Let's Give Thanks

I missed the boat this year on posting one thing a day that I am thankful for in my life, so I decided to give you a run down of 30 things...

ONE: I'm thankful for a husband who is funny, supportive, loving and hard working. He gets up and goes to work every day so that Chandler and I can stay home together, and he comes home with a smile on his face ready to tackle bath time and bed time so that I can have a break. I am eternally grateful for everything he gives us, he is definitely our glue!

TWO: My happy, healthy, beautiful, funny daughter. I still cannot believe that I get to be your mom. You humble me, you try my patience, you love me in the most special way, being your mother has been the single best thing I have ever done. 

THREE: My mom. She is an incredible person who loves us no matter what. She taught me how to be a mom by setting the best example. Her smile, laugh and happy chatter definitely keep me going on days that are tough.

FOUR: My dad. He showed us the world. From teaching us how to drive tractors and use a nail gun to taking us all over the world, he has made sure that we are prepared for life...and he's pretty amazing for fielding my never-ending questions even now!

FIVE: My sister, Chandler. I mean she'd have to be pretty amazing for me to name our sweet baby after her. She is the sunshine in my day. She always has a bright smile and her happy personality is infectious. On top of that, she's killing it in school and is going to be one seriously successful Speech Pathologist! I admire her dedication to everything she puts her mind to!

SIX: My in-laws. They are a steady stream of willing helpers that I rely on, more than I'd like to admit. They are always here when I need them and they love Chandler so much. 

SEVEN: Chandler's grandparents...I realize that I've already listed them above, but seeing our parents as grandparents is different from seeing them as our parents. They have endless patience with her and the love they have for her is something you can absolutely see. I think they each have a very special relationship with her and I love that!

EIGHT: A roof over our heads. After the flood this year, I am so thankful for everything that we have. I'm also exceedingly aware of all of the excess that we have. It's a constant reminder to give and I'm thankful for the roof and the fact that it reminds me to give back.

NINE: I'm so thankful for good health. This year started out with a bang in the healthcare arena for me...c-section and then a DVT. Today I can say that the DVT has been treated and we're still working on getting it resolved, but I'm safe and healthy. As for the c-section, other than a small scar, which I actually like (it serves as a reminder of my sweet baby), it's as if I never had one! Which leads me to number...

TEN: Doctors. I have two absolutely wonderful doctors. They are both so knowledgable, down to earth, real, and relaxed. They have taken the best care of me, one doing an impeccable job with my c-section and the other making sure I got through this blood clot situation unscathed. 

ELEVEN: Exercise. I feel so lucky to be able to move my body and exercise. I can stay in shape by running or walking or doing pretty much whatever I want and that is a blessing. 

TWELVE: Friends. I have some pretty wonderful friends. I am so thankful for their wisdom and advice, their support and love. I can always count on you guys to lift me up and make me feel like I'm on top of the world. 

THIRTEEN: Keep Your Fork Cheesecakes. It seems silly, but this little business has taken off in a way I never expected. It has been a fun surprise and I'm so thankful for the ability to make sweet treats for others to share. It has really been a fun adventure.

FOURTEEN: Cousins. I don't get to see you guys much, but it is so much fun when we get together! I always look forward to this time of year when we can see each other and catch up...and play the quiet game ;-)

FIFTEEN: My church. It took me awhile to find just the right fit. But now that I have, I feel as though I'm at home. I am blessed to have a wonderful church and choir family and to feel safe, comfortable, and loved when I am there.

SIXTEEN: I'm thankful for clean water, hot water especially, but after boiling water for almost two weeks during the flood I am so grateful for fresh, clean water that comes out of the faucet. Water that is good to drink and safe for showers and brushing my teeth. 

SEVENTEEN: I'm thankful for electricity...Need I say more?

EIGHTEEN: Money.  I have a love hate relationship with money...I hate that we have to have it and that we rely on it so much, but I am so happy that we have enough to keep our water and lights on, to put good food on our table and to keep us warm (or cool) and clothed.

NINETEEN: I'm laughing as I write this, but I'm thankful for Abby Cadabby. She makes Chandler laugh and smile when nothing else will...Sesame Street in general is a blessing (silly though it may seem!)

TWENTY: Books. I'm thankful for books and the ability to read them. There is no better escape than a good book.

TWENTY-ONE: McIntosh Cottage Antiques. Because of this business, my dad's hobby, and the generosity of my parents we have a well-furnished home...heck...we have a furnished home! Without them loaning us furniture, we'd have a sofa and a bed...and that's it.

TWENTY-TWO: Our camera. I am grateful for the ability to capture special moments. Adam and I have captured our travels, our milestones, and most recently our beautiful daughter all with the click of a button. And with the click of a few more, we can relive those brilliant memories.

TWENTY-THREE: Travel. I have been so blessed to be able to travel in my life. It is probably my favorite hobby and I can't wait until we can pack our bags and head off on another adventure. 

TWENTY-FOUR: My car. It gets us all, along with the mountains of stuff we seem to always need, from point A to point B.

TWENTY-FIVE: My phone. It seems frivolous to be thankful for a phone, but because of the phone I stay connected to the people I love the most. Cell phones have made it so easy to span the distance between us and I am grateful for that. I am thrilled that with the touch of a button I can talk to my family in Georgia or chat with my best friend in Arkansas, or set up a girls night with three of my best friends who are just a few miles away.

TWENTY-SIX:  Just Frivolous. I'm thankful for this blog that is my outlet. I've met some really great people through blogging and reading blogs. It's a great way to share experiences and learn from others.

TWENTY-SEVEN: I am thankful for my previous job. I learned so much working for a great group of people and I am still thankful for the support that shared when I decided to become a stay at home mom. I didn't know what to expect and everyone sent me on my way with their most sincere blessings.

TWENTY-EIGHT: Food. I love food. Eating and cooking are two of my favorites hobbies. I love reading about food, experimenting in the kitchen and trying new restaurants. One of my dream jobs would be to be a food critique!

TWENTY-NINE: I am grateful for music...all types. I am so happy that my parents exposed me to all types of music and encouraged me to take piano lessons and sing in the choir. I am thankful that Chandler loves music and I am so thankful for her Music Together class where she can learn about music in an environment that encourages her to let go and have fun. 

THIRTY: I am thankful for my life, the ups, the downs, everything. I have lived a pretty perfect and amazing life and I don't take time enough to stop and remember that. Everything I have done and have been able to do and experience is a blessing. Even my "bad" days are nothing compared to what others have endured. I am truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for.

What are you thankful for this holiday season?

And now let's get ready for Thanksgiving!