Happy Thanksgiving (sounds pretty funny mid-February right?)

Yes, I’m several days behind but hey, better late than never right? And actually, knowing me, it could have been much worse! So here we go, catch up post #1....what better place to start than with Thanksgiving. I pick this post specifically because I’m not feeling super “thankful” right now so reflecting on all those positive things in my life might just be the dose of medicine that I need!

So, I have been such a slacker in the picture area and unfortunately I do not have any from our trips home at Thanksgiving. As usual, we went to Crockett first and spent a couple of days with James’ family and then headed to Kirbyville to spend time with mine. We enjoyed getting to spend time with the family and it was especially special because it was baby Jay’s (Ricky & Kristin’s son’s) first Thanksgiving! Since I don’t have any pictures and simply did the usual family bonding amongst a LOT of food, I will just proceed to list some of the many blessings in my life.

1. I am incredibly thankful that the Lord has saved me and found His way back into my heart & my life-without Him, I am nothing! Despite my circumstances, my heart has changed and I have found that joy and peace that only He can provide. Do I struggle, YES! But it’s so comforting to know that He is with me even when I forget that.
2. I have the absolute BEST husband in the world! James is the love of my life, my very best friend. Just as we promised in our vows 5 1/2 years ago, he has stayed true and stuck with me through sickness and in health. He has prayed for me when I couldn’t find the words, clung to me when I pushed him away, and been right by my side EVERY step of the way. I’m not sure what I did to deserve someone so special, but I sure am thankful!
3. My family isn’t perfect, just as nobody’s is, but I love them all the same! They love me regardless of all of my faults and are here for me no matter what. We may not see each other all that often but the time we are able to spend together is extra special-memories that will last a lifetime.
4. My friends, old and new, are the ones who have carried me through this recent storm! I think it’s true what they say about finding out who your true friends are when times get rough-it’s only proven that I have the best friends. They have not once given up on me and have continued to hold me up when I haven’t been able to stand any longer. I am forever grateful for the love they have shown me now and always.
5. Our church family & friends could not have shown up in our life at a better time (yes, I know God’s hands were all over this). They have been the most incredible support system we could have ever asked for and I know God hand picked this particular class for us....I’m super glad He did!
6. I feel so blessed to work with the most amazing kids in this world....kids who struggle with the things we take for granted but who are happy nonetheless! I might be their teacher but I promise they have taught me so much more than I could ever teach them. I am also honored to work alongside their incredible parents who have the same goal as I do-to help their children succeed. I also LOVE the school that I work at and the people I work with-I have made several friends for life in the halls of ‘ol BHE.
7. We may live north side and not meet up to the standards of some, but I LOVE the house that God has blessed us with....the house we’ve turned into our home! I can’t wait to have little ones of our own running around here one day (however that might happen).
8. I am thankful for bible studies (no, technically this didn’t start around Thanksgiving but I’m doing the post now and can talk about whatever I want-ha)! I love Wednesday nights-I am normally crazy tired by the time I get to this day but there is something so refreshing about sitting with a group of women and diving into God’s truth!
9. Ohhh, my precious little pups-Max & Lily! I never knew these little creatures would bring so much joy to my life (and unfortunately so much debt). But regardless, I love them and am thankful for them.
10. I am thankful for modern technology and the finances to pay for it! I am thankful for friends who have referred us to the BEST doctors and that we have the resources to make this crazy journey a little more smooth.
11. I feel like those are the huge things in my life but I can’t help but think of all the small things in my life that make my heart smile:

                -Personal days allowing me to take off from work when the district decides it is wise to make teachers work on a Saturday. 

                -Hang out time with special friends & great conversation.

                -Being able to sleep in....or at least being able to lay in bed for hours with nowhere to go!

                -Having summers off and being able to float in my pool all day :)

                -Books (and yes James, I know I have a ton to catch up on and should stop buying them).

                -Cameras that help us capture all of those special memories.

                -Music which I have learned can be such a special time spent with my Lord.

                -Food! Okay, maybe this isn’t a small thing because we need it to live but ohhhh, you know how I love to eat :)

                -Technology which allows us to keep in touch with those we love.

                -Our cars which help us to get where we need/want to go (okay, another big one).

*So, I think I could go on forever and ever because it’s obvious that I am truly blessed but I am going to quit for now or those other posts will never get written. And yes, I’m feeling very thankful now :)