Giving Thanks...

I have decided to make a list of things that I am greatful for this Holiday season, or any season for that matter. To make it more interesting I am going to try and list things that I may actually have taken for granted... you know, those amazing things that make life much easier than it has to be, but that we often overlook in our haste. You know...

But, first and foremost I am undoubtedly thankful for my family. My husband and children are my love and life. I have been so blessed with such an awesome clan. Josh is a hard worker and I could never thank him enough for all that he has sacrificed for keeping us safe and well taken care of. Anna is my little angel on earth, who daily reminds me how peaceful and creative childhood can be. Forest is my little man who knows exactly how to give me that "you know you love me" look even in the midst of total mayhem.

However, my family is something that I would never take for granted. They are (all) near and dear to me. Even my older brothers that often picked on me when I was little. I am thankful for them because now, I don't get my feeling hurt when someone makes fun of me (heh, heh.)

So on to my other list of things I am thankful for: (in no particular order)

1. Bumpkins bibs - these are amazing and save me oodles of time throught the day. I was in desperate need of a great bib when Forest started feeding himself. He gets things EVERYWHERE! Bumpkins are made of easy to wash material that is environmentally safe (ie. no PBA.) The best part is that after a meal, I can easily wash them in my sink and they dry in no time flat. And would you believe that they are MADE IN THE U.S.A.

2. My Bob Jogging Stroller - this stroller means so much to me because it has actually become my motivation to get out and excersise. And that in return has benifitted me in countless ways. I feel better about myself, when I need to clear my head - I just get out there, if boredom ever sets in I just load up the kids and we're off. Love my "Bob!"

3. My kitchen knive set. This is for two reasons. #1 is because Josh purchased it for me one day while I was volunteering at church in the nursery. He had just returned from his deployment and it was my Sunday to volunteer. So following service he headed to the mall (which was right next door to the Chruch) and took it upon himself to give our old kitchen knives the boot! O.k., so really that is the only reason. Hey, in my book when a guy takes it upon himself to update anything in the kitchen area without being asked is totally awesome! Well, the #2 reason would be that they are very sharp (not like our very old set that I think belonged to my mom at one point.)

4. My BED! - OMG! I cannot forget about how thankful I am for my bed. I would not be a functioning human being without a good nights sleep. I am addicted to sleep and when we are away from our bed it's almost impossible for me to get good sleep. My # is 35.

5. A great cup of coffee - this would be my second passion next to sleep. There is nothing more satisfying to me than having that first cup of morning coffee. I take mine sweet and blonde. I love real half-n-half vs. non-dairy. I am a Starbucks junkie (except now the closest Starbucks in an hour away!!!) I will never take Starbucks for granted again. I have to laugh because sometimes Anna will come and sit next to me with her cup of milk and sigh, "I have my coffee mama."

6. My phone (o.k. really, any techno piece that helps me keep in touch with the people I love) - I don't know what I would do if I couldn't call my mom, sister, dad, hubby, friends, and neighbors on a daily basis. O.k., we all know that in the olden days we'd put pen to paper, but for now I love and am thankful for my telephone.

7. Micky Mouse Clubhouse - how else would I be able to catch a shower in the morning?

8. The kitchen table - this was a big purchase for us after Josh came back from Iraq. We used to have a rather small antique table that I was in love with. But, with our family growing there was no longer enough room for our plates and the food. So we bought a much larger table with four chairs and a bench. My dream is to have lots of family gatherings and memories built around our table.

9. Buster - he's our dog. Even though lots of times he drives me completely nuts, (he's a little needy at times and barks insanely at the UPS truck) I still love him and am thankful for him. He's a very forgiving pet and a great watch dog.

10. of course, now I've drawn a total blank. Not really, I mean I could list thing after thing that I am thankful for, I have been blessed in so many ways. However, it is getting late and I should post this and get some sleep (remember I love sleep) - and if you read my previous post you know that we are headed to the in-laws for Thanksgiving.

Which, btw, I will be taking the green bean casserole, a simple dressing, AND an awesome Banana Creme' Fruit Torte. The green bean casserole is a Paula Dean recipe so it's from scratch and has lots of butter and cheese in it. The dressing is from Martha Stewart and almost crossed the line of not being simple but it should taste good. And the Fruit Torte is a Family Circle recipe. **the Fruit Torte recipe came from the magazine and I couldn't find it online. AND the Paula Dean's recipe online differs from the one out of her book. I used fresh mushrooms, flour, and sour cream, instead of a can :)

So, with that, the exhaustion is setting in. I wish each of you out there in Bloggerland a very Happy Thanksgiving. God bless!