6 Things I'm Thankful For

I've been tagged by Amy to list 6 things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. It's funny because we all sat around the dinner table this evening and had to give 2 things were were thankful for...so I got a little bit of a head start.

Family - I have been blessed to be brought up in a large, loving family! Our immediate family consists of my Dad, Mom, sister, myself and Daren (Bentley too). However, we are extremely close to both my Dad and Mom's side of the family. As I've grown up, I realize not everyone can say they know their aunts, uncles, cousins and even great aunts and 3rd cousins. My parents have always instilled the importance of family. Through every trial and tribulation we are there for another. We have been taught to never give up, reach for your goals, and know family always comes first!

I am grateful for my new family too! Not everyone marries their best friend and I can honestly say that I have! Daren makes me want to be a better person and strive to do the best I can. Together we love more, give more, and want more. Thank you Daren!

Friends - For all my friends; of the past, present, and those to come! This is another way I am truly blessed! I am a firm believer you can never have too many friends. And as Libby stated in her blog, they are your family too! Thank you to all my dear friends for being you and touching my life!

Music - As my family continued to go around the table I chimed in with this extra thing I'm thankful for this year. This morning my family went to a Thanksgiving service at my parent's church, Immanuel Bible Church, and the music was absolutely incredible! It actually brought me to tears. It's so powerful and can say so much! My sister said after going to church this morning she needed to shave her legs again because the music gave her goosebumps...it's so true!

Experiences - Although life can throw you curve balls you learn through experiences. Whether they are good or bad! I am grateful for having the experience to move around the country and overseas due to my Dad being in the Air Force. I am grateful for the experience to go to both undergrad at Miami and grad school at Ohio State. As difficult as it was to fail my PT boards and get divorced, I am grateful for the strength and lessons I learned along the way! With every door closed new one opens!

Freedom - I am extremely proud and grateful for all the troops fighting for our freedom! My Dad taught me it is a gift to live in this country and have freedom. Despite the nasty presidential campaign that just came to an end, I am proud to be an American and respect the men who die for us each and every day! My Dad served for 28 years in the Air Force and I will forever be grateful for him living his dream out. We are blessed to be Americans!

Health - I am grateful for my health and the health of those I care about! I know it's in God's hand's but I am always thankful for the health of my family and friends! You don't realize how your life can be changes significantly once something affects the overall health of someone you love!

Amy, thank you for making us all reflect! We do all have so much to be grateful for this year! Despite the economy and the trials our country has faced in 2008 we overall have a lot to thank God for each and every day! Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family!