1. My hubby - Steve is an incredible guy and while it is SO much easier to focus on the things he doesn't/didn't do, he does SO much for me every day. I really appreciate the impact he has had on my life even in ways I never expected or wanted.
2. My mom and dad - My parents are two of the most amazing people I know. While both of them work far too much, they are never too busy to take my call or stop by just to check in and see if everything is okay. I love that even though I don't see them that often I always know they are only a phone call away.
3. Being an Aunt - Patrick and Eva keep me on my toes and keep a smile on my face. And new this month is Miss Addy. I can't wait to see the impact she has on the world too!
4. My Health - As most of you know this past year has been filled with trials and tribulations with my back. I have been back at work since April and I am loving every minute of it...okay, maybe not EVERY minute, but I am super excited to be able to continue as a police officer.
5. My friends - I am sometimes a terrible friend and don't keep up on people as well as I should, but just like my parents, my true friends are only a phone call away. I love you guys!
6. Babies - We have had so many new and adorable additions to our lives in the last year or two. Our family and friends are all growing and we are SO excited about it.
7. My In-Laws - How many people can say that?! I love both sets of my in-laws. Even when I get frustrated by being told I'm a crazy liberal or what we SHOULD be doing with our money, I know my in-laws have our best interest at heart. It does get tiring being told we are wrong, but Steve endures it from my parents too. I can only imagine some day we will be doing the same to our kids and their spouses.
8. Toby - Dogs really do bring you a bit more happiness. Toby can sense when something is up with me. I love it. He just puts his head on my lap and gives me a look like "It's okay mom. I'm here for ya." It's too great.
9. Our Siblings - Yes, all 52 of them. Not really 52, but Sam, Kate, Kyle, Kacy, Matt, Kathleen, Danielle, Andy, Natalie, Shannon, Kathryn and Allie are all so much fun. We truly are blessed to have so many different and wonderful siblings in our lives. Oh and while Mike isn't official, he's one of the sibs too.
10. Our Grandparents - Both living and dead, our grandparents have had a tremendous impact on our lives. For those of you gone, we think of and miss you every day. For those of you still with us, I am sorry we don't call or write as often as we should. We love you even though life interferes. Please take care and don't give up on us. We will try to do better in this next year.
So those are just a few things for which I am grateful. I thought about naming each individual and saying something nice, but I figured it would be ridiculously long and no one would read it. I love each and every one of you who read this and I hope it finds you well and being thankful for all the blessings in your lives.
