Hey Auburn...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FPSB9N_Crs

On Black Friday, instead of shopping, my family got together for a yummy Thanksgiving meal and some ALABAMA Football! I wasn't crazy about the idea of the Iron Bowl being on Friday this year, but it worked out as the family was together and we are huge Crimson Tide fans; the important ones of us anyway ;). Mom & Jamie chose to watch in a different room. We told them to come on in and watch with us, but they were scared (ha). I have to say Auburn played a great game, as expected. Now, on to the SEC Championship this weekend!!

Also, after the game baby Chloe must have been excited, too, because I got to feel her kicking in Kriston's stomach for the first time!! That made my day as much as the family time and the game :). God is good.

I Am Thankful...

For a husband that is my best friend; that misses me as much when he's away as I miss him; a husband that likes my cooking, tells everyone so, and eats everything even when I do double salt the green beans and try creations like hamburger pie; a husband that has a gentle enough heart to never say a harsh word to me even on THAT day in the month when almost everything sends me into a complete furry or turns me into a complete basket case; a husband that will watch my shows with me (Although if I forget to turn on Desparate Housewives he reminds me its on...for my sake of course) without complaining and even watches mine first and records his for later; a husband that loves our families, our Ellie and our God with all his heart.

For parents that raised me to believe that nothing in this life matters more than a relationship with Christ and that all other aspects "will be worked for good" when He is at the center of my life; parents that are unconditionally loving and forgiving; that have made more sacrifices for their children than any other parents that I personally know; for parents that still snuggle on the couch together, take weekend trips away together, hold hands, and worship the Lord together; parents that have set an amazing model of marriage and parenthood for us; parents that are 2 of my best friends.

For 1 big brother and 2 little sisters that 'booby-trapped' my room, shaved my barbies heads, stole all my clothes, and annoyed me to no end so that we would have a million things to talk about now; siblings that make me laugh like none other; siblings (and a sis-in-law) that tell me they love me and that I know I could count on to have my back anywhere, anytime.

For the most precious nephews and niece in the world. Jessica and I always say we could just squeeze them til their eyes pop out. I can't imagine loving my own any more than I love them. Mom has always told me I will, but I can't grasp that....yet. I love those little boogers.

For in-laws that are not just in-laws, but a whole new set of parents; parents that go above and beyond like traveling over 500 miles to see me graduate from college; parents that take care of me when Chadd is away; parents that love Ellie like she is a grandchild; parents that love me like a daughter; parents that basically love and look after the 3 of us like its their job :)

For my grandparents and all the memories I have of all of them; grandmothers that have/had a rediculous sense of humor and fire about them. I'd like to think I got a little of that; Grandads that (had to :) )counterbalance that and are/were more of the quiet, but respected type...I'd like to think I have a little of that too.

For Ellie who is such a playful puppy; who is ecstatically happy to see me whether I've left her for 12 hours of work or 5 minutes to get a gallon of milk; who I can't help but love like crazy even when she finishes off the last shoe I own and decides to eat all the Christmas presents wrapped under the tree.

For a super-close extended family (Chadd's and mine) and cousins that I consider to be more like sisters.

For my bosses and friends that trust me with their sweet, sweet babies everyday and have adopted me into their family.

For 'forever friends' from both high school and college that I hope will always feel like brothers and sisters to me.

For health.

For the fact that I still get to sit and talk to my MawMaw and Grandaddy in their kitchen, or on their front or back porch.

For not 1, but TWO absolutely amazing church families; one that will always be 'home' and another that has become my new home.

For girls' nights with friends from church that apparently all of us needed.

For seasons. I love them all...well, Winter is more like a "like", than a love. :)

For the blessing of the ability to be able to give a little back.

For baby gates and nap times that help keep my sanity.

For a second job, teaching, that is teaching me patience...lots and lots of patience.

For a career path for Chadd that, inspite of being less than ideal, is one that he LOVES. Its means a lot if you can love your job. (What boy wouldn't love to be a pilot?!)

For my husband and all other military men and women that serve our country.

For other military wives and families that 'have been there'.

For everything Christmas: the spirit, the music, the smells...

Most of all, I am thankful for a God that loves me unconditionally in spite of my short falls and a God that has a plan and purpose for my life much greater than I can ever imagine.

Happy Thanksgiving!