Giving Thanks

I have so many things to Thank God for....

FAMILY-I have one of the most amazing family's in the world. My parents are a true example of hard work, great values and always putting family first. I am blessed to come from such a big family and the diversity that comes with that. We all have our good times and bad times but in the end, we can ALWAYS count on each other. I could not get through life with out my family.
I also am SO blessed to have such an amazing extended family that I have felt a part from from day one. They are always there for us and it I am so grateful that we have two sets of parents who love us and our babies.

HEALTH-Every night when I pray, it is the FIRST thing I thank God for. I have always been thankful for my health and the health of my loved ones but ever since my hospitalization last year I am a hundred times more thankful that I am a healthy, young, able bodied young woman. I try my hardest to not take simple things for granted like being able to run or be active, to be able to do what I please on any given day. After being bed ridden for 9 weeks, not being able to go outside, or basically do any "normal" daily task was horrible. It really made me realize just how much I took for granted and I swore to myself I would try my best to never do so again. Of course I do, but that time is forever in my heart and mind and really does help me appreciate life so much more. Besides that, I had my TWO unborn children to think about, every moment. I had no idea if they would be born at any given moment and if so, if they would survive (chances are, if born before 26 weeks, very likely they would not have). I had never prayed so hard in my life as I did during those days. Even if they were born between 26-28 weeks, they would probably have heart, lungs or brain problems or be handicapped. The fact that they were born 2 months early and are PERFECTLY healthy is something that still makes me choke up. Things could have gone so wrong. I know people who have sick children and the hardship it brings. Having a healthy child is so easily taken for granted. I will praise God every single day for the rest of my life for their health. I am thankful for the health of all of my family members, and that I have to this day only been to one funeral. I am so thankful that God continues to protect and provide for all of my family by keeping us healthy.

HOME-The fact that I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, beds for my babies and food in the house is a blessing. There are thousands of people in this THIS country without a bed or a home.
The space we have, the VIEW, and all the things in our home are seriously just icing on the cake. Randy and I almost every time we arrive home say out loud, "this is where we live?" We actually live in a place where 4 out of the 5 houses around us are vacation homes! And I also love this city. Thankful that we live walking distance away from my parents! I am so thankful that we can afford a house big enough (FOR NOW) for 4 people including two soon to be toddlers! It's such a blessing, I love home.

JOBS-Obviously, I am living my dream by staying home and raising our children :) I am beyond grateful that Randy has an amazing job that he LOVES and that he can provide for us on just his salary. The fact that he has a stable job in this economy is a blessing, and the fact that he loves what he does (and so do I) makes it that much better. I hope he knows how much I appreciate all he does working so hard so that I can stay home with our two babies. These days that I get to be home with them are precious and irreplaceable. I am thankful I don't have to go back to work and I can instead spend each day teaching and loving our children and invest in their daily lives.

FAITH-Without our faith, life would be impossible. I lean on my faith, on Christ, on prayer...
everyday. My faith is what makes me who I am, it's my number one priority. It's the center of our relationship and marriage and it's something we hope and pray our babies will choose as well. I am so thankful for God's Grace and compassion. Thankful that everyday when I wake up, the slate is wiped clean and I start anew. Thankful that I have such a strong Faith to get me through my toughest days and to be my song of joy on in my happiest moments.

LOVE-I am eternally grateful that God gave me Randy 8 years ago. I was a young 18 year old and he was my first boyfriend...my first love. Thankful that HE is the father of my children, He is an amazing Daddy. So thankful that God blessed us with not one but two babies to love. A son and a daughter, at once. So thankful that I have gotten to experience a mothers love. It's unlike anything else!


What are you thankful for?