I love the holiday season, it is so warm and friendly and it's also a great time to pause and take a little time for reflection. Looking back at myself last year, I was unhappy, irritable, sad, and very quiet. Both my professional and personal life had me frustrated beyond belief and I had a very bleak outlook for the future. And although things were rough, with a lot of heartache and a little faith I'm in a good place now. Actually, not just a good place, a better place than in years. I have many things this Thanksgiving that I give thanks for:
1. To my husband: I've shared half of my life with you and this provides a kind of comfortablity that is necessary for a shy girl like me. You know it all about me, the good, the bad, and the ugly and you don't judge me for it. You push me, sometimes I don't like it, but I know it's good for me. You provide for our family, sometimes I really resent how much you work so I constantly have to remind myself you do it for us. You make me laugh and lighten my sometimes very serious mood. The struggles we've had have taught us valuable lessons, most importantly never take each other for granted.
2. To my mom: I love you. You attempted to raise Courtney and I basically by yourself while trying to hold down the fascade of a happy family. You taught us to be strong, independent women who could do anything a man could do and do it better. You taught us to cook, a skill which I find necessary each day. You taught us about forgiveness, even when it isn't deserved. You taught us the importance of friendship. I admire your strength and courage as you embark on a new journey.
3. To Madelyn: You taught me how to be a better person. Words don't express how much I love your little chubby cheeks and funny little personality. You amaze me with your knowledge and zest for life. I love that your girlie and yet sporty too. You love animals and reading which truly warms my heart. I hope that your life is full happiness and adventure. I love being your mom.
4. Faith: My relationship with God is something I've put on the back burner for years and often add it to my New Year's Resolution. But this year was different, I needed faith. I cannot begin to tell you how hard it is to lean on God through the rough patches when you have no faith. Fortunately, He is awesome and showed me the way. While going to church regularly is still a stretch for me I do read from the bible and spend time praying each day. I attribute my new found faith to much of the strength I've had to have throughout the year.
5. Our Family and Friends: Matt and I are blessed with lots of extended family and several different circles of friends. I would consider most of them the kind you could call in the middle of the night and they would come running to our rescue still dressed in their pj's. You all bring different strengths and qualities to our relationship. I wish that each of our busy lives allowed us more time for friends and I love each and everyone of you.
6. Our Health: We are so fortunate that God continues to bless each of us with good health both physically and emotionally. Over the past year the diagnosis of thyroid disease and Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome nearly sent me over the edge, I am thankful that both of those are fully treatable with a couple of prescriptions. We continue to hope that another baby will be in our future.
7. My Job: Honestly last year was rough, like "I should find a new career" kind of rough. And although things aren't perfect this year, I do have a beautiful class. I am enjoying them more than I have a class in a long while. I love that my job has security and offers my family some flexibility.
8. Our First Thankgiving Success: This year we hosted our families at our house and a success it was! Wonderful company with lots of quality time, good conversations, and lots of laughs. The food, oh the food. Beautifully smoked turkey done by my wonderful husband, all the fixings and side dishes to go with it, and spiked apple/pear cider. And then there was the desserts. Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, turtle cheesecake, and blueberry marble cheesecake, all of which were purely decadent. We even did a little Black Friday shopping. It was a lovely weekend!
There are many more things that I am thankful for including all of those that read this blog. Here's to a wonderful holiday season!
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