I'm Thankful for 2009

A friend of mine made a list of all she was thankful for this year. I decided to do the same. I thought I would just jot down a few things, but as I kept moving I thought of more and more things.... Turns out - I'm more blessed than I thought. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

1. My aunt. I'm thankful for the health that my aunt still has. She was very sick over the summer and nearly died on us, but she made it through. She isn't as healthy as she was last year, but she's healthy enough to come to my house tomorrow and share a meal with our family. I'm so thankful for the time we will have together!

2. Lucas. Lucas is my best friend and my rock. He is truly my partner in life and I'm so grateful for that! There is no one else with whom I can share everything that going in my life. Lucas is always on my side and always there for me though thick and thin! He is also a wonderful dad to Cade. I had a 16 hour day yesterday and could tell that Cade really missed me. When I got in bed, I just wanted Cade to come in and cuddle with me. So, I turned to Lucas and told him that Cade really missed me... he read my mind and said, "Go get him and bring him in here." What a daddy!

3. I'm thankful for my momma. I've taken her for granted so much of my life. I don't want to do that anymore. Who else would babysit my son 40 hours a week and then drop by on a Sunday to see him just because she misses him? When I see how much she loves Cade, I realize how much she loves me too. I'm grateful to have her in my life and as my momma.

4. Cade! Who else can bring a smile to your face after a 16 hour day? I came home last night at 10:45. Cade was laying down trying to go to sleep. He heard me come in the door and said, "Is that you, momma?" He was so happy to see me... I could see pure joy in his face. Seeing joy in his face warms my heart and puts a smile on my face. I'm so thankful that God has blessed me to have Cade as my son.

5. My uncle Victor. He my uncle and my dad. I love him so much. I'm so grateful to heaven above that he still has his health. If there is anyone in this world that I know I can always turn to in times of need, it is my uncle Victor. Everyone should have an uncle Victor in their lives - and I'm so glad I have mine!

6. Rick and Jamie. What better in-laws could a girl ask for? Rick and Jamie are such loving, kind people. They love me for who I am and like I am their own daughter. They are good parents to Lucas and wonderful grandparents to Cade. They are fun, outgoing, generous, and kind. They would give anyone the shirt off their back... and I'm not just saying that - it's true... they really would.

7. Floyd. 4 years ago my mom and Floyd got married. I'm so grateful to have Floyd as a part of our family and as Cade's grandpa. Cade loves Floyd so much. Floyd has never had any kids, but still has taken to being a grandpa naturally. I dropped Cade off this morning and his grandpa was stirring about waiting for him. He already had Cade's chocolate milk ready for him. What a guy!

8. My home. I talk about wanting a new house all the time. And, I do want a new one. But still, I'm so thankful to have my home.

9. My car. I got a new car in February of this year. Well not brand new, but close. I drove my last car for 9 years and it had seen some better days. I'm so grateful to have reliable 4 door car. Not to mention it's just fun to drive!

10. My job. I'm so grateful to have a job to be able to provide for my family. And, not just any job - a job that I love. I love the people I work with and the people I work for. My bosses are wonderful people who love and care for us. My co-workers are easy going and fun. They make coming to work each day a blessing. My co-workers are talented and so good at what they do. I grateful to be able to lean on them, gripe to them, hang with them and, laugh with them. We are a family and I'm glad to be a part of this family.

11. Courtney. My best friend Courtney who I take for granted so much of the time. She loves me unconditionally and has stood by me through the years. Courtney has had my back even when it wasn't easy. I love her so much and am grateful for the small bits of time we have together.

12. The Hinshaw and Ketchum families. I grew up in a tiny family. I was pretty much the only kid in my family on holidays. I always loved Christmas because of the presents and stuff, but had no one to play with my toys. Now, I'm part of a huge family. Lucas' immediate and extended family on both sides are awesome. OK, there are so many of them... and I'm grateful for them all, but here are the ones that immediately come to mind:

Aunt Jenny, Uncle Greg, and Jill. They were in a horrible car accident earlier this year. I'm thankful that the Lord above was watching over their car that evening and that all 3 made it out. I also pray for their continued recovery.

I absolutely adore my nieces Alissa and Marti. Alissa has grown to be 9 years old now. I remember when she was just a 4 month old baby that I was afraid to hold... and now she approaching her teen years. And my niece, Marti. What a fireball! She is full of life and energy. She has a sweet sprit and an ornery streak too!

My sister-in-law, Heather. She is a great friend to me and the only sister I've ever had. Love her!

My cousin-in-law, Shecoeta. I've known Shecoeta for nearly 10 years now, but have just became close to her in the last year. I'm grateful for her friendship and the relationship that Lucas, Cade, and I have with her family. The Garrett's are one of the most fun families I've ever known. In my next life, I want to be a Garrett kid! HaHa :o)

Lucas' aunt, Dot. Has there ever been a stronger woman? Dot has been through so much in her life, but has overcame and given God to glory! She is one of the strongest witnesses for Christ that I know. She has never met a stranger. I'm grateful to have her in my life.
Lucas' Nana and Papa Ketchum. Nana is such a joy to be around. She's the grandma that every kid should have. So loving, so kind. I'm so glad that Cade has them in his life and that they are healthy enough to enjoy their great grandchildren.
Nane Hinshaw. We lost Papa Hinshaw 3 years ago. I'm so thankful that Nane is so strong and able to pick up and be the leader of our family. Nane is a great grandmother, but quite possibly the youngest most vibrant great grandmother I've ever known. I'm grateful that we have her to keep the Hinshaw family close knit.

Lacey. I've known Lacey since she was 14 (or so). However, we weren't close for a long time. Now that Lacey is 24 and I'm 28, we have much more in common. Lacey is a great friend, wonderful cousin and my partner in crime at school. I'm so thankful to have Lacey to lean on as we go through school. If I decide to go back for my master's, I hope Lacey comes along too... not sure if I'm willing to do it alone after having a buddy all this time!

I left off so many members of the extended family. I'm grateful for all of you and hope that all of you know, that even if I didn't mention you... I am grateful for you!

13. Doris. My officemate, Doris is a great friend. Doris is always there to help when I need it - rather it be work related or not. I'm grateful to have not only an officemate, but also a friend with whom I can share my workday!

14. Cade's Friends. Cater, Grady, Mason, Dylan, Brayden, Teegan, Avery. So glad that Cade has all of these cousins and friends in his life. I didn't have that as a child, and I'm grateful that my son does!

15. My classmates in OL250. I can't think of another group of people I'd rather spend 4 hours with every Tuesday night. You guys are some of the smartest people I've ever met. All of you are full of wonderful thoughts and ideas. I have learned something from each and every one of you. I'm grateful for our laughs and also our ability to gripe to one another... and more than anything I'm grateful that we all help each other when we're down. As much as I'm excited about graduation, I can truly say that I am sad when I think about our time together coming to an end.

16. I'm thankful that Lucas and I are able to provide for Cade. There are many kids this Christmas who won't get anything or will get very little. I'm grateful that we will be able to fill Cade's wish list and our own as well. In addition, we plan to fill some of the wish list of a girl we know. She just turned 13 and has never really had a Christmas. I'm grateful that we know about her situation and that God has blesses us so much that we are able to help provide for her. In addition, I'm grateful for Lucas' boss who has offered to organize their office to help us made this the best Christmas ever for her!

17. Many other friends and family members that I haven't listed here. There are so many great people in our lives! I'm grateful for you all! :o)

I could go on and on, but I'd better stop. Apparently, I have a lot of blessings and much to be thankful for this year! Love to you all and Happy Thanksgiving!