I know that everyone and their brother’s sister is writing blog posts about being thankful this weekend.  And I thought I would be unique and not write one, in the interest of creative individuality. But, I decided against that.  I’m going to jump on the bandwagon that celebrates thankfulness with both feet and hold on for dear life.  Because I am more thankful than I can ever express.  I am so, so, so blessed.  Sometimes, I’m afraid to even mention my blessings out loud because I’m afraid I’ll explode from sheer joy or that by acknowledging my incredible blessings somehow the universe will get wind of it and realize that I have too much and want some of it back.  That is utter nonsense…my God does not work that way and I know it, but sometimes, old habits die hard!

So, I’m here to give thanks for the things that mean the most to me…

I am thankful for….

…you, for reading my ridiculous words and still coming back for more (if this is your first time reading, please come back again so this will apply to you )

…my fledgling little photography business, that still manages to grow, even when I neglect it sorely

..my “real” jobs that let me have the flexibility to do what I love from home during hours that work for me

…my church that gives back to me more than I could ever hope to give to it

…friends who love me in spite of myself

…thousands and thousands of pieces of paper scattered around the house, that all say some variation of “I love you Mommy!” or “Mommy is the best” written in the hand of my little first grader.  I know that my years of being her hero are limited, so I’m trying to bask in the glory now.

….my makeup smeared all over the kitchen mirror and my preschooler’s face.  When I asked her why she did it, she said she “wanted to be beautiful like Mommy!”  I know those days are limited, too, trust me!

…the ten zillion questions I get each day about everything from Jesus to poop

...my family, near and far

…getting to spend last Thanksgiving with my daddy and that this Thanksgiving he is having a marvelous celebration that I can’t even begin to fathom.  (and that I have so many of his recipes to make for my family and one day pass down to my girls)

…my faith that lets me know in my heart that I will see my father again

…my sister, who always, always, has an open heart and a welcome shoulder for me

..my girls…the blessings who make me who I am…

…Steve, who ten years ago, made my life complete when he walked into it.  I love you more today than I ever could have imagined a decade ago.  I’m so lucky to get to walk this life with you!

So, yes, I have more than I deserve to be thankful for this year!

The picture at the top is Gracie’s “Hand Tree of Thankfulness”.  The leaves are all the things she’s grateful for this year.  It melts my heart to read them.  And Abigail’s, too!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!