When November began and people began posting their "day of thanks" on Facebook, I knew I could never keep up. However, I began to think that I want to document what I'm thankful for in 2013.
1-I am thankful for Jesus Christ and the salvation that he died for.
2-Jordan--The best partner in the world! I could not work, raise two babies, and take care of the house without him. He is my hero. He stays awake 24+ hours to take care of our babies. He cooks, cleans, and protects the county. Through all of this, he still has love and patience for me!
3-Marriage-This year, we learned about "for better or worse" and 1 Corinthians 13 love. I'm thankful for a Christ-centered marriage that forgives 7 times 70.
4. Maggie-My sweet baby girl is my reason for living. The birth of that spirit renewed my faith in God, and she continues to do so daily. Her smile, her giggle, her hugs, her kisses, her dancing, her mannerisms make me proud to be her mommy. Everyday she surprises me with how smart she is and how fast she is growing up. I'm so blessed to have her in my life.
5. John Crawford-My snuggly baby boy reminds me that God is gracious and has a sense of humor! I was so nervous to have another baby while Maggie was a baby, but he has completed our family in a way that I never imagined. His brights eyes and constant smile make me thankful for two, precious, sweet babies.
6. Miscarriage-When my miscarriage happened, I thought my life was over and God was mad at me. However, God was teaching me patience and pruning me. Through that horrific struggle to conceive, I learned that God was always on time and his plans are 1000 times better than my own. He also was conditioning me for a ministry to other ladies who have lost babies. It amazes me how many people I have helped through a baby loss by using my testimony.
7. My mommy has taught me so much. She helps me through so much and is always there for me and my family. She makes me a better mommy and person. She always knows exactly what I need to make everything a-okay. I hope I'm as good a mommy.
8. My daddy-I'm thankful for my go-to problem solver. Anytime there's a problem that I can't solve, Daddy always can. He's a quiet man who doesn't always express his opinions, but he has a huge heart. He's also grown into a fabulous Pa to my babies!
9. Keith-I am so thankful to have a little brother who helps me whenever, however, he can. He watches my babies, makes special deliveries, and is always my partner in crime. I really don't know what I would do without him.
10. Brothers-I hated being the only girl of four children. But now I see that it was for the best. They made me tougher and drama-free.
11. Sisters-in-law-These lovely ladies have given me something that my parents could not, sisters! They are completely different, but I love them just the same.
12. Nieces-I love these girls like my own babies. They shaped me into the mommy that I am today. Each one is completely different, but they are special to me in their own way.
13. NewSpring-I truly love my church. I'm so thankful for Perry Noble and his dream. I love attending church and being involved. When I miss a Sunday, I feel like I have missed out on something great. The Church has made me a better person, wife, mommy, friend, teacher, etc.
14.Aunt Linda-Jordan and I could not both work without this woman! She loves our babies like a grandma, and who wouldn't want an extra grandma? She drives to the other side of town to pick Maggie up from school, keeps them at my house (which is so helpful), and even helps me with household chores! She simplifies our life more than she realizes!
15.Teaching-After teaching for 5 years, I am starting to see my reapings. My students are coming back, emailing me, or coming up to me in public and telling me how I helped them turn their lives around or get their education on track. It feels so good to see miniature adults appreciating their teacher! I may teach little gremlins on the middle school level, but I love to see the difference I am making once they mature!
16. McCracken-This school restored my confidence in myself. My first year of teaching was catastrophic, to say the least! Mrs. Peach had faith in me from the beginning, and her hope in my teaching empowers me to be a better educator. I also LOVE the people I work with. We are there for one another in the good times and bad. I never completely dread going to work because I love my school and my co-workers.
17. In-laws-My in-laws have been like a second set of parents. They have taught me things that I did not learn growing up and have shown me a whole new side to life. They are excellent grandparents and raised one amazing man to be my husband!
18. iPhone-This one is a little shallow, but I don't know what I would do without my iPhone sometimes! It entertains Maggie when she gets bored and wants to run around restaurants. It entertains me when I need to escape from reality for a moment. It is always there to answer questions or find a good deal. Oh, and I can keep in touch with people, whether it be by phone, text, or Facebook.
19. Grandparents-I only have one biological grandparent living, and I claim Jordan's grandfather as my own. I love each and everyone for their part in my life. They have contributed sweet memories and plenty of wisdom to me.
20. Home-I don't have a very big home or a very fancy home, but it keeps me protected from the weather and provides me modern amenities. I wish it would sell so we could have a bigger home for our growing family. However, I do get very sentimental when we pull on our street, and Maggie yells, "Home!"
21. Cars-I'm very thankful for our two cars. For a while this year, we only used my car. I never really knew how important it is to have two cars when we work and go to school on the other side of town. I'm also thankful to drive the car that I've always loved. It may suck a lot of gasoline, but I'm also thankful that I can pay for the gas to drive it.
22. Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office-They don't pay a lot of money, but the fulfillment the job brings to my husband makes me thankful. I often complain about the hours and the messed up schedule our family has because of the hours. Regardless, I am proud of my husband for taking care of Spartanburg, cleaning up the streets, and risking his life for the well-being of others. I'm also thankful for the friends that we have made through this organization. I don't know what I would do without Kat who drives by every time I hear a sound or Danny who would take a bullet for my husband.
23. Friends-I definitely don't have that many friends, but they are super special to me. I need the few girls that I can talk to in order to get through life. They help me be a better mommy and wife. I am thankful they're in my life to make things fun!
24. Food-I LOVE my food! I love to eat and I am so thankful that I am able to eat and eat what I like.
25.Dave Ramsey-Because of Dave, Jordan and I are almost out of debt! We cannot wait to begin building a legacy for our children. It has been a long time with many setbacks, but we have learned so much through our consumer debt journey. I am super thankful that we've been able to cash flow everything for over a year!
26. Dogs-Peyton and Caroline have almost driven me bananas since our family grew, but they will always be a special part of the family. They are my protectors when Jordan is gone. They bring so much comfort to the family. Maggie has come to love the gentle giants, which is absolutely adorable.
27. Military-I am so thankful for the men and women who give up their day-to-day life to protect our country. I could not have all of these great things to be thankful for if I did not live in a free country.
28. Hot water-I love hot water, especially hot showers. I will stay in the shower until all the hot water is gone, the hotter the water, the better. The hot water melts away anything that is bothering me, physically or emotionally.
29. Health-I am very thankful that I am healthy and I have never had any major illnesses. I am thankful that my husband is back in good health after his accident. I am forever thankful that my children are healthy, happy babies. I try very hard to give my family and myself everything we need to keep our bodies healthy.
30. Holidays-I love holidays because they bring families together and everyone gets along. Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday, but most holidays bring food and family, which makes me very thankful to have those things together!
I am sure that I have missed several things, but here are the first 30 that came to my mind. As a brief 31st, I am thankful for the ability to write. I hope that I can keep up the blogging to document this crazy, beautiful life that I get to live!
