What are YOU thankful for?

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is less than a week away. What in the world? Every year I try to think back over the last year and count my blessings so to speak. Then I try and figure out what I am most thankful for and if it is a person, I try and tell them so. I have found this exercise to be an important investment of my time because it focuses me on the ways God has blessed my life and it helps me to head into the busy holiday season in the right frame of mind.

So what am I thankful for this year???

1. My women's Bible study group
I have had really negative experiences in the past with women's groups...but this group at our church has been so amazing. There are women in different stages of life who have so much wisdom to offer one another and they are REAL. They are willing to share their lives, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I appreciate them so much.

2. Bill and Monica's wedding
My brother, Bill, got married this summer to a wonderful woman, Monica. Their wedding was a simple and lovely affair and my heart was so happy seeing them give their lives to one another. They are such a good match and I'm excited to see where life takes them.

3. Lisa and Ron's twins
I wrote in an earlier post about the joy I felt when my friends, Lisa and Ron, had their twins. My heart continues to be filled with joy as this family settles in and gets to know one another. I don't think I ever realized it was possible to feel SO happy for another until this happened.

4. My Dad
After my parents split up my dad and I had a very strained relationship...and in fact no relationship at all for many many years. But after Annie was born 6 years ago we reconnected and that has proven to be a wonderful thing for me and my family. I'm grateful to God for the redemption he has given in this relationship and I love you Dad!

5. My beautiful babies
My three kids are so precious and dear to me. They have shaped my life in ways that I don't even begin to understand.

6. Alex
I'm sure that everyone thinks I have to say my husband...but I don't...and I haven't always been as thankful for him as I am this year. Alex, is pulled in a lot of different directions and yet he really tries to make God and his family his top priority. He is working on lots of things to make our lives better and I am so grateful for that.

7. My Dinner Girls
You guys rock and I love you.

8. Our Home
Even thought the heating bills are killing us, I love it.

9. Mom
My mom has stood by me for so many years and watched me make choices she agreed with and ones she didn't agree with. Regardless she has loved me and supported me and taught me much about love. This is the first Thanksgiving in my 36 years that I wont' spend with her (she is going to St. Paul to be with Bill and Monica!). I'll miss you mom and I love you.

10. Angela
This year I'm most thankful for my friend, Angela. I met Angela online through a message board and she has become a more dear friend than I ever imagined. I went to visit her (in Virginia) in February and it felt like we had known each other forever. She is like me in so many ways and yet different too. She and I share an abiding faith in Jesus Christ and a love of being a mother that draws us together on a variety of levels. This year, Angela's son was diagnosed with Autism and that has been a very difficult journey. Therapy, dietary changes, doctors, tests, fights with the schools, conferences, hours of reading and research. My head spins just thinking about it. In the midst of it all, Angela found out she is pregnant with a little girl! What a gift! I know I wouldn't be able to handle it all but if there is anyone who can it is Angela. She is an amazing woman and I am so blessed to call her friend. I love you Angela and thank you for being such a wonderful friend. You are what my heart is most thankful for this year.