giving thanks

Where do I even begin with this past year? It's been one of those years. The kind of year where all I want to do is bottle it up and put it on my nightstand, so I can remember just how spectacular it has been every day. As we spend time with family and friends, I am constantly reminded by every smile and hug just how blessed I am and all that I am incredibly grateful for today.

For that reason, I never want to forget in this moment all that I want to give thanks for (big or small) in no particular order on this Thanksgiving day...

*my favorite boots that keep my feet warm
*living in the great Midwest where I get to experience the FOUR seasons including snow (!!!)
*our US troops who are fighting to continue to keep our country the land of the free as we speak
*Skype so I get to see my brother every week
*gluten-free cupcakes
*our jobs that allow us to always have food on the table, a warm roof over our heads and the opportunity to help those less fortunate than us
*my purple sunglasses that remind me life should always be lived with a LOT of fun
*my mum's smile that seriously lights up any room
*my job as a photographer that allows me to capture memories for others and myself
*the amazing clients-turned-friends I have been insanely blessed with who believed in me two years ago and have kept coming back for more memories
*all the beautiful and healthy babies born and blessed into our family and friends' lives this year
*forgiveness
*strength and patience
*new friendships
*learning to let go and live life to the fullest with gratitude when those idonotknowhowiamgoingtogetthroughthisday happens
*my daddy's support and love for everything my heart desires
*the chance to pursue and accomplish big dreams
*sparkling grape juice
*my wedding ring that never lets me forget how lucky I am to be married to my best friend
*color because life is always in need of it
*being married into a fantastic and ever so fun family that reminds me what unconditional love is all about
*gluten-free pizza (it comes right behind the cupcakes!)
*our upcoming travel adventures and the chance to see the world hand-in-hand with said best friend above
*flowers because it brightens any day in any given moment
*the gift of giving
*little people in our lives because when life gets to be too much they are a perfect reminder of how the greatest joys in life are simple
*mum's home cooking...said it before, will say it again...SHE. CAN. COOK. GOOD. Really good.
*chocolate and pumpkin-flavored anything that makes all things delicious during the holidays
*the best of friends who are loyal and love me inspite of my flaws...iamtrulyblessed
*doctors (including one of my best friends) and nurses who are working today to ensure people stay healthy
*Pandora because...it's AWESOME!
*a running car
*random acts of kindness and love...our world needs more of it
*Bryan otherwise known as the best gift God could have ever blessed me with because without him in my life, I would be incomplete...ilovethebman
*the GOOD man upstairs who keeps me in check to make sure I never forget to lose faith, hope and love in my life...without Him, I would be nothing...without Him, I would not feel this blessed today



Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you! May this week/weekend be filled with a lot of love, faith, happiness, random acts of kindness, loved ones near and far and the MOST delicious of food! Especially delicious desert!