Thankful

So...it's that time again. That time where all of your Facebook friends are listing a new thing that they are thankful for each day. For some, I think, it has become a little contrite, but I don't think being thankful no matter what season of the year, is ever a cliche. 

It's nice that there is a time of year when we are reminded to slow down and reflect on the things that matter. The goal would be that we could do that all year long! Wouldn't that be wonderful! I know I let all kinds of crazy get in the way of that; weight loss....(ahem) weight gain, daily meals, sick babies, hosting parties, crafting, cleaning, "relationshipping" (more on that tomorrow). All those things take up my time, my effort, my emotion, my all. 

It IS true, I allow all these things to fill up my days and keep me busy and constantly on the go....since becoming a mommy I've become an EXCELLENT list maker. But the truth is, I am SO thankful for all these things. I am thankful for the life that the Lord has blessed me with. I may not always paint a pretty picture, and it may not always look beautiful...sometimes it looks downright messy. But I am thankful for the mess too.

I know many of you are sick of seeing all those posts on Facebook, twitter, and basically everywhere. You are being flooded by what people are supposedly "thankful for". And maybe some are more genuine in their giving of thanks than others...but I choose to believe. So to all you skeptics and people out there that are sick of seeing what others are thankful for, turn away, because this post is devoted exclusively to the 2 things that I am the MOST thankful for on earth. 

The first is my sweet hubby :) And then the sweet baby girl :)

I am SO thankful for my selfless, edifying, strong husband who has also become such a great daddy. I know, I know, I'm getting sappy, but I can't help it!! He has been with me through thick and thin for the past 12 years. There is no one I would rather do life with. He encourages me to be better; to love more, pray more, dream more, be more. I honestly DO NOT know where I would be without him.

And what can I say about Madeline?? She has taught me so much about what the word thankful even means. She is everything to me. I LOVE getting to be her mommy, and God has shown me so much grace that comes along with that. I love getting to see the world all over again through her eyes...it's like experiencing it for the first time. She definitely inspires me to be a better person, which I admit that I miserably fail at most days. But, she has taught me to love more, pray more, dream more and be more.

I am in LOVE with this time of year where we can take the opportunity to kick of the holiday season with reflection. The goal is to keep this in mind as the rest of the season continues on, right? So hard sometimes, but it's what I'm hoping for. This Christmas season I want to continue to love more, pray more, dream more, and just be more.