Thankful 2011

I was trying to keep up on Facebook with all the things I am thankful for, but I go so far behind! So instead, I will just post them all here. One thing per day leading up to Thanksgiving.

1. God for sending His only Son to die for my sins. I cannot imagine my life without the interceding done by Jesus!

2. My wonderful husband, Dustin. Dustin and I have been together for 9 years, married 6. Because of the gift of marriage, I understand what unconditional love is. I understand what it means to love and be loved. I understand myself in a much different way than I would alone. Dustin takes care of me and gave me the most precious gift I could ever be given.

3. Dietrich. I cannot fully express how I feel about this little man because he is the light of my life. I never thought I'd want a family. After all, Dustin and I got married when I was still in college. But God has plans for us and I'm so thankful he put that yearning for motherhood in my heart. The whole process of before, during, and after pregnancy moved my relationship with God to a whole new level. Someday I will publicly post my testimony of Dietrich's being.

4. My church and church family. But I cannot be thankful for that without being thankful to my unle John who drove all the way from Hagerstown to Indian Creek Christian Church to worship with me and show me the church service. I've been there ever since! It was May of 2005. The same month and year I was married. I know I'd never understand or have a relationship with Jesus like I do now! Thanks to Dr. Gary, Mary Ann Demotte, Lisa Johnson, and Paulette to bring me up to where I belong and pushing me to rise further!

5. My parents. I have slays appreciated them raising me the best they could. I'm thankful for the perception of a cop, the love of the outdoors, and importance of education from my dad. I'm thankful for the way my mother put up with me no matter what. She always had the brunt of it. Forever I'll I remember our numerous shopping trips and how to act like a lady and know the necessity of taking care of my body.

6. The military. I'm thankful that Dustin chose to enter into such a thankless job to provide for a family he never knew would come. I'm thankful to the wives that support their husbands during even the shortest of deployments... I can hardly stand a couple of weeks. My children will have free college educations and other opportunities because of this as well.

7. I am thankful for reminders of how important it is to love with all I have because in a moment it can all be gone. A dear family friend passed away at the age of 23. She had an unforgettable smile and contagious laugh. A beautiful girl went home with the Lord and forever changed the hearts of a town.

8. I'm thankful to be a stay at home mommy to my beautiful baby boy. I get to watch him learn about the world around him and teach him the boundaries the big world doesn't seem to have anymore. I went back to work the 2nd semester of school and couldn't stand it at all. I was so exhausted and wasn't good at being a teacher or a mommy and wife. So I am able to be an awesome mommy and wife and I love every bit of it!

9. Pocky sticks. If you've never ha them...you will soon be addicted!

10. A husband that likes to cook. Enough said!

11. In December I will be the aunt of a baby nephew named Cutter Le Lawson. Very excited to meet this little boy. I'm sure Dietrich will be excited too once Cutter can play!

12. Fox 59 Morning News. Can't start my morning without the familiar faces!

13. Community North NICU that kept my baby boy alive and nursed him to health when he was born a bit too soon.

14. Target.... Seriously love that place!

15. Real Housewives of--anywhere. Makes me feel so much better that I am who I am haha

16. My Butler College of Ed! I'm forever grateful for how prepared you made me for my classroom!

17. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College master of Ed program. What a caring and loving group of people helping me become successful in my career!

18. Dietrich teethes like a champ! Thank goodness!

19. My Saviour Reigns :)

20. My "mom van". Hated when I test drove it last January because I loved everything about it! Now I don't think I could ever go back. But I do miss my Jetta. Do they make sway bars for mini vans?

21. I have the privilege of watching Dean Havey. He is fun, Dietrich loves him, and it provides me a little extra spending money.

22. The Commissary and BX :)

23. Dustin comes home from Sheppard AFB, Texas.

24. We both have families in which to celebrate Thanksgiving.