Tomorrow is Thanksgiving...wow, another year, another fall season almost over...it's been a crazy season for us but in the midst of it all, we have so much to be thankful for. I thought I would try to think of all the many things I am thankful for and write them in this blog...well, I know I can't think of every single thing, but I'll write the highlights...so here it goes :)
1. I am thankful I am a Christian. In all that we've been through, we had hope. Being a Christian gives you hope. It gives you hope that there is more to this life and that there is something bigger that we can't see. Being a Christian means to me that I am saved, taken care of, loved and alive. I am so thankful for that.
2. I am thankful that I married Will. I will never forget the day that sweet man asked me to marry him and the day we said "I do." I love him more today than yesterday. The fact that I get to go through this life with him, well, that is one of the best gifts I've ever been given. I am truly grateful that I said yes to that Olive Garden date 15 years ago.
3. I am thankful for my three precious children. I always wanted to be a mama....I mean, always. In my high school yearbook, I said that I wanted to "get married and have lots of children". That dream came true. I was made a mama 10 years ago and I am so, so thankful. Those 3 kids....they are my world. My only wish in life is that I live to see them grow up and have children of their own. I want to be there for every second of their little lives. They are the most precious gifts I have ever been given.
4. I am thankful for the time I had on this earth with my grandparents. I was given 30 years with my Nanni and 33 with my grandfather. I am so happy that they loved me and raised me. I am thankful that they said yes to starting over with a 6 month old baby back in 1976. I am thankful that they sacrificed for me. I had everything I needed and more. I am thankful they stepped in and became the parents that I needed so desperately. I miss them but I am thankful for the years we had...they are always with me in my heart, everyday.
5. I am thankful for my extended family... Will's family. Without my own family around, I have needed them more than ever. I am thankful that they are here so my children can have grandparents. I am thankful that we get to have Thanksgiving tomorrow together. I am thankful we aren't alone in this world. There is a bond with family that really can't be broken. I am thankful for that.
6. I am thankful for my home. It's 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and the closets are way too small but I love this house with all my heart. We got to pick this little house out. I will never, ever forget how excited I was to walk in this house the very first time when it was OURS. I sat in front of the fireplace and choked back tears. I am still thankful for this house. It's the nicest house I have ever lived in. It's so precious to me.
7. I am thankful for clothes and food...I have more than I need and eat way more than should everyday. I am so thankful my kids have never gone without. Consider the lilies...wow, the Lord really did mean that, didn't He?
8. I am thankful for my children's school. I am thankful they are well taken care of and have teachers that love them. We are right across the street and I feel super lucky to have such an opportunity for my children. They are thriving. There really are teachers out there that love children and love their jobs. I am thankful my children have teachers like that.
9. I am thankful for friends. Through everything we've been through lately, I have needed friends more than ever. I am thankful for friends who are kind, loving and pray. You know who you are...I will never, ever forget you. You are a Godsend.
10. I am thankful for a new day. This has been one tough year. I can't say that I have enjoyed every minute of it but I know that I have grown and that I have changed for the better. I am thankful that the Lord has given us a new day and that He's not finished with us yet. So, I guess all that goes back to number 1...hope. Without hope, what do we have anyway?
So, that's my little list for 2012. I know there are so many other things that I've forgotten...like, Reese cups and straightening irons, but I'll leave those silly things out this year. My top ten things this year are a little more dear to my heart :)
I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Eat too much, laugh a lot and hug everyone that you are thankful for.
XXOO
