I know I rave about Danika and how much I love her and couldn't live without her ... but without HIM I wouldn't have HER. I am so thankful for that sweet husband of mine, that Nato. We have had a VERY long road with TONS of ups and downs (it seems like the ups are finally outnumbering the downs) ... but he's my best friend and love of my life. We met two years ago Dec 2 and had no idea the journey that lay before us. He is such a gift that I am so blessed to have :)
And of course that Danika girl. WHat a sweetie pie - her little smile just lights up my world. Every day brings a new adventure and new reason to laugh. She has turned my world upside down since the moment we found out we were expecting her - she has made me want to be a better person and has brought Nate and I closer together.
My parents :) OOOOH they irritate me sometimes! But man what an example they have led. I just recently found myself in Select Comfort for the 15th time asking the same question to another salesman that I had asked 3 others just to compare answers and realized that, um wow - somewhere along the way that dad guy had an impact! YIKES! He drives me nuts with the way he shops and yet here I am, doing the same thing. My parents ... and grandparents ... such wonderful, patient, hardworking, honest people - it's no wonder I turned out so great! I'm so lucky and grateful to have had such wonderful examples to learn from and who's influence will trickle down through me to Danika.
My siblings - tori, jj and brady man. THey irritate me, too :) But in a good way - because they care and want what's best. When we were younger we fought. A lot. but we also had many a great lizard chases and tree climbing adventures - and shared chicken kabobs at the Chicken shak in Japan. I wouldn't trade 'em for anything. In college they taught me how to drink, how to stop drinking so much and how to pretend like I wasn't drunk :) Now we enjoy a glass of wine together occasionally and chat over the newest adventures in our own personal lives as though we have been great friends this whole time.
My dog. He puts up with me, despite my anger rages (not at him. sometimes at him) and lets my baby girl throw herself all over him without a single flinch. He always greets me with a wagging tail and lots and lots of love. Especially when I am sad or lonely.
Honestly. People say things like this but I truly mean it (not saying they dont). I am so thankful for this beautiful country and the people who serve and lead it. I watched my dad hop on a train out of town many a time when I was younger - and now watch many a friend leave their wives and children behind. I cannot imagine how much that would just tear me to pieces every single time. But yet, here I am - going to my church, speaking my mind and living a life free of oppression and hatred - because of the sacrifice of so many.
Kids. I'm thankful for all kids. because they remind us to smile. Even that obnoxious boogar whose running around walmart on thanksgiving eve - the utter joy in his face over his mother buying a cherry pie - the small things in life are important, too.
I'm grateful for the life I lead. I'm grateful my parents taught me how to choose a good man - who will teach my daughter to choose a good man. I'm thankful I have one - that supports my decisions and works selflessly so that I can be home to watch Danika take her first steps and blow her first kiss. I'm grateful for the many friends I have that remind me to breathe and enjoy the now. I'm so thankful I have people acting as silent guardian angels- watching my back, or for stumbling blocks I might trip over because I'm too busy watching my daughter (again). I'm grateful that my parents taught me how to be independent, and the importance of a good education. I'm grateful for the sheer beauty found in a Colorado sunset.
I'm not sure that I could continue to write and list all the things I'm thankful for. Because there are not the words. I am blessed. Despite the hardships I encounter, it could be so much worse. Happy Thanksgiving!
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