Thankful!

 

1. My Marriage. I know it's corny but I just LOVE my husband! We got married so young, after not even knowing each other very long, and had kids back-to-back. (no, I don't know what we were thinking either!) The odds were really stacked against us, but we continue to prove people wrong. Sure we have our problems just like everyone else. But we have worked hard at it all, and never given up on each other. Arnold is an amazing guy, he works hard for our family, is respectful, and really has always helped out with the kids, or whatever I needed. I honestly cannot imagine doing life without him... (especially since I have never mowed the lawn and I refuse to clean up vomit!) :D haha. But for real, I am so thankful that God has blessed us in this area, and I know we've had good role models to look up to-- both our sets of parents have been married for 50 years now!!! And that is so rare these days. 

2. Being able to go back to college. I am so glad I decided to go back this fall, and start back on my Medical Office Administration program. I actually love being a student (nerdy, I know!) and even though I had a rough start with some of the work, I am doing quite well now! I especially like writing papers. 

3. Our health. With everything going on these past 2 years, we are beyond blessed that our family has stayed so healthy. We did have Covid back in January, but it was pretty mild cases for all of us. And none of our parents got Covid, and we were SO relieved! I watched so many people lose their parents or family members this year and I am trying extra hard to not take anyone or any time for granted. Also, we found out Rachel has scoliosis this year, but thankfully it is a mild case, and she is going to a great dr who is going to keep a close eye on her spine for the next few years while she's still growing. 

4. Fixing up the house. Arnold and I have been married 15 years, and we are living in a house built in the 60s, that used to be his grandparents. Needless to say, we've had to do a TON of updates and replacements around here. The oven used to be turquoise... YES seriously!!! Since we had kids so young and life was thrown at us fast with tons of expenses, we haven't gotten to add on a lot of cosmetic things or fun touches until the past few years. We have replaced living room floors, painted, gotten some new appliances, a new kitchen table and light fixture, a new fireplace unit.. and JUST this past month we have started doing some major work on the kitchen! It's amazing to see old wood paneling and ugly 90s floors go bye bye! Doing all this work makes me so happy, and it feels like we just moved in. 

5. My new nephew, coming in the Spring!! :D I am so excited that my brother and Sister in law are going to be having another baby!!!!! For the longest time I had a feeling it was a girl, but I guess I was wrong! I don't care boy or girl, I'm just excited to be an Auntie again! Now that we know it's a BOY, I am so excited to see sweet Ro Ro become a big brother! That is going to be precious. I also cannot wait until April, when hopefully we will be traveling to Charleston to meet the new little fella!!!!! :D

6. Finding a new church. I am so happy we took the recommendation of Katie and tried out Discovery church. They are unique in that they usually have their services outdoors. This is actually great for people like me, who tend to get anxious. The wide open spaces help! They have some AMAZING musicians, and the music always gives me goose bumps, I love it. The pastor is really awesome, he is always on fire for God, and tells the biblical truth, but in love. I am really enjoying going on Sundays, and we have gotten the kids into youth group. We hope they can start going more regularly now that some of their activities are dying down some. 

7. Brooke finding her way in highschool. I still can't get over how much Brooke has grown and blossomed since starting highschool. Now that we've finally got her ADHD issue figured out and shes gotten help, she is doing amazing at school. She has been making good grades, AND juggling both marching band and cheer. She has wanted to be a cheerleader for so many years, and even though she was nervous and unsure, she gave it her all in tryouts and made the squad!!! I may have been even more excited the day we found out than she was ;) 

8. A new pet. We are loving having miss Ruby around! I honestly didn't think we would get another pet anytime soon, but she was an awesome "birthday present" this year! She is our first female pet, and she definitely rules the house! She is full of energy, runs around chasing toys, and bugs the heck out of Max, our older cat. He doesnt appreciate her playing with his tail ;) 

9. My sweet friends. I have some really awesome friends. Even though we've all been in crazy busy times of live lately, we still know that we are just one message or call away if we need each other. I am blessed to have 1 friend I've known 20 YEARS now, and one over 10 years. They have been there for me, even when I wasn't loveable or worthy, and I can't thank them enough :) 

10. KATIE SURVIVING COVID!!!!! Most of you have heard all about Katie earlier this year, but she really is just an amazing MIRACLE, and proves God can do anything. I just can't wrap my head around the fact that we almost lost her. I remember thinking that I was devastated I'd never see another encouraging comment or message from her online... or never go do something with her again. And turns out.. she was at my birthday party this year, we now attend the same church, AND I regularly see her sweet comments on my pictures or posts online. I smile extra hard now every time I see one. I can't imagine doing life without my Katie!!! 

11. Caleb adjusting to highschool and Rachel's quirkiness. Caleb has done great adjusting to life in highschool! He's making good grades, has made new friends, and is loving JROTC! Rachel is silly and funny as ever, she can always make me laugh, just like when she was a little girl. 

12. Our 2021 Vacations. We were so blessed to go on some amazing trips this year. First, Arnold and I went to Nashville for our 15 year anniversary celebration! We packed so much into those few days, and had so much fun. All the tours and museums were cool, all the food was good, and even the hotel was super nice. It's not my typical idea of fun with all those crowds and traffic, but I had more fun than I thought I would! And Arnold was loving the music scene! Then in June, we took the kids to Pigeon Forge! We had a blast between the wax museum, Parrot gardens, and our first escape room! Caleb even braved the huge sky wheel.. and the view on top was GORGEOUS!!!! The best part though, was just hanging around the hotel room in the evenings, and us being silly and laughing and talking together. Since we were forced in tight spaces, they had to hang out with us.... and I LOVED it ;) 

And just a few quick more things I'm thankful for (some are silly) ;)

*Amazon's super quick shipping

*Some awesome shows that came on this year, such as Ted Lasso, Only Murders in the Building, and Never Have I Ever.

*That the Pioneer Woman came out with bedding

*That I found out more about my biological grandparents

*That IMAN won Dancing With the Stars!!

*That movie theaters opened back up

*Surprise flowers from hubby 

*Book sales!