I'm Thankful

I know that writing out things I am thankful for is late, as it is now actually closer to Christmas than Thanksgiving, but better late than never right?  Also, just like I believe in telling those I love that I love them on days other than Valentine's, it's very important for me to purposely dwell on things I'm thankful for on days other than that marked by turkey, dressing, and cranberry sauce.  You see, I don't really understand why, but I can be a bit of a negative person.  I hate it, but I'm always waiting for the other shoe to fall, the bad thing to happen instead of being thankful for what I have.  It's something that drives B crazy and it's something that I constantly fight.   So, here in this precious window of time while both children are napping (I say napping and not sleeping because Els is in her bed talking to her stuffed animals for a while before she sleeps)*, here are things I'm thankful for, in no particular order.

• a man who loves me for who I am (and sometimes, despite who I am)
• a little girl who is so full of life sometimes I think she might burst at the seams
• a baby boy who loves to be swaddled and cuddled and who looks like his mommy
• a mom who lays down her life every day for the people around her and is the best "juggler" I know
• a dad who would do anything for his children and is a wonderful example of Christ
• an older, younger sister who, besides B, is my best friend and probably knows me best
• an older, younger brother who is witty and smart and going to be a fabulous doctor 
• a younger, younger sister who reminds me that miracles do happen in front of our eyes and that sometimes God's answer to prayer is a resounding "YES!"
• a younger, younger brother who lives life to the fullest every second of every day without exception
• many other people I don't have time to list because children are waking up
• children waking up
• the gift of Christ, the gift of a perfect Son come to live and die so that we can know the Father

What are you thankful for?

(*I started this post one day and had to finish it on another.  Thus my life now.)