From a thankful heart

Its that time of year. Pondering all of the things I'm thankful for. And I can think of a ton of random things... like...

Pizza Friday at school

Naptime

"Kohls cash"

Pandora.com

My crockpot

Starbucks Gingerbread lattes

Kids big enough to brush their own teeth

Kroger fuel points

Chalkboard paint

Disinfectant wipes

The calculator on my phone
A picture where everyone is looking at the camera

My bleach pen

Tums

... ya know. This is all good stuff. :) But this year I'm just mostly grateful for the "big things". Family. Friends. For these things, I find myself stopping to say "Lord, thank you!" So in no particular order, I'm thankful for:

~Good friends. Like, REALLY good friends. The ones that let me vent and don't judge me. The ones that keep me accountable. The ones that love me even though I'm quirky. The girlfriends that meet me for a late night meal after we've put our kids to bed and we're still wearing sweat pants and diaper bags... just so that we can connect. The "couples" friends that come over for dinner, prayer and a board game. The "support group" friends that I rarely talk to but we totally pick up where we left off when we need to relate to someone about Down Syndrome, adoption or both. I can't even imagine life with out each of these different friends.

~My husband. I love him. After nearly 10 years and 6 kids, I still think he's so cute. He's one incredible dad. An awesome pastor. I love the little dance he does while making himself a sandwich in the kitchen at night. I love that he cried during his sisters recent wedding. I love the way he laughs. I love that he's so patient with the 6 first and second graders he drives to school every day for the carpool. I love the way he smiles and watches Micah out of the corner of his eye at the dinner table while Micah is trying to imitate him. I love the way he holds his hands out and says "Beautiful!" after he's changed Mabry into her nightgown. I love the way he loves me.

~My kids. Ashley was just baptized last week and I could not be more proud of that kid. Emily is too cute for words with those huge green eyes, raspy voice and always inquisitive spirit. At school, Micah is making friends and is being invited to birthday parties. Abby is hitting all of her IEP goals and we had to write new ones. Mabry is talking a ton and knows almost all of her letters. Kate just cut her first tooth and has the cutest giggle you've ever heard. Can my heart be any more full?

~My house. It makes me wonder how on earth we survived in that tiny house before. The space. Is. Amazing. What an incredible blessing and we are so grateful for it. An open floorplan, huge living room, huge kitchen, enormous playroom, lots of bedrooms, a bonus room for the girls, killer master suite... not to mention the fenced in backyard, great neighbors and a culdesac full of kids!

Thank you Lord. I recognize that these blessings are from You, and give You alone the glory for them! Thank you.

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights..." James 1:16-17