Thankful

Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the little annoyances of everyday life, and to focus on the things we don't have - especially with the holidays coming up. It's sad that our society is so bent on having the latest and greatest of everything. Sometimes, I think it's important to take a step back and think about the blessings in our lives. No matter what you're going through, no matter what crisis you might be in the middle of, there is always something to be thankful for. Here are a few of my blessings.

I am thankful for my handsome, funny, loving husband who I love just as much as the day I married him. Actually, I think I love him even more now, after all we've been through together.

I am thankful for my sweet, snuggly, silly 10 month old baby boy who makes my heart overflow with love when he "kisses" my cheek or falls asleep with his head on my shoulder.

I'm thankful for my amazing parents, and for my parents-in-law who love me like I was their own daughter. It's pretty cool to have family here, and "back home" in Michigan.

I'm thankful for Clark and Callie, my siblings by blood, for Tim and Shannon, my siblings by marriage, and Emily Grace, my beautiful niece who will be 4 in January and whose smile can light up a room.

For my God who loves and forgives, and for my church family. For the friends I've just made and the precious ones I've had in my life for what seems like forever. For the jobs Justin and I have that put food on the table and a roof over our heads. For my cozy bed and the socks that keep my feet warm. For the memories I'm making now that will last a lifetime. For all these things and SO many more... I am thankful.

*******

As I was about to publish this post, I got a "FutureMe" e-mail from myself, from a year ago. {If you've never done this, you absolutely have to. It's so cool.}

This is what it read:

Dear FutureMe,

It's exactly a year ago, you've just turned 25 this month, and you're 7 months pregnant with Colin. You think about him all the time, and you're really eager to meet him. It must be really nice to hold him in your arms - if he even lets you anymore at this point, since he's probably getting to be a big boy.

Hopefully in 2011, you're making more than ${salary figure}/year, and Justin has found something that lets him travel less often. That would sure be nice!

Well, FutureMe, enjoy your Thanksgiving. If you haven't already decorated for Christmas (which I'm sure you have), enjoy that too. And this year, go ahead and make a pumpkin pie. Even if no one else wants it.. you deserve it.

See you in a year!

Love,

You -- a year ago.

Wow.. it is so, so cool to read that. So appropriate, too, as I'm writing about the things I'm thankful for. In fact, it is great to hold my baby in my arms {even though he is a big boy and doesn't always want to be held}, Justin has found a job that allows him to be home every night, and I have gotten a raise since then. I am truly blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!