Time to Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wish i was here celebrating with my family this weekend

I thought that this year I would take some time to write down some of the things that I am thankful for. Since I'm the big two-five now, I thought I would aim to write 25 things. I am not going to lie, I hit a wall about half-way through, but I think it was good for me to really sit back and think of things that I am truly grateful for and that are meaningful to me. Eventually I got rolling again and even had a bonus one for a total of 26 :)

Here they are, 26 things I am grateful for…

1. Paul – I am thankful that he is always there for me, loves me despite (or maybe because of) my quirkiness; he helps me meet new friends; and he reminds me that it’s not only ok, but good, to just take time to relax and enjoy just being with each other

Love that guy

2. My Mom – I am thankful for how she is always patient with me; she passed on a bit of her creative talents; she encourages me to travel; that she pushes me to try new things and grow; she raised me in a Christian home; and she took the time to find, press/preserve, and mail me beautiful autumn leaves & acorns because I’m not home to enjoy the beautiful fall weather!  (see this post)

3. My Dad – I am thankful for that I always know that he’s there for me; he taught (and is still teaching) me the importance of working hard and determination; he provides for our family; he loved and molded me into the person I am today

dad & me

4. My Sister – I am thankful for how she always sees the best in people

5. My Brother – I am thankful for his compassionate heart

6. My In-Laws – I am thankful because they’re not “in-laws” but an extension of a my family that I always look forward to seeing

love you guys!

7. My Extended Family – I am thankful that even though I’ve never lived very close to my extended family, I am grateful for the times that I have been able to spend with them

8. Friends – I am thankful for my friends who make me feel loved, appreciated, and understood

9. My Health – I am thankful that I can play sports and enjoy travelling without having to worry about my health and that I have had no major health issues so far

Playing in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament last weekend

10. My Job – I am thankful for my job which brought us to the UAE and has allowed us to travel to many wonderful (and different) places

11. My Bible Study – I’ve actually only been to one meeting, but I am very thankful that I am now plugged in with a group of fellow believers to help encourage me and keep me accountable in my walk with God

12. UAE Winters – I am thankful for the beautiful sunsets each night as I leave work and the nearly four months of perfect weather

Snapped on my way to the gym from work last week

13. Skype – allows me to not feel quite so far away from friends and family and gave us the chance to be the first people to see Baby R when he was born

14. Travel – I’m thankful for the opportunities that I’ve had to travel growing up with my family, studying abroad in Paris living with a French family, and the amazing places we’ve visited since moving to the UAE

Our Travel Log/Map

15. America & Freedom – I am thankful to have been born an American and to have been raised in what I think is an amazing country; I am thankful for all of those who have fought to keep our country’s freedom

America, America God shed his grace on thee (and yes, that is paul's foot)

16. Our Garden – I’m thankful that we have an apartment with a “garden” where we can enjoy some greenery, grill out, and have relaxing dinners with friends outside

17. Sewing – I’m thankful that my mom took the time to teach me how to sew when I was young (maybe starting with Grandpa’s fish pillow when I was 10?), that Paul indulged me and got me sewing machine for my birthday, and that I have a fun outlet for some creativity

18. Music – I am thankful for the way that music can pick up my mood, or cause me to think about life, etc.; I’m also thankful that it provides a way for me to block out obnoxious noises from coworkers… :)

19. Yoga – thankful that I have a yoga class here that challenges me to constantly improve and be aware of my body

20. Healthy Eating – I am thankful that I was brought up in a home of healthy eating habits and that I honestly do start craving celery when I’ve gone too many days without real nourishment :)

21. French – I’m thankful that I was encouraged to continue my French studies and become fluent in French; I really savor knowing a such a beautiful language

M & I being silly when she came to visit me in Paris

22. Graduating from College – I am thankful for the opportunity I had to go to DU, the people I met, the degree I acquired, and the life lessons I learned

23. Accomplishing Goals – I am thankful that I thrive in accomplishing a goal that I have set out for myself and that I follow through until it’s complete

24. Financially Secure – I am thankful that both Paul and I are on the same page financially and that we were brought up on a good foundation from our parents and grandparents; I am thankful that we are debt-free

25. Sunshine – I am thankful for that beautiful feeling of being closer to God on those sunny spring days when it feels like God is just wrapping me in his warmth

26. Today – I am thankful for today (one thing that I have been really been thinking a lot about and hope to continue to grow in being grateful for the present)