Thankful

All over social media this year people have been posting little tidbits of praise and thanksgiving everyday in November.  While I have not participated in that craze, it does not mean that every day this month (and this year) I haven't taken a moment to realize just how thankful I am of the blessings in my life.  So, instead of a Thanksgiving Day 2012 recap, I thought I would share some pictures of my Thanksgiving day while also sharing with all of you some of my own personal blessings:

I am very thankful that I am a Christian.  That means that I get to fail.  No one plans to fail, but I oftentimes fail to plan.  I have made bad choices, used bad language, and just generally been a less-than-stellar example of goodness plenty of times in my life.  But I am thankful that I have a relationship with God and that God knows the truth of my heart.  Because of that, the judgement of others hurts just a little less.

I am very thankful that I am a wife to Bobby.  Note I didn't just say "a wife..." but I added "to Bobby."  I think I have done a pretty good job of acknowledging his awesomeness here before, so I won't elaborate much more on this subject.

(Rob "made" this birthday hat for Bobby...and Bobby was good enough to be photographed wearing the darn thing!)

I am very thankful for the health of my children.  I sometimes look back on how sick and swollen I was with my pre-eclampsia-ridden pregnancy with Rob, how nervous and hormonal I was with my (mostly secretive) post-partum issues with Caroline, and how terribly heartbroken I was with the events surrounding Will's birth.  Then I just shake my head and say, "isn't God good?"  Look at how well Rob and Caroline have turned out thus far.  And as for my sweet William?  Well, I will never wake up without thanking God for both the experience of having a NICU baby and the blessings of knowing it could have been so...much...worse!  In finishing off this segment, I am also extremely thankful for the most amazing pediatrician, Dr. Andrew McCown and pediatric cardiologist Dr. Robb Romp who expertly and tenderly care for my children.

(Aunt Laura is allowing cousins Will and Mason to "hug".  We love you before we have even met you, Mason!)

I am very thankful that I live in Helena, Alabama, America.  Helena has been so great to us.  I love my little over-crowded city so much!  Alabama is a great combination of generally beautiful weather, mostly conservative citizens, and southern hospitality.  And if you disagree with anything I have said or will say on this blog, that's okay.  Because America was founded on the principles of democracy, respect, and freedom.  Though I sometimes worry about the current state of democracy, respect, and freedom, I have to believe we will upswing once again.

I am very thankful for Helena Elementary School.  I have mentioned many times how much Rob loved his preschool teachers and I would never try to lesson those sentiments.  But Kindergarten, and more specifically our fantastic young teacher Ms. Stainback, have been the most incredible experience for Rob.  An ignited spark is taking over Rob's heart and soul.  He loves learning.  He loves school!

Last but in no way least, I am very thankful for my family and friends--each and every crazy one of you!  If you are even remotely in my life, you are there for a reason.  Some of you are my rocks of stability.  Others of you make me realize I am a little less batty than I sometimes think.  Ha!  Still more of you are the reason I am me.  But I am so thankful for the friends who support me, the family who loves me, and the circle of love which surrounds me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Now, onto Christmas!