I really am thankful...

Well, once again it's been a year since this blog was updated (hangs her head in shame). I am not one of those people who participates in daily "thankful" posts on Facebook during the month of November but I have thought a lot about having a thankful attitude during this season of thanksgiving. So, here goes...

I am thankful for...

God.

It doesn't go without saying. We rely on our spiritual bases for our clarity, our sanity, answers to our questions, and direction in this crazy world. It's awesome to have someone to thank for everything else that will appear on this thankful list.  

Family.

They are simply amazing. All of them. My parents didn't just give me life, they taught me how to live it. My brother hasn't always wanted me around but he seems to appreciate me now and we actually get along most of the time. When the whole family is together you can be sure it's going to be fun, loud, and filled with good amounts of food, faith, and love. 

Of course this isn't my whole family, just the immediate part.

  
Friends

Everyone thinks they have the best friends around. You don't, I promise. Sorry...mine are better than yours. They fill my life. It's not always "Skittles and Rainbows" and we share the not-so-good times right along with the wonderful ones but we ALWAYS end laughing and our bonds just get stronger. We're all so different... ages, genders, personalities, eccentricities, geographical locations, and stages of life but we gather as often as we can and the miles and the moments since the last encounter melt away and we're left with the strongest of bonds between us. Until those gatherings we rely on group text messages that will someday be published and on the bestseller list. 

Friends gather for 5Ks, complete with strollers.

Some of my most favorite people

Best Friends' Husbands.

This might sound weird but it's true. I love these guys. I have stood beside my two best friends as they married these awesome men. I love that THEY love my best friends. They are tolerant of all our shenanigans (and sometimes participate), are supportive of the fact that sometimes we just need to be with the girls, have never made me the third wheel and have always made me feel welcome in their lives. They carry luggage, strap car seats into my car, and have both been pretty good co-pilots riding shotgun. They are both reminders that there are still "good guys" in the world and that maybe one day I will find mine. 

Chris (Mandy's husband) and Zach (Megan's husband)

Reesie.

Quite possibly the best 'thing' my parents ever bought for me. If you need a lesson in unconditional love, get a dog. She has been at my side since I left Georgia Southern 11 years ago and I can't imagine life without the "Big Brown Dog". 

Children.

I don't have any that are actually "mine" but I spend most of my days surrounded by them and I love my friends' kids as much as if they belonged to me. Kids are just fun. They say funny things, they do funny things, they ask funny (and often thought-provoking) questions, and they have a child-like faith and innocence that is to be treasured. 

Benton and I being silly on a hayride.

Dawson and I cheering on the PACK!

  
Embroidery machines.

I don't have a clue how to work that monstrosity that Megan recently dragged into my house for the week but I'm thankful for all the ways it can put my name on stuff! My job is simply to take pictures of the creations (since I don't approve of hers), make sure things are straight and look presentable, and wear the clothes around as advertisement. (Just for the record, I also learned to click "ok" when the machine is done stitching. It was one of my prouder moments.)

This is what happens with Megan shows up with an embroidery machine. 

Then THIS happens.

Football.

We love football. A lot. From August to December our weekends revolve around high school 

(GO PACK!!) and college football (GO DAWGS! and GO BIG BLUE!).  

Cheering on the PACK in the playoffs.

Cameras.

I am always known to have at least two different ways to take pictures on my person at all times. (Yes, I still carry an actual camera.) Even though it doesn't seem like it on this blog, I'm always out living life and taking lots of pictures to make sure we never forget the moments. 

There are many other things... chocolate, shoes, heated seats, divided plates, iPhones, Christmas lights, Ziploc bags, Ranch dressing and ketchup, hot water, straightening irons, and Pandora just to name a few. I've decided that it's always worth it to approach life with a thankful heart and attitude, even if you're thankful for things that others think are just silly.

I am going to try to carry my thankful attitude into December, which will include figuring out how to be thankful for long lines and stick-on bows (gasp!). Wish me luck!