30 Days of Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving just around the corner I figured it would be a great time to jot down the things that I am thankful for. 

I give thanks for:

1. God's amazing grace - He has blessed us with so much.

2. Scott - his unconditional love is simply awesome.

3. My parents - no matter how many miles separate us, if we need them they're here in a heartbeat.

4. My brother - who would have thought I'd ever give thanks for his crazy ways and ridiculous humor?

5. My mother and father-in-law - I'm so blessed to have such amazing people in my life

6. My sisters-in-law - I've always wanted a sister, and upon marriage I got two!

7. My nephews - they are filled with so much energy, and they are always able to bring a smile to my face.
8. My wonderful girl friends - I truly have some of the best friends a girl could ask for. Even though we are hundreds, if not thousands of miles apart, I can always count on them.

9. Drake - my four-legged child and snuggle buddy.

10. Seala, my little pan-face - though she's much more independent than Drake, she still has lots of love she shares.

11. The roof over our heads - not only do we have a house, we have a home, and I know there are so many who are not as fortunate.

12. Our vehicles - some people are struggling to obtain/maintain/keep one vehicle, we are so fortunate to have two well functioning, totally paid off vehicles.

13. Scott's job - he works so hard, and his career has enabled us to reach goals we thought were only possible in dreams.

14. My education - and though I'm currently working on growing a human, my education, and four (and a half) years at Iowa State were priceless.
15. The support I receive from Scott when it comes to any and all life choices I decide, or have decided, to make.
16. The ability to run to the grocery store at anytime and pick up food to put on our plates.
17.  My closet full of clothes - I know it sounds silly, but I've seen so many people (especially out here in SoCal) that clearly haven't had a change of clothes in quite some time.
18. Our washer and dryer - such a luxury that so many don't have.
19. My health - even with the car accident last year there are no serious illness or injuries restricting me from living life.
20. My cell phone - how would I even function without it?! Knowing I can text or call any of my family and friends at anytime is so comforting.
21. Our computer and iPads - without these technological wonders we wouldn't have email... or Pinterest, or Facebook... more great ways to communicate with friends and family.
22. Skype - how wonderful is it to speak AND see our family and friends?!!
23. My iPod - without it workouts would be (even more of) a struggle.
24. Holy Trinity - our parish - a place to go each week and feel rejuvenated and refreshed. 
25. My blog - this space is mine, and I'm able to flex my (rusty) journalism skills, write whatever I want, and express however I feel.
26. Swimming pools - specifically lap lanes. It sounds funny, but there aren't many other places where I feel as free (or weightless) as when I'm knocking a few laps out. Swimming pools also led me to a career which I love, and miss.
27. The dishwasher - laugh if you want, but there was a time, no so long ago, when we were doing dishes by hand.
28. Coffee - even though I can't have the brewed bean right now, there is nothing better than the flavor and aroma of a freshly brewed pot in the morning (and these days I may cheat a bit and consume a cup of decaf).
29. The places we have traveled, or will soon be traveling - we have been so fortunate to travel to some amazing places, both within the country, and out.
30. Last, and certainly not least, I'm so thankful for the life growing within me. There are no words to express how grateful I am for this gift that will soon change and bless our lives.