1. I am thankful that I am saved. I am thankful that Jesus Christ has count me as one of his own, and is willing to wipe my sinful slate clean. I am further grateful that he has called me to serve him for the needs of his youth. Without him, nothing in my life would be possible. I am continually amazed at the ways he reveals himself to me daily with loving arms outstretched.
2. I am thankful for the moments my kids express their love to me: i.e. Zechy giving my kisses in the morning or waving goodbye to me through the babysitter's mailbox. Hannah randomly sating "mom, do you know how much I love you?" Or "mom I really love you a lot!" Tabby's immediate response of being soothed from a crying spell just by my picking her up.
3. My Husband's conitinous love for me and the way he shows me even in times of extreme difficulties. Like getting out of bed on crutches to greet me at the door with a kiss when I get home from work, cleaning out the bathtub (full of kid grime and toys) and then making me a hot bubble bath to relax after the kids go to bed. Or having flowers delivered to me with a note that says: thanks bestie! Making the kids turn off the TV so mommy can listen o music, heating my car up in the morning before I rush off to work..this list goes on and on...
4. I am thankful for My parents. Without them I would be LOST! They are always there with support whatever the need. They are incredible grandparents, and never blink an eye when I ask if they can babysit-for free. They provide dinner for us on a weekly basis. Seriously, I have THE best parents in the world!
5. I am thankful for My in-laws. I have been blessed with good ones. Dave has been an extreme support in taking Brandon to the his doctor visits and staying many a night in the hospital with Brandon. Grandma Jodie has been a saint along with Nana Carol and Auntie Miranda as they have tag-teamed Wednesday babysitting faithfully while I go to work.
6. I am thankful for Samantha Groom. The bestest friend I have ever had, and the best surrogate mom my kids could ask for. I know she is techincally the daycare provider, BUT to our family, she is SO MUCH MORE! She teaches my kids their letters, reads them stories, does THE most amazing crafts with them. It is so difficult for me leaving them every morning, my only solice is knowing that I leave them with someone who truly loves them as if they were her own, I know they will eat healthy, play hard, and learn.
7. I am thankful for our church family. They have been an ongoing support and demonstration of Christ's love through his body of people. I have learned true compassion, and genuine love from them. They constantly surprise and amaze me with their thoughtfulness and generosity.
8. I am thankful for Pastor Paul. His support through this trial has exceeded any and all Pastoral expectations with home and hospital visits, the occasional dessert treat, and lots of prayer.
9. I am thankful for my job. I have never in all my life been more happy to go to work. The staff I work with is amazing supportive and the collaboration is incredible. Our staff has a genuine love for our students that is evident.
10. I am thankful for my students. A little secret-they may very well be THE BEST class I have ever had. Sure, I have students here and there that stick out as past faves, but this collective group is a breed of its own.
11. I am thankful that I have two feet. That may sound insensitive in light of my husband's recent surgery. But it is amazing how something so impacting is so easily taken advantage of. All my life I have walked, run, hiked pain free. Having watched my husband endure such intense pain with the smallest steps have truly made me grateful for living a life without disabilities.
12. I am thankful that I have Health Insurance. Two years ago when I was hired by Lincoln Unified School District Brandon and I made the decision to recieve the most expensive healthcare option available to limit our future co-pays on the off chance that ONE DAY he MIGHT need prosthetics. Here we are, little over one year later, and he has endured 4+ weeks in the hospital, 13 surgeries, an amputation and home health care in the past four months and we have paid a grand total of $0 out of pocket. Incredible to look at the comparison of our past insurance with a $400 day co-pay for inpatient services and a $200 co-pay for outpatient care. WE literally would have gone bankrupt! Praise and thanks to God for that insight!
13. I am thankful for my friends: Julie P., Davina, Julie F., Jill, Debbie, Patrice, Brenda, Amanda, The incredible SAM, Paul and Baraba, Maggie, Yaffa, Nancy, Valerie and Jen Park. This Amazing group has been my ROCK-always there for me even without my asking!
14. I am thankful for living in America. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of things wrong with America, but overall, I KNOW I am blessed to live in freedom, with wealth, health and prosperity. I love living in a country with such diversity, opinions are my right, religion is free, and the government has my back when I am at a low spot in life.
15. I am thankful for My home. This is the place that all is right and nothing can go wrong. This is my safe haven. I clean when I want to, I don't when I don't. No one in this house judges me when I have a bad day, and the things that bother me can wait until tomorrow. My children have every memory here and relax when they walk through the door. I am truly grateful for a place to call home in an economy where so many have been displaced.
16. I am thankful for my education. Being a teacher I realize how privledged I am to have an education that allows me to read, grow and understand the world around me. My appreciation for life is enhanced but what I have learned over my years.
17. I am thankful for the Internet. We live in a day where a world of information is literally at my fingertips. I google recipes to try, connect with friends daily via facebook and email, research lesson plans, and pass the time away with netflix.
18. I am thankful for our fireplace. Our fireplace has been our family center for bonding recently. We have enjoyed its warmth as we enter the colder months while watching movies snuggled on the couch. We have played board games-cars-barbies-etc nearby as we are sprawled across the living room floor. We read books near the hearth, and enjoy my daughters favorite-the occasional indoor marshmellow roasting. After the kids go to bed, Brandon and I have spent many the evening talking in the dim light while gazing at the ever changing beauty of the flames.
19. I am thankful for food. Never, in all of my life, have I ever gone hungry. This is a priveledge that majority in the world have not been able to experience. I have never had to watch my children go hungry. I feel so privledged to be blessed enough to enjoy various foods to the point that I am literally without a favorite for I have tasted a range of palates. I love to cook tasty meals, I enjoy having people over to fellowship over a meal, I celebrate EVERY event with food and even have the privledge to diet when I have overindulged.
20. I am thankful for clean water. Having had a couple of days without running water this past year, I realized how grateful I am that we not only having running water but clean water as well. I do not have to worry about my children drinking in a disease or parasite. When I have thirst, I get to quench it quickly.
21. I am thankful for the moments I take for granted.
22. I am thankful for life. Falling off the ladder from 8 ft. Up truly made me realize how quickly it could all be over.
23. I am thankful for eternal salvation. Christ gives me peace in all situations, he is my rock of foundation. I know that all things work to glorify his kingdom, and in the end, no matter what happens, it will all be ok in the end
24. I am thankful for my marriage. (This is not a repeat) having Brandon done for these past 4 months has truly helped me to appreciate him, and all the things that he does for our family. As much of a take charge girl that I am, it's nice to have his help in the day to day. He is my best friend.
25. I am thankful for hot chocolate. It is my am treat to help jump start my day.
26. i am thankful for my new car and the fact that we were able to afford it.
27. I am thankful for family vacations. They seal memories that lasts and bond my family closer.
28. I am thankful for my camera. I love to capture the beautiful moments that will be looked at for years and carry us through.
29. I am thankful for my brother. We might not be as close as we once were, but I still love him like crazy and he is always there for me when I need him. I love reconnecting with him over the phone and I am more proud of him then I think he realizes! Love you brother!!
30. I am thankful for AUTUMN it is my favorite season of the year and carries incredible holidays that cause joy and celebration that lasts a year.
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