During November, many of you daily blogged or Facebooked things for which to be thankful.
I didn't.
While I try to always have a thankful heart, losing my Grammy on October 28 put me in a meloncholly mood and I just couldn't do it.
I am so thankful though, for the many blessings in my life, big and small.
And so, here is a list, in no particular order.
-Faith. I am a Christian and I have seen God's hand in my life over and over and over. I don't always understand how it all works, but I am thankful that He does and that I am a part of it.
-Joel. I am so, VERY, thankful for this husband of mine. Words can not do justice to how I feel about him.
-Being a mom. I love my babies. I use the term 'babies' loosely, since even Rebeka, at 19 months, is not an actual baby anymore. Being a mama to them is definitely the greatest joy of my life.
-Madeline. I know this is a little redundant, but I am thankful for my kids as individuals as well. Maddy is embracing middle school and all that it has to offer. She's getting awesome grades, is generally kind to her siblings (not always, but often!), and it so helpful.
-Garrett. He is a smart, funny, and caring boy. He's been asking me such thoughtful questions lately. He's also very mischievous and keeps me on my toes, CONSTANTLY. He never (EVER) fails to surprise me! He loves third grade and has taken on the extra responsibility really well. So proud of him.
-Carter. Oh my sweet baby boy. He's not a baby anymore, at all, but he still loves his mama. He is sweet and HILARIOUS. He loves kindergarten and it is an incredible honor to watch him learn to read.
-Rebeka. Child of my heart. Being her mom is complicated but incredible. She is an amazing little person though and I daily am grateful that I was the one chose to be her mama. I constantly send my prayers and love to her birth family and hope that they can have a sense of peace for the tough decision they faced. Rebeka is smart. She is caring. Today, on the way to the doctor I heard her say, "Drink!" I looked back at her and she was giving 'Sophie', her baby doll a 'drink' from the sippy cup. I love the way she smells and the way she snuggles in my arms. I love how her voice sounds and how she learns something new every day. It is an absolute honor to watch her take in the world.
-Our families. We have such an amazing support system and families that show us unconditional love.
-Daily Friends, otherwise known as 'The Village.' My life is richer because of them.
-Other Friends. We have some wonderful friends that we don't see nearly enough. I'm so thankful for their constant presence, even if it is long distance. It's incredible to meet up after months or longer and the conversation and connection is still there, just as if we'd talked yesterday.
-Adoptive family friends. Although most of these fall into the above family, it really is wonderful to be able to share some of the experiences and emotions with other parents who are walking in our shoes.
-Adoption. I am so thankful that I've had the privilege of becoming a parent through adoption as well as biologically. While I never doubted my capacity to love a child, actually living this process is so humbling and awe inspiring. To get to experience it myself and then watch Joel, Maddy, Garrett, Carter and our family and friends experience it is truly Divine.
-Siblings. No, not mine. I don't have any. I'm thankful that I get to be a part of the 'sibling experience' through my kids. It's not always pretty, but it's a dimension I never had and it's pretty cool.
-Running. Sometimes it really isn't fun (27 degrees this morning, holy ****), but I'm thankful that my body works and that I CAN run. I'm thankful for my lungs and my knees and for the ability to move.
-Running Friends. (Who also probably fall into the above categories!) I used to love to run alone- it was my 'ME' time, but I have come to love running with other women. These ladies push me and inspire me. (This summer I was around 10 or 10:30/mile and now I'm around 9:30/9:40!) Plus, it's a lot easier to get up and GO when I know they are standing in the cold waiting for me!
-Our home. It's comfortable. It's pretty. It feels like home already.
-Our neighbors and neighborhood. I love (LOVE) having kids that I know and adore coming and going from my house all the time. It's awesome. I love knowing that my friends are so close. I love knowing that when
Baby Parker arrives I can sneak over and snuggle him whenever I want.
-Nature. It may sound cliche, but I love the outdoors. I love where we live, and the lush green landscape. I love the view out of my window.
-Travel. Man, I LOVE to travel. Anywhere. From a weekend at the coast to 6.5 weeks in Ethiopia, I am game. I can't wait to plan our next trip.
-Wanderlust. I'm thankful that my parents instilled a love of travel in me, as well as a curiosity about new and different experiences.
-Candy Cane Jo Jos from Trader Joe's. Are you freaking kidding me? They are SO good.
-My Grammy and Papa. I can't believe we lost them both this year. It is so weird. I miss them so very much, but I am still thankful. I know it was the right time for them, truly. I am thankful that my kids got the opportunity to know them and love them. I am grateful that they got to meet Rebeka and see my family whole.
-Sweaters. Especially this time of year.
-Teaching. I loved being a teacher and I'm so excited that I get to substitute in Judy's classroom when she's on maternity leave!
-New opportunities. That's all I'll say right now, but I'm excited!
-School Bus. Man, moving to this side of town and having the kids ride the bus to and from school every day has changed. my. life. It is really the very best thing!
-Photos. It's magical to be able to look back over the years!
-Blogs. Ditto above.
-Coffee. Enough said!
-My kids' friends. They have good ones. It makes life richer and I'm glad for that.
-Modern medicine. I have friends facing hard things. We, ourselves, have been through tough stuff. Modern medicine is awesome.
-Education. Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army. ~Edward Everett
- Our town. I love raising our kids here.
I think that's 30, or more. Honestly, it's just the tip of the iceberg. As a mom, a wife, a Christian, a woman, and an American my list is really infinite. May you have a Holiday full of gratitude and the things that really matter!
