a time to give thanks: 2010

Design: Mary Engelbreit

This Thanksgiving I can't help but reflect on the year and think of how much I have to be thankful for. Two years ago I made a list of the things I am thankful for and I thought I'd do that again. For many reasons, this year is a very special year to me. I have so much to be thankful for. Here's a just little of what comes to mind....

• First, I am thankful for Jesus, who loves me more than I could ever deserve to be loved and He has shown me His love in ways that have absolutely blown my mind over this past year. I am so thankful that He loves me ENOUGH to allow me to go through hard times so that I can grow and learn from those times. He has definitely done that over this past year....it has been a tough, tough year, but SO worth it!
• I am so thankful for Darren this Thanksgiving. I have never been happier in my marriage or more in love with Darren than I am today and I can say without any doubt that he feels the same way. We are blessed and we know it and appreciate it so much.
• I am so thankful for my boys. So many people can never have children and I am so thankful that we were blessed with our boys. They are healthy, happy, and full of energy...just as they should be. What a blessing they are!
• I have the best parents in the world!!!!! Yes, I do. My mom is my best friend. We have so much fun together and my dad is pretty amazing too! They are always there for me.
• I am thankful that Grandpa was reunited with Grandma in heaven this year. I don't mean that I wasn't sad or that I was ready for him to go....I NEVER would've been ready, but when I really think about it, I think to myself, WOW....what a blessing for grandpa! He is restored and new...and that is a beautiful thing.
• I'm so thankful for my brothers, sister, and brother/sister-in-laws. They are all so very special to me.
• I am thankful for my children's school. All three boys have wonderful teachers and they each care so much for the boys! That is so important to me as a mom.
• I am thankful for seven healthy nieces and nephews (plus two more on the way).
• I am blessed with some of the best friends a girl could ask for and I love them all dearly.
• I am thankful for a warm home, food, transportation, and a steady job in which Darren loves.
• I am grateful that I get to be a stay at home mom. It is hard and frustrating, but I am SO thankful that Darren and I both feel strongly that it is where I need to be.
• I am soooo grateful for my husband who is willing to work hard to provide for our family so I can stay at home with the boys.
• I am thankful for those who have been there for me this past year. It has been the hardest year I've faced in my 34 years, but surprisingly, it has also been the best year of my life this far.

This list could go on and on. We are so very blessed. I can very honestly say that this year more than any other, I have counted my blessings over and over. I have so much to be thankful for and my prayer is that I will never take that for granted (although I am human, so sadly I know there will be times I will).