So Thankful!

Thanksgiving weekend is coming to a close. What a wonderful start to the holiday season! Ate lots of pie and cranberries, spent time with the Corbin Clan and started some serious Christmas crafting. I'm not one to do the Facebook 30 Days of Thanks, although I could probably think of a million and one things to be thankful for.  I thought I would take a few minutes and give you my top 11 for 2011.

11. My Job - I'm so thankful for a job. There are so many right now who are looking for work or struggling to make ends meet. God has provided me with a job where I get to work with really fun people. The hours are sometimes long, but the people are so supportive. They have been so amazing this year with helping me transition into life as a working mother.  Even with all of his doctor appointments and hearing tests and blah, blah, blah......  They have been wonderful!

10.  My Home - Home truly is where the heart is. And for right now at least, my heart is here. We've already made so many wonderful memories here with Cooper. It would be really hard to leave this home behind (however, we are aware of the fact that at any moment, God could call us to sell everything we have and move to Africa. He hasn't done that, but you never know).  Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it." So this house is all his anyway. Still......Thankful for my home.

9. My In-laws - I have such amazing in-laws. They have always treated me with love and respect. I know many people struggle with in-law relationships, especially when children are involved. They have been so understanding of the way Tanner and I are choosing to raise Cooper.  I am so grateful for how well we all get along. Steve, Ree, and Lindsay - you truly are family.

8. My Church - I am so blessed to get to be involved with such a wonderful group of people through my church. Trinity Yukon is founded in scripture, focused on God and full of fellowship. Our church has helped us get to know some really good friends. I cannot imagine living in Yukon without our Small Group. We are all young parents sharing in the joys and struggles of trying to raise godly children. Our group right now is comprised of all families with boys.  It's so fun to see these boys growing into young men. I also couldn't mention my church without giving a shout-out to my pastor. Dan is so incredibly diligent about leading us. He takes God at His word and refuses to be swayed. So thankful for him!

7. Tiffany - She has gotten me into trouble recently - we ran a 5k together. Lots of fun and sore muscles.  Tiffany has always been a wonderful sister. She is a great example of balance. She has three kids, works, makes amazing birthday cakes, and looks super-cute while doing all of these.  I am so grateful for someone I can call when trying to balance work and home gets overwhelming. Love you, Tiff.

6. Terra - The oldest of the the three Langdon sisters, she is wise beyond her years. She also makes amazing birthday cakes (I'm trying to kiss up to my sisters so they will help me with Coop's cake in a few months.), is such a supportive wife and is a bit of a coupon queen. Her willingness to give of her time and talents to support the growth of her husband's ministry is inspiring. Terra, you rock!

5.  My Dad - this year has brought new appreciation for my dad. Since his stroke a few months ago, I've spent a lot of time thinking back on how much fun we had together when I was growing up. I still remember one summer night when my parents let us stay up late to watch the stars come out. We hung out in the front chasing lightning bugs and frogs, listening to my dad play his guitar. This is still one of my fondest childhood memories. I attribute my deep love of music to my dad.  I also remember when I was in eighth grade and we were wrestling. Somehow his elbow hit me in the mouth (not hard) just hard enough to knock out a baby tooth I'd been hanging onto to for far too long. It was the second from the front! I looked like a toothless goober for a few weeks until the new tooth grew in. Not one of my fondest, but definitely memorable! Thank you, Dad, for all the memories!

4.  My Mom - I literally would not have survived my first six weeks of motherhood without my mom. With no sleep and a person constanly needing me, I developed a new respect for all that my mom still does for me. When I was losing my mind, she came to my rescue. When I was uncertain about taking Cooper to daycare, she helped build my confidence.  My mom has always been willing to do anything for me. I know everyone says this, but I really mean it.  She has always made sure we had everything we needed while helping us keep out "wants" in check.  I remeber the notes she would right on the first day of school, her bible that was held together with duct tape, and the movie nights she shared with my girls and me.  She is an amazing woman and the best mom a girl could ask for.  Thank you, Mom for how you still take such good care of me.

3.  Cooper - How my life has changed since he came along! I've learned that all the sappy things parents say really are true: time flies, they grow too fast, and it is unbelievable how much you can love such a tiny little person. Although his start in the world was not what I imagined, I am thankful for that season.  It brought to a place a reliance on God that I had never experienced before. Cooper has such a sweet spirit. He is such a fun, happy boy. His smile has the power to end me. His lips are super-kissable, though drool covered 99% of the time.  His eyes are the most precious things I have ever seen - wait maybe his hands are the most precious. It's my blog, so I don't have to pick. There is no feeling in the word like holding his sweet sleepiness in my arms. I could go on forever! Love my little munchkin!

2.  Tanner - What an incredible journey we get to share! Since we got married so young, it really feels like we have grown up together. I guess in many ways, we have. He is the best person in this world to spend my life with. I can't imagine there being another person every created more perfect for me.  It's absolutely incredible to watch him with our son. He loves that little boy so much!  He always talks about all the fun things he wants to do with Cooper and all the things he wants to teach him. What an amazing dad my son has.  Cooper has a wonderful example of what a godly husband looks like. Oh, and did I mention, he's an amazing cook! Tanner, I love you more than any person in this world.

1. My Heavenly Father - What a gracious, holy, righteous, loving, kind, just, merciful, patient God!  I will never comprehend how it must have felt for Him to give His son to die for me.  Having a son.......I just can't imagine giving him up for anyone.  There are not enough words in the English language to describe how grateful I am for the saving grace of my Heavenly Father.  I know that His plans for my life are way beyond what I could dream for myself. I only hope I have the faith to follow where ever He leads. Thank you, God, for loving me when I am unloveable, for holding me when I am broken and for all of the above.

Praise God from whom all blessing flow!