Sunday, November 28, 2010

November Thankfuls....

This year I'm so very thankful for lots of things. Here are just a few (in no particular order)...

-grandparents that love each other and have been married for 60 plus years. They paid my way through college and left me with no student loan debt. They are truly amazing people.

-a mom that loves me, no matter what, and is always there for me. Although we don't always see eye to eye, I know I can always depend on her.

-my dad - even though he left when I was little, he didn't completely abandon us. I think he does the best he can to show he cares about my brother and me, and I appreciate the effort.

-a job I love, teaching kids I love, around people I love. It doesn't get much better than that!

-a brother I admire, a sister-in-law I wouldn't trade for the world, and two precious nephews that are growing up way too fast. I can't wait to see what the future holds for those two boys, but I kind of wish I could rewind a few years and hold them as babies again!

-in-laws that I love. Russell's brothers are like my own, whether they like it or not. :) I'd do anything in the world for those two, and I pray they find a life partner that makes them happy. I love my father-in-law, and miss my mother-in-law like crazy.

-pets that cost too much, but give us lots of laughs and love!

-reliable transportation and extended car warranties! We've used the extended warranty many times this year, and I've been very thankful to have it.

-medical insurance. With my health, I don't know what we'd do without it.

-my Uncle David. He keeps to himself, but he is an amazing man of God. He's selfless, he adores our family, and he would do anything for anyone. I honestly feel very blessed to have him as MY uncle, and I hope someday we can give him a great niece or nephew.

-Kennie and Sarah. What would I do without these 2? I think we need them as much as they need us. They really are like family to us, and we just love watching them grow up and mature each day.

-my boys back in Louisiana. I miss them tons, and I can't wait to see them again sometime (hopefully soon!).

-my God-son, Jameson. He's such a sweetheart, and so funny. I don't see him nearly as often as I'd like since I've been off work, but I think about him all the time. Love this kid, so much!

-my best friend, Kasey. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. Growing up together, experiencing life together, the good, the bad, and the ugly, I wouldn't pick a different person as a best friend. We don't always agree, but we always support each other. I'm lucky enough to have her teach two doors down from me, how lucky can one girl get? People think we are twins or sisters, and some days it's as if we share a brain. She makes my bad days good, and my good days great. I don't know what I would ever do without her. If she were to move half a world away, I'd be so lost. She's life my other half.

-my other best friend, Russell. I couldn't have picked a better husband. Found my diary the other day, and I've been signing my name "Blaire Reagan" since 1994, when I was 12. We really didn't get along through middle school and high school, and really not in the early years of college either. There were some really bad days, but God had a plan, and God stuck to His plan for us. I'm so thankful we finally gave it over to Him, we stopped being stubborn, and let things work out the way He wanted. Russell puts up with every bit of me. The sickness, the grouchy, the mood swings because of medicine, the missed days at work, the doctor appointments, the lost appetite, the gained weight, the depressed mood, the need to get out of the house, the tears for no reason, he puts up with it all. He cooks, he cleans, he does the laundry, takes out the trash, walks the dog, does the litter box, feeds the pets, takes care of the cars, and of course, takes care of me. I don't know why he does it, but I'm sure glad he does. :)

-all knowing and ever present God. 2010 hasn't been friendly, but God hasn't failed us. He's taken care of us, even when I haven't been able to work. When Penny died and I thought our world was caving in. When they can't pin point what's wrong with me, but they know I need to stay in the hospital and repeat the same tests I've had over and over again. God is always there. We hear it in songs. We see it in unexpected checks. We see it in cards or emails. We see it in snow, on the night Penny passed away. God is always there. He will still be here. Even when my world feels like it's going to slowly crumble, God isn't going anywhere.

I'm thankful for LOTS of other things, but these are the only ones I can think of right now...

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