Thanksgiving a Week Away!

I have been reflecting on the many things I have to be thankful for and thought I would share them. I know many people have posted one thing a day on Facebook, but here's mine all lumped together. Get settled because it's lengthy, but that's a good thing!

1. For my salvation and ongoing relationship with God who loves me, allows me to know Him more and more, and blesses me in every way.

2. For my family - here goes...Matt who loves me. He really is a picture of I Corinthians 13 to me. He is so patient and kind. We are not perfect people and don't have a perfect relationship, but I know he's the one God gave me, and I'm so grateful. The movies don't show love as it really is. The day to day care of someone who is just there for you no matter what is true love and romance. Someone who will die for you but also share their dessert! And an occasional piece of jewelry doesn't hurt! We have the romance too! Love you, Matt!:) To Rod and Betty, I'm grateful also to you for raising such a Godly man for me to love. Thank you and thank you for loving me and our kids with the same love! I love you both!

Jack my firstborn is almost 5. WOW - our lives will be changing this next year as he starts school and this time at home will be a memory. But how exciting to see his life grow and develop. If you've read our blog before, you know he is a very strong personality. So trying to steer it to think of others and encourage him to choose right things has been a big job, but we do have his heart. And it's exciting to see that when we choose to follow God's principles, they work! He is a chatterbox, and we love him.

And now Ava - she is 16 months this Saturday. Finally walking all over, jabbering about who knows what, getting a little territorial, but mostly smiling. She is my little clingier one which I wasn't used to, but I'm enjoying it. I just don't know why she's so dirty all the time! I didn't think I could handle having another one, the pregnancy, the infancy, etc. But God knows what we can handle and what we need. She has been such a joy and truly completes our family. They are both a gift from God and a huge responsibility. I'm grateful for them and for the opportunity to parent them with Matt.

My Dad - I wouldn't know God without you, so thank you. In spite of life and adversity, you always point us to God through your words, actions, and mostly your love for Him and us. Thank you for our upbringing.
My Mom - I'm thankful for Chelsie Hanks who loved me and had me. What a great testimony she had. I cherish the memories I have of her.
My Mom - Julie - You have been such a blessing to our family. Thank you for being my mom and now a friend. I love you. Thank you for being good grandparents, both you and Dad!
Chris - a brother who has been a faithful leader in many arenas but also in our family. I still think WWCD a lot of times!
Alicia - I am rich in sisters! And I'm so thankful for you. Every time I talk to you, you encourage me and help me grow.
Rebekah - I think we are twins. We think exactly alike about everything, and if we ever happen upon a different opinion, we talk until it's exactly alike - just like Algebra 2 right?
Nancy - our free spirit who will at any given moment burst into song! It is much duller without you around. So glad you are back home with us. The kids are happy, too!
Brent - I can't imagine our family without you. I love how you use as few words as possible to express yourself, but I also love hearing your opinion. You have so much common sense. And thanks for marrying Heidi!
Heidi - God knew we needed you in our family. You are a breath of fresh air! I can't imagine Brent being without you now...and Maddie! And who would I email every day?
And our nieces and nephews who I love like my own kids.
Kyle - always makes me laugh. I love to hear your running commentary!
Chelsie and Bethany - both so sweet and pretty and smart and talented
Caleb - so charismatic and happy - I look forward to hearing you preach!
Connor - my bug loving buddy to Jack

3. For my church -pastor, church family, and house - We have the most wonderful ladies I could ever meet anywhere! It's the greatest place for a young mom to be mentored.

4. For my friends - I have so many that God has brought into my life, and I'm so grateful for them in times of need. I have friends who just let me be me and still love me anyway!

5. And finally, I'm thankful for being a part of God's ministry and plan. I truly feel He has a great plan for our lives and our family, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.