Thankful

I know I am about a week late on this, but, hey, I could not let this holiday pass by without some blogging on my part (and I was sick all last week, so I guess I have an "excuse"). I realize, more and more it seems with each passing year, just how blessed and thankful I am for all that I have. I have been humbled several times, whether it be by some life event, a person or group of people, etc., so much that I feel the need to thank God every day. I am SO THANKFUL for the following:

My awesome, supportive and protective hubby (who just so happened to wait on me hand and foot and took care of me when I was sick last week). He is such a great, Godly example for Jameston, and he is so good to us. I am a lucky gal!

My sweet, tender-hearted little boy. I realized more than ever this past year how blessed I am to be a mother, especially Jameston's "Mommy." He is pure joy!

My friends...they keep me grounded and stay connected (even when I am not the best phone communicator :-)

A roof over my head and food on the table. Cliche, I know,but I take these for granted when I should be SO grateful.

My mom, dad, and step-mom...I feel very loved every time I talk to, see them. Although the dynamics are not ideal, I appreciate my upbringing and how they helped shape me into the person I am today.

My siblings...they are my rock (and a reminder, too, of how much time flies). Oh to be young again and carefree! When we all four get together, which may only be several times a year, it feels like we haven't skipped a beat!

My in-laws...they are, hands-down, the best anyone could ever wish for. Brett's parents and grandparents are my own. I know God led me to Brett for many reasons, them included.

This baby we have been blessed with...such a precious gift from God. We are so excited to meet him/her in April! And the blessing of God's timing...because Brett will be able to be home more in April with the new baby as opposed to this time of year when he is jet-setting all over the place.

My job...although I wish I could stay at home exclusively, I do love what I do, knowing that I am changing people's lives by way of helping them hear. That is why I chose this profession. Many of my patients are like family to me as well. And my co-workers are great, too. Could not be more blessed on this front!

Jameston's "school"...they love on him like he is their own child, and he LOVES going (my feelings might be different if he dreaded going) and he THRIVES there. I am so thankful knowing that he is in good hands when I am away from him. I am so thankful it is another place where he learns about God, and that he feels safe there as well.

Our church...we have been members there about five years now. Our church family has become our extended family, and we feel so blessed to be a part of Prestoncrest.

Oh, and Boomer, our dog...we had to give up Marlie in the summer due to our hectic schedules. And Boomer has loved all the extra attention! I love how Jameston loves on Boomer, and I feel safer at night because of ole Boom-Boom (even if his hearing and eyesight are going), especially when Brett is traveling.

Some daily/weekly happenings I am thankful for...Picking up Jameston from school each day and the smile he gives me. And how he runs to me with his arms up when he sees me at the door to give me a big bear hug. Makes my heart melt each and every time. Watching him learn something new and the joy it brings him (and us). His desire to want to "help you, Mommy" even with mundane house-chores from folding clothes to wiping down the counter tops in the kitchen. Love it! How he breaks out in song and dance at the drop of a hat. How JW sings/or tries to sing the intro to "The Circle of Life" from the Lion King in the car or at home. Our "snuggle" time in the early hours of the morning. Our nightly prayers. Getting home from work/school at night and having as much fun as we can for the next 2-3 hours before his bedtime. My Fridays off and the freedom it gives me to spend more time with the little guy. I could fill a whole lifetime with these memories!!!

And some generic, maybe trivial to some, things in life that I appreciate (some particular to this time of year): a fire going in the fire place, the smell of a real Christmas tree, the ability to put presents under that tree, a hot meal (especially if I don't have to cook it!), being outdoors, an uninterrupted night's sleep/shower, 9:00 p.m. when I get some "me" time, although that time has been turning into bedtime as of late:-), my new Dirt Devil vacuum (my early Christmas present to myself!) that allows me to get after the stairs (and all the dog hair) in a record time compared to my old one!

And things I am especially grateful for over the last several months: Sprite, Halloween candy, Italian food, Tylenol for my headaches, nasal strips since my allergies have been out of control (again) with this pregnancy, the deli at Tom Thumb, which happens to be right around the corner from my office, back/foot massages from Brett, maternity clothes (even if it was WAY earlier this time around, just maybe as early as week 10 :-), Oreos (thanks to these and that Halloween candy is probably why I had to break out the maternity clothes earlier :-), my new OB doctor and her nurse, Jill, and, last but not least, the priceless and unforgettable sound of the baby's healthy heartbeat. My thankful-while-pregnant list could go on and on!

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow."