As is popular on social networking sites, here is my Thankful List. One for every day in November.
I am thankful for...
1. God and His amazing grace, faithfulness, forgiveness, protection, guidance, and Love.
2. Ryan, a wonderful husband who supports me when I feel helpless, makes me laugh when I'm sad, and loves me when I don't deserve it.
3. Caiden, our happy, healthy, perfect little boy.
4. Max, our dog, who is our first baby and still thinks he belongs on our laps.
5. Chocolate. No explanation necessary.
6. My parents and brothers. My upbringing was full of values, laughter, fun, and learning. I wouldn't change a single thing and know that I am who I am today because of how I grew up.
7. My job. Who can say with honesty that they love to go to work every single day? Me.
8. Our home. We bought this house 16 months ago, and although it has been a slow process of renovations and updates, it became our home as soon as we stepped into it.
9. Amazing friends who understand that marriage and babies sometimes get in the way of social interaction and who still love and support us nonetheless.
10. Music. It has been such a huge part of my life from church plays to school band and choir to musical mission trips in South America. I hope that I can pass on my passion to Caiden and the understanding that music can be such a great form of expression and connection into a person's heart.
11. A safe, reliable car.
12. The Lake. I love having a special place that my family can go to relax and have fun. I hope Caiden takes the memories we will have at Table Rock with him as he grows up, just as I take with me from when I was younger.
13. Caffeine Free Diet Mt. Dew. And Caffeine Free Diet Dr. Pepper.
14. When Ryan gets up with Caiden at 7am to let me sleep in on a weekend that I don't have to work.
15. Ice cream. See #5.
16. The troops serving (and who have served) in the US and across the world to help protect the freedoms of our country.
17. Birthdays. I love feeling special and making other people feel the same way on their special day :)
18. Pedicures.
19. Burt's Bees lip balm.
20. The high I get from finding a great bargain. I don't remember the last time I bought something full price. And I love that!
21. Amazon.com Subscribe & Save diapers. Seriously, I get diapers cheaper than from any retail store (even on super-sale), delivered to my house FOR FREE as often as I'd like. I haven't bought diapers from a store in... well, since before Caiden was born. No, I don't get commission from them for promoting their services, but man, if I did, I'd be a billionaire.
22. Family traditions that have been going on as long as I can remember... and that we can hopefully continue with our family.
23. A good hug.
24. A perfect, sunny, upper-60 degree fall day.
25. Individuals that I am randomly introduced to, that for a variety of reasons, have left a permanent imprint on my heart.
26. A great burger.
27. That Ryan will give me a foot massage whenever I ask.
28. Finding a church that we love that offers so many opportunities for our family to grow in our faith.
29. My health.
30. The opportunities I have been given to become who I want and to live my life the best way I know how. The opportunities I have taken to better my own life and the life of my family. The opportunities I hope to have to thank those who have helped me get to where I am.
