Thankful

Tonight, I am thankful.  Thankful for so many blessings from above it's not even funny.  As Jayme and I put gifts under the tree tonight and enjoyed the twinkling lights and the other sights of Christmas in our home, I was simply overwhelmed by how thankful I am, and how easy it is to lose sight of that during the busy days.  

While missing Grandma tonight, I have to be thankful that I was blessed to "have" her for 34 years.  34 years of memories, meals, matching dresses made for our dolls and us, a quilt made of my sorority t-shirts.  Of games of Yahtzee, of many songs of pat-a-cake and "Running Over."  As that song says, my cup is full and running over.  I am thankful that despite her passing, how it happened was a blessing for her.  God knows her so well, and knew her fears.  He took her swiftly and without suffering from a progressive disease or cancer.  This makes is hard for us, but I feel selfish saying that.  I am thankful for her health, 80 years old and the only medication she was on was one for blood pressure, and she was unconvinced that she needed it!  

I am thankful for a husband who, without hesitation, sent me to Daytona to be by her bedside, and who loved her as his own grandma.  I am thankful that my grandpa welcomed my siblings and I to be by her side, holding her hand, talking to her, singing hymns of praise to her, praying with her and with each other, for those few days before she graduated to heaven.  We called it "the bubble" and those moments were quite literally priceless to us.  I am thankful to have been by her side and to have heard my sister say "Go get your crown Grandma" as she went to be with Jesus.  I am thankful to have had Dad there, guiding decision making and being a source of strength for us all.  

I am thankful for my mother-in-law, who came down to take care of the kids without hesitation, so I could be where I needed to be, and who handled everything beautifully, with no help from me!  I am thankful she and my father-in-law love my kids to pieces.  

I am thankful for sisters who are best friends.  I can call and yell, cry or laugh with them at a moments notice, any time and anywhere.  I can call and say "I need 30 seconds of your time" without feeling guilty, or call for/talk to for 30 minutes, or just call and cry, and not even say hi.  Though we are so different, the bond is strong.  

I am thankful for the wonderful young man I get to call my brother.  Who sends thougful gifts for his niece and nephew despite an insane college semester, and who sometimes calls me for advice.  I feel so special to have him as my sibling.

I am thankful for a mom who is always there, and even when we don't talk I know she is praying for me, and always has my back.  

I am thankful for friends who are more like family than just friends.  Friends who come pick you up on the side of the road at a moments notice, and who treat my kids as their own.  

I am thankful for my dad, who I can call for advice and encouragement, and for Rhonda who does thoughtful things like have earrings made for us with flowers from Grandma's memorial service.  

I am thankful for a brother-in-law who loves my sister like none other, no matter what.  Amazing!

There are no words to describe how thankful I am for our beautiful children.  I was scared to become a mom.  There are so many expectations, decisions, and responsibilities!  It is by far the hardest job I have ever had!  As a mom you feel what your kids feel, sadness or happiness, frustration or joy.  We are in the midst of the very phyically demanding part of parenthood, and it takes its toll on us.  But it's also the BEST job ever, hearing them come running when they need us, or when they make a discovery.  These days they are becoming quite the pair, getting into trouble together and playing really well with each other.  I love listening to them giggle together.  Hearing then say new words and accomplish new milestones is priceless.  I am thankful God saw fit to make me a mom.  Thankful He gave us healthy children.  There are no words that can describe how amazing it is to have kids who are completely healthy.  God has blessed us much more than we deserve.  

I am thankful for my husband, who is on this journey through life with me.  Who chooses me, even when times are tough and when we don't "like" each other.  Who works so hard for his family, and puts 110% into everything he does.  I am proud of our years together, and though I know we have a long way to go, I am so happy we have each other.  

So, what I should have said at the beginning is I am thankful for family.  This is not to be taken lightly, and as cheesy as it is, the holidays are a time to reflect on that.  

I am most thankful though, for the gift of God's own son.  It's been fun teaching the kids about baby Jesus, and how He is the reason for Christmas.  We are given much more grace than we deserve, and all we have to do is accept the gift of eternal life He's given us, no strings attached.  Amazing, simply amazing.  I am in awe.  

Merry Christmas, dear family, we love you all so much.