the night before thanksgiving....

Last year i did the same thing.... the night before Thanksgiving, amongst the craziness of holiday preparations, I sat down to write down what I was most thankful for in the past year. It's good to reflect and take stock, I think... I've always learned to praise the Lord for not only the big blessings, but to equally praise Him in the little things. Well, this year has been jam-packed with blessings both large and small at our house. Here are the highlights...

(1) How could I not be most thankful for the safe and healthy addition of our perfect little boy, Lincoln Pierce. Although making a somewhat brutalizing late arrival, as I look back now, he was worth every agonizing moment I had to wait for him. I always wondered how it would work to love another child like I do Sailer... and it's really a miracle. I think your heart truly doubles (if not more) in size to accommodate because I truly love him just as much.... and the addition only made me love Miss. Sailer even more.

(2) I am unbelievably grateful for finding a church home... that truly is a "home." I love walking in the doors to find first and foremost the essence of the Holy Spirit everywhere in that house. And second.....friends everywhere! Not just ones I happen to run into or have to plan to see... but tons that are there weekly to wrap their arms around you because they're truly glad to see you. And the ability to be hands-on with the pastor and his family... what an incredible blessing that's been. I look forward to getting to know more of that church family and become more involved over this next year. But I definitely count the Lord leading us there this past year as one of the year's greatest blessings for every member of our family.

(3) Mark. Although we can drive each other crazy sometimes... we were truly meant for one another. I am thankful for so many things about him. His love. His time. His drive. His support. His laughter. His big brain. His smile. For being a great daddy who has learned to read bedtime stories and takeover bathtime. For someone who's learned to trust although that doesn't come naturally. For learning to take me where I am and embrace some of the needs I have that he doesn't understand or share. I am very proud of him for his business success that he's earned every bit. But I'm most proud of his decision to take an active role in leading our family. In deciding to make church a priority time-wise and financially. That was a big step for him, and one, while I know he'll be blessed by, that has made me love him even more. Thank you, Mark, for working to make this adventure together the best one ever. This truly has been our best year.

(4) Sailer. I am so thankful for the privilege of being her mommy. For her sweet smile. Sometimes even for her tantrums... if they're the ones that make me laugh. I'm grateful that I see the fruits of her learning and seeing her grow into a little girl... where did my baby go?? I'm thankful that she is kind and funny and good-spirited and (sometimes) thoughtful. I love that she loves her friends, her school, ALL animals, and that she has conversations with "baby Jesus." I love that her prayers are simple and sometimes LOL funny, yet at the same time, so much more "real" than most adults. And on an extremely superficial note, I love that she still lets me dress her in crazy get-ups for the most part. I dread the day that she gets to decide (I'm all for independence until they start walking out the door looking like rag-a-muffins...mommy can not handle that).

(5) My family. Plain and simply, I wouldn't be where I am or who I am without each of their roles in my life. I love them so much.... my parents, my grandparents, my new parents, and my baby brother. They each make me want to be a better person in some way. Each are always the first to want to help me. To want to love me. To want to just "be there." I love you all... differently but the same. I am most thankful for my Pom and Mur this year. Thinking about it still makes me tear up. It was the first holiday I have ever NOT shared with them. Due to either surgery recooperation or inclement weather, they didn't get to come. It gave me a taste of what it would be like without them here.... I didn't like it. At all. There was a void. One that no one could or will ever be able to fill. They have been more than grandparents.... they have been parents, cheerleaders, role models, friends, and now the best great grandparents any two little kids could ever want. I am a better person because of them.

(6) FRIENDS!! Man, I have been so abundantly blessed with girlfriends this past year. Last NYE, I made a resolution to really make time for girls again in my life... I'd really let kiddos/hubbby monopolize all of my time, and while I'm not downplaying the need to spend as much time with your family as possible. I've learned that for me its equally as important to have some away and alone time... with both my hubby and with girlfriends.... to help me keep sane, happy and in the end, a better mommy. Well, I was blessed in college to have so many great friends, and while I'm still close with several of them, distance makes it difficult. Although I love my phone time with them, I miss the daily stuff or the ability to jump in the car and grab them for dinner. (Jennie- I'm esp talking about you.... why does NO have to be so far away???) So I started praying for local g-friends- specifically those that were sort of in the same time of life as me.... learning to juggle home, mommyhood, etc. and that I just clicked with. And well.... God answered me in such an abundant way! This past year I have experienced some amazing girl-time, laugh out loud moments, and have truly created some incredible friendships that I know will last. So to those ladies... you have truly made my cup runneth over. I love you...

Thank you, Lord. For being you. For your son. For my life. For the above gifts. And for what's in store this coming year. I love you most of all.