Giving Thanks!

Tomorrow is the day where we gather together with our families, fill our bellies full of turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie, and reflect on the things we are thankful for. So in honor of Thanksgiving, I am dedicating this post to things I am forever thankful for.

1. My husband, Scott.

Granted life is never perfect. But it is often a little sweeter with Scott around. He is SO good to help out around the house (with little to no griping...most days), he is a fantastic cook, and most importantly: he makes me feel special and beautiful. Scott is a wonderful man that puts my feelings before his, and will go to the end of the world for me if he thought it would make me happy. I am so lucky to have found my soul mate.

2. My faith.

This past week I attended the funeral of my best friend's 42 day old baby. I have been to more funerals in my life than I would have liked, but this one touched my heart in a way I never thought possible. I have always had a strong belief in what happens when we die, but when you see a sweet little innocent baby pass away, it makes it really easy to question things. I have done a lot of thinking this past week, and I have come to the conclusion that everything I have believed about the afterlife, and God's plan, are all very true. I know that my dear friend will be with her sweet son again. I know that she'll have the chance to raise him and care for him. Granted it doesn't make the void and the heart wrenching pain go away. Not at all. But it certainly instills hope that make times like these a little more bearable. If you would like to read the story of this incredible baby's life, you can find it at my friend's blog here

3. My family.

Ever since I was little, I always considered my family members my best friends. Given the choice, I would often pick staying home with my family rather than go out with friends. We have always had so much fun together - whether it be on a road trip to Disneyland or celebrating Christmas by the traditions of a random country. I was so happy to move home to Heber, where I could be closer to my parents - for Sunday dinners and London Rummy, for birthday celebrations and singing together around the grand piano. I love my family so much. My parents are my heroes and my sisters are my best friends. It's fantastic.

4. Employment

Most of you know that exactly two years ago today I was laid off from the one job I ever felt I was really great at - working for DCFS as a social worker. I was absolutely devastated and I fell into a ridiculous depression. I was out of work for 8 months. A good friend of mine got me a job selling advertising over the phone for a local phone book company. I took it reluctantly, knowing that something better would come along shortly but I needed the money. Little did I know that this job would become the something better. A year and a half later, I have been promoted, I feel like I am very successful, and I really enjoy what I do. It's been a huge blessing in my life, and I am so glad I have been able to find fulfillment in something that I never would have looked at before. Sometimes our lives take very different turns than what we thought they would.

5. Education.

While I can't be as thankful for the amount of student loans I have accumulated over the past 2 1/2 years, I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity I have to live where I live, to have the abilities I have, and that I have been able to attend graduate school. I will be graduating in 5 months with my Masters degree in School Counseling, and regardless of whether or not there will be jobs available, I am so thankful that I have the education I have. Because when I die, it will be all I can take with me - memories and knowledge. If I find a job as a school counselor, that's great. If I don't, I am totally content to stay at my job and see where it takes me in life.

AND FINALLY....

6. Black Friday.

Because it's awesome.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING MY FRIENDS!!!

P.S. - I'm incredibly thankful for you.