Thanksgiving Thankful's

Everywhere you look people are doing lists of things that they are thankful for this time of year. Isn't it great to see people focusing on the good instead of airing their grievances publicly? I won't kid myself in thinking that I have the stamina to post something every day, as others have, but I would like to compile my personal list of things that make my world go round. We'll see how far I get, but I'm aiming for my top 20.

1. Numero Uno on my list has to be my hubby extroardinaire... Wade. People often comment on how great we are together. Of course I tend to agree but let me tell you why. It's because we've stared all the hard and crappy in the face and figured it out together. Every single obstacle we over come makes us stand that much higher above the crowd. I don't call my girlfriends, we don't run to mommy, we don't drag each other through the mud, we figure it out together. He is my rock, my soul mate, my lover, my best friend, my partner, the ying to my yang, my everything. This year is our 21st and I can't wait to see what we'll be doing on our 42nd!

2. Music. Seems silly I know but music is where I go when I need my mood altered or supported. I have always found great comfort in music. Life would be empty without it. Here's one of my favorites Kid Rock at a recent concert. Yes, even Kid has valuable things to say when you need him to. Ever heard his song 'F***ing 40'? That song got me through the last year. 

3. Friends. I have so many great friends that I love spending time with. Wade once told me that I have so many different groups of girlfriends that If I had one GNO (girls night out) with each group once a month, he would never see me! If you don't have a great group of girlfriends to laugh with, cry with, travel with, share happinesses and sorrows with, then you are truly missing out on one of god's greatest creations.

4. Travel. Does anything clear the head and make life seem worth living quite like a good trip? I shall travel until the day I die. Until my wheelchair, glaucoma meds, and insulin pump become just too cumbersome. Even then I'll probably hire someone (his name shall be Raul) to take me anyways!

5. Home. This humble little abode we have chosen to spend so many of our years in. It's not big enough, it has so many flaws, it needs more closet space, bathrooms are way too small, it needs a third car garage, the list is endless. We love it anyways. Its the place we have brought 2 baby boys home to. It's the place where siblings have had to move in when their lives are troubled. It's hosted numerous parties and gatherings. It lives and breathes around us and reminds us what family is. What in life is perfect and without flaws? We tried to get rid of it once and were quickly reminded that we are not in charge, and this is where we are meant to be.

6. My sister. Oh how I miss my sister. Nothing hurts quite like watching sisters be together on a regular basis because that's just what life is to them! Lucky ducks. My time with my sister is so few and far between. Because of that though, we make the very most of it. We don't take anything for granted. I will always consider my sister a little bright spot in my world, ready to embrace me.

7. It is so rare in this world to have parents that are still married. I'm one of the lucky ones. I am also lucky to live so close to them. Impromptu lunches brought to work by my Dad. Frequent shopping trips with my Mom. The school just called and someone's sick while I'm stuck at work, Mom to the rescue. Or maybe I made too many cookies and need to unload some on them. These are the moments that make living close to my parents fun.

8. (because he was born on the 8th)  I am thankful to have an eldest son that is such a good example as Luke is. He is smart, kind, hard working, silly when I make him be, thoughtful, level headed, and clean when I make him be. He gets great grades, has a job, pays his own bills, and has big plans for his future already in motion. My favorite thing about Luke is the little things he does, like bring me home a Frappe from McDonald's just because. (and no he doesn't ask me to reimburse him!)

9. You know how you have that one child that you butt heads with so bad they make you crazy? Then the next day you are best friends spending precious moments together? That's my Jake. A wise person once told me that we are like that because he is so much like me. I had to swallow my pride and admit they were right. This stubborn, opinionated, won't back down kid is just like me. He is also loyal, kind, hilarious, smart, the life of the party, and so many other things that I'm proud of. I can't wait to meet the Jake of 16. He's gonna be awesome!

10. My brothers. They are polar opposites.
 Justin is the nurturing, good old boy, generous, hard working type. He's been known to send a text first thing in the morning telling me he loves me and to have a good day. He welcomes everyone into his world, and puts a drink and some food in their hands. Once you know Justin, you are a part of his circle.
Josh is Type A (like me), stylish, thoughtful, creative, energetic. He will work on a gift for someone for months. He will obsess about details and not accept anything less than perfection. Josh has had plenty of obstacles in his world. I have no doubt he will traverse them successfully. He's a Reece... it's in our blood to overcome.
(I just realized I am the perfect combination of my brothers!)

11. My silly, goofy, introspective, intelligent, full of energy Zac. This kid is like adrenaline bottled up. He's the only kid I know who yells at people in his sleep. He has also been known to have light saber fights and wage wars with turtles in his sleep. Must be an interesting world he slips in to. Zac has had to overcome a lot in his little life. Bowel problems, learning difficulties, as well as a temper that comes naturally with the youngest of 3 boys. Don't think for one second you can push this kid around though. He is so determined to succeed I have no doubt life will be good to him.

That's all for today... stay tuned