1. My dad- I don't even know where to start. I was blessed with the best dad in the world. My mind and heart refuse to accept he's gone. As each month goes by, it gets a little easier to talk about him. Although I imagined it being a lot longer, I am so thankful I had him as a father for almost 37 years. He was such a kind, generous and fun loving dad and pop pop. He always supported me and reassured me, right up til the end. Last year I was taking some college classes and I would send him screenshots of all my good grades. I am thankful I have some good memories with him in this last year, especially the night of the superbowl, we had such a good time hanging out that night. I am thankful he is in heaven, without any more pain. Poor guy was in so much pain in the last several years. If he can't be with us, at least I know he is in the most amazing place ever and I will see him again one day.
2. My mom- It's strange writing these as separate things.. usually its "mom and dad" for everything. It is going to take some getting used to, that's for sure. I am so, so thankful that my mom is still here and doing well. I hate to watch her go through this hard time in life, but she is stronger. Way stronger than I ever would be! I am thankful we got to spend a lot of time together this year and make new memories, including Sunday afternoon lunches at her house. She had a scare back in June with her health, but she came through everything and is doing great. I am so glad she has so many family members and friends that are willing to drop everything and help out when its needed.
3. Hubby- Cannot believe this guy and I have been married almost 17 years (next month!) He has been the best. People joke around and say we are nauseatingly cute, but we pretty much are ;) He works so hard for our family. He is always there to support me, cheer on the kids in all their activities, and help out whenever needed. He has really stepped up and helped out a tremendous amount this year with everything dealing with mom and the house, etc. And the best part is I actually enjoy being around him, we like to be goofy together, text each other throughout the day, and even sing Toto in the car together (dont ask!) I am glad that we've been able to work out any storms that have come our way.
4. Our awesome kids!!- These kids have really impressed me lately. They are doing great in 8th grade, sophomore and junior year. Brooke is juggling school, cheer, and a new job at Bojangles. She still manages to keep good grades and get everything done. Caleb is still enjoying ROTC, has ranked up several times, and is branching out and making new friends. Rachel is doing great at school this year, playing her trumpet in band, and just went on her first major trip without us! They are growing up so fast. I am thankful for all the times we spend together now, because I know they won't last forever. They are good kids.
5. Our jobs. Arnold has still been at the same company since he started out-- over 22 years now! There have been many occasions where his company had lay offs and we were nervous, but he has been fortunate enough to keep the job and work his way up. The friends he's made there are like family by now. They are very generous with vacation days so he is able to take off a lot to spend time with us at holidays, or when needed to help out with something. And as for me-- I'm loving being an infant nanny! By baby T is almost 6 months old now and he sure keeps me on my toes! He is very active and loves to be on the go. I love spending time with a baby again, it helps out a lot with my baby fever (ha!) His parents T and S have been great-- they are kind, generous, and very easy to work with. Im thankful I found a great family to spend my days with!
6. Family Vacations- We were blessed to go on 2 family trips this year-- one to Charleston back in April and one in August to Edisto Island beach. Both trips mom was with us, so we got to spend extra time with her. The Edisto trip had actually been planned by Dad way back and was meant to celebrate mom and dad's 50th anniversary. We decided to go anyway, and Im so glad we did. It was a week of sun, sand, resting, memory making, and honoring dad. I even got in the ocean and swam with the kids in my giant pink float!! (dad would have loved that! :D
7. My friends- Jess and Joanne mean the world to me. Blessed to have known Jess since high school (21 years!) and Joanne since we met in a moms group (15 1/2 years!) Those two know everything about me, every little detail, and love and accept me anyway. I couldn't have made it through this past year without them. They both were by my side as I dealt with losing dad and were there the day we said goodbye. They were there to celebrate my birthday over the summer. We are constantly sending messages back and forth to let each other in on all of life-- the ups and the downs and everything In between. And I cannot forget about KATIE!!! Who is a friend but really like a 2nd mom! I still can't get over how miraculous it was that she made a total turn around and recovered from covid when drs said she was dying. I am so glad to still have her! She has also been there for me so much after losing dad. She is even leading a church grief class that Mom and I went to and plan to continue. I am thankful for some awesome women in my life!
8. New babies!!- This year we welcomed my new nephew brave, back in April. My bff Joanne also had baby Ensley in August (just 2 days after Brooke's birthday!) And I can't forget about baby T! I didn't know him when he was born, but he sure is very, very special to me now! Having these babies in my life again really makes me happy. Most of you know I always wanted 4 kids but couldn't have anymore after Rachel due to complications. I've had a hard time over the years dealing with being "done" but it sure does help getting to have some baby time! Auntie Abby is here and willing whenever needed!
And here's a few other things I'm thankful for....
*Book of the month Club
*The church we've been attending
*Flannel sheets on cold nights
*snuggles with our pets
*nights out with the girls
*decorating for Christmas!
*watching the kids in games/parades
*Amazon Prime!! (duh!!)
*Sweet Tea!! (IYKYK)
*Cute earrings
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