Thanks.

Here are three things I am ridiculously thankful for. There are soooo many more but I need limits, people.

I know I haven't blogged for like a week and a half but I have a good reason. It's the number one reason I am thankful.

1. FAMILY - This includes so many amazing people in my life.
I am grateful for the days I have with my husband. He is a huge blessing and support and my best friend. I honestly don't know where I would be without him and I don't want to know. I'm just blessed.
I am so thankful for the last week and a half that I have spent visiting with my mom. I mentioned she was coming to visit and she totally did! Today is her last day in California but I am so thankful for the days we have had. She is inspiring. Everything she teaches me helps me be a better person.
My brothers. There aren't even words enough to express my love for them. They are in my thoughts everyday and I wish they were here at home but I know that although they are miles away we will always be connected. I'm grateful Quinn came home safe! And Taylor! Stay safe out there.
My sisters. Girlfriends. Ha. They keep me fresh. I don't even know what that means... But they are amazing women and I love them with all my heart.
Daddy. I am so in love with the conversations we have. Every time we talk my heart aches for a warm embrace and your company. I am thankful for the lessons and gifts you have taught me. I cherish every moment we spend together.
Brian. Oh Brian. He taught me how to stand up for myself in ways that I can't even explain. I love the things he always says and the way he just keeps things real.
My family is so big and I love it that way. I love the family I grew up with. I love the family I married into. I am just in love with family time and I am so grateful to have that.

2. FRIENDS - Who would have a good life if they didn't have friends? No one. I love my friends. My old friends. My new friends. I love them all! I am grateful for the lessons I have learned over the many years I have had with some and the few months I have had with others. My friends range in ages from 3 to old. I don't know who my oldest friend is so we'll just say they are old. HA! 

3. PRAYER - This little tool has come in handy my ENTIRE life. I am so thankful for answered prayers and what-I-like-to-think-are-unanswered-prayers-but-they-really-get-answered-in-His-way prayers. I gained a testimony of prayer when I was 5 years old. I know it works. I know that there is someone up there listening to sincere prayers. When I was 5 years old, my mom was sick. On November 21, 2011, my mom celebrated her 15th birthday. My mom says it better herself: 

" There are no words to express how thankful I am on this day, every single year... but bear with me as I try... I am 15 years old today! On November 21, 1996, I had a bone marrow transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome, which was progressing into acute leukemia. Without the transplant, I was given less than 3 months to live. With the transplant, I was given less than 40% chance of survival. But I'm here, and I have so many people to thank for that. First of all, my sister Carla, for giving me her bone marrow. Without her, I would not have had this time to spend with my children, my family, friends. I literally owe her my life. To Barry, for taking care of the kids so that I could focus on getting well. I never had to worry about them, which made things so much easier. To Curtis, for selling everything he owned and moving to Texas to help Barry and to take care of whatever needed done, and then moving to Florida to continue to take care of me when I couldn't. To Christi, for taking my profile pic... which pissed me off at the time... so that one day I would know just how far I've come. To Craig and Jen, for drawing on my bald head with washable markers with the kids so that they wouldn't be so afraid of their mama. To Quinn, Taylor, and Kelsi, for being so brave and having to grow up so fast...and for being my little nurses when I got to go home. The doctors, the nurses, the techs, Cindy Burke, and everyone at Wilford Hall Medical Center... unbelievable people, all of them! And to the hundreds of people who either came to visit, called to check on me, sent cards and letters, and/or said a prayer... I believe I owe my life to every single one of you.... I am forever grateful."

I am forever grateful to my Heavenly Father for answering my 5 year old self. For letting me keep my mommy. For every year I have with her because of that miracle 15 years ago.


I love be thankful and expressing gratitude with a full heart. This year is very emotional and I love it.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
What are you thankful for?