Thankful

Well I know I sound like a broken record, but really-where is the time going?  First it was "man-this summer flew by!" And now here we are with just WEEKS-yes, WEEKS left in 2012.  With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought I would write about some of the most special people and things in my life.  The ones that I am so very thankful for. 

1.

My husband. Thank goodness for such a patient man.  One who makes me laugh and supports me even when I know I can get a little crazy.  William had an amazing work opportunity that had him out of town the first two weeks in November.  While we have only been married a few short months, it really made me realize how much he does for me (and Mr. Henry) with him not being around.  He rakes the yard, keeps the kitchen tidy, feeds the dog, takes him for walks, and most of all-lets me be me (and of course keeps me entertained!) :) I am so blessed to have such a loving partner in life. 

2.

My sisters.  All of them.  There is something so wonderful about having a sister.  Someone to confide in, depend on, laugh with, be silly with, dance with, cook with, cry with, share with and someone who will forever love you unconditionally.  I am so thankful for all of the sisters in my life, I love you with all of my heart.

3.  My nephews.  I mean, just look at this picture.  My little sock monkey and olympic gold medalist swimmer are just as sweet as can be and I am so thankful they are in my life.  Now, can they just stay little forever?  They are growing up entirely too fast.

4.

My parents.  I am lucky to have not 1, not 2 but now THREE sets of parents.  Mom and Jimmy, Dad and Lillian, and my newest set-Newton and Jayne, better known as the Walkers (or Newtie-baby and Mama-Jayne depending on who you are).  They are all wonderful people and I am so very lucky to have them all in my life.  I do have to say something in particular about my in-laws. When the talk of William leaving for a few weeks (which happened to also be the same date of a large work event for me) they stepped right in. They came and helped me with set-up, bought tickets to attend the event and made me feel so special. They are such caring and kind people who genuinely wanted to be there for me, and it meant so much. They did not have to do a thing, but instead they did far more than I could have ever expected, and for that I am so grateful.  I wish I had a picture of us all at the event but alas, I forgot to take any :(  So here we go again with wedding pictures.....

5.

My precious friends.  Each of whom are special to me in very different, but similar ways.  Always good for a laugh, there to lend an ear and who always make me feel important to them.  I am thankful to have a great group of friends who make time for me and always make me feel good about myself.  I love you all so very much.

(Laura didn't make it into the group shot so I had to show the love!)

6.

My job.  I know, I know....what?  It stresses me out to no end, I complain about it non-stop occasionally and it give me nightmares.  But, I am lucky to have my job, and I am fortunate that I can say that what I do helps others.  And I am very thankful for my coworkers.  It is nice to have a team you can rely on and who "get it" when you need to vent about work-related stuff. Sometimes your hubby just can't relate or will just try to "fix it" and make you mad -haha (y'all know what I'm talking about here, right?)

Sometimes we tend to overlook the things in our lives that are most important.  We get wrapped up with work, social obligations, even family commitments, and forget to just live in the moment and be thankful for what we have.  I am so guilty of this at times.  In fact, this morning I noticed that my "flip book of quotes" has been on the same quote for weeks-who knows, maybe months (years?). I walk by it everyday, more than once and haven't even noticed.  But this is what it said:

"The best and most beautiful things in this world, can not be seen or even touched.  They must be felt with the heart."

What a true statement and an honest and simple way of looking at things.  I am looking forward to the holidays and being able to spend time with the ones I am most thankful for.  The ones that fill my heart with love and happiness.  To me, they are the most beautiful things in this world.  I am so thankful they are in my world. Happy Thanksgiving!