that freedom, but I am more thankful that my eldest son has joined them.

I am thankful for my health, but I am more thankful for a lifetime membership in the Nietzsche Fitness Club ("What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.")

I am thankful that Jesus loves me, but I am more thankful that comments like this really annoy some of you.

I am thankful for all the gifts I've been given, but I am more thankful for all the opportunities I've had to give.

There are many, many more things for which I'm thankful: steak, taters and gravy; beautiful women; National Review; Lucky Strikes; cold beer and shots of Jagermeister; sunsets and the beauty of this world; motorcycles; the Packers; polite, happy people; relaxed-fit jeans; dogs; fighter jet flyovers; an endless supply of good books to read; indoor plumbing; guitar tabs and lawn chairs under shade trees.

Four things I am MOST thankful for: life, liberty, love and laughter.