Being Thankful

I have so much to be thankful for on this day - -
First, I am thankful that God brought my husband to me. You know, when everything seems to be going wrong and it doesn't look like anything is going to go right - God appears and at that time - he brought me Dave, who loves me without question and takes care of me and just holds me when I want to cry. I love you honey.

Secondly, I am thankful for my children - I have 5 wonderful biological children - Melodi, Shayne, Matthew, Scott and Cati. They are all loving, hilarious, goofy kids that I cannot imagine not having in my life. Melodi - you have grown into such a beautiful woman, great wife, fantastic mother and awesome friend. Shayne - you are a handsome young man studying hard in college and working so that you can enjoy the things of life that you should be able to enjoy while you are young. Matthew - I am so proud of you. You made the sacrifice to give up life "free" so that we might be able to keep our freedom. I am so proud of who you are in the Army and how you are growing daily. I cannot wait until you get out of Iraq and get home next month! Stay safe baby bear. Scott - you are graduating this year. I cannot believe it. I can remember so clearly the day you were born - 18 years ago. You are growing into such a fine young man - definitely knowing what you want and what you believe in! Keep being who you are! and Cati - you too are growing into a beautiful young woman. I cannot believe that in a few short weeks, you will turn 17. My baby is growing up and while I would love to keep you home with me forever, I know I have to let you go. Thank you for being who you are!
I am also thankful for my step-children Mary, Julie and Kyle who are all growing into their own people and doing so fantastic in what they are doing. I am proud of Kyle for keeping on keeping on - even when he might want to give up and for Mary who has just been promoted at work and has such a sweet heart. Julie - you are going through some tough times and I know it is tough, but I am proud of you for who you are. You too are keeping on keeping on.

I am thankful for a wonderful Christian family - mom, brother, sister and all the extended parts that go along with that. I know that when I need them, they are there and even though distance is between some of us - I love you all and miss you.

Finally, I am thankful for an AWESOME God who loved me so much that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son - Jesus Christ - for me and my sins; for making it possible for me to have that love, security, and eternal life that is talked about. I am thankful that I was raised in a christian family so that I had the opportunity to make this decision for myself at a young age and live my life under God's umbrella instead of out in the world where different paths and roads could have taken me. I am thankful that I took the road that I did and while I have hit my share of potholes and detours - I am thankful that my Savior, Jesus, carried me through those detours instead of leaving me to find my own way home.

What are you thankful for?