I'm very THANKFUL for....

- My Husband. He’s the head of our home. He goes above and beyond to help out around the house and with Brooklyn (he’s an incredible Daddy!!). He has such a witty sense of humor, which is one of the reasons I was initially attracted to him. He is the love of my life, and everyday I feel so blessed we’re walking through life together.
- My Daughter. She’s my miracle. She brings spark and pizzazz to every day. When she wraps her arms around my neck, places a kiss on my lips and says “love you,” it melts my heart. I love to just sit back and watch as her imagination takes full force in a game she is playing or when she is coloring. She is definitely a Mommy’s girl, and I relish every moment of it!!
- My Mom & Dad. What can I say? These two people raised me to be the person I am today. They are both way more than my parents, they are my friends. I feel so blessed of the relationship I have with both of them. My Mom is the strongest person I know and I’ll admit, I am a Daddy’s girl through and through. I played softball in high school for my Dad (and I ended up really liking it!).
- My In-Laws. My in-laws are definitely my second family. My mother-in-law has a very kind and giving spirit. She’s always looking to help out in any way she can, and she offers an ear anytime you need it. My father-in-law is definitely a family man. I have never seen him so excited than when all of us went to his hometown in South Dakota over Memorial Day weekend. He had a smile that lasted all weekend! My brother-in-law definitely has the best stories and even though he’s a police officer, he really has a gentle side – you should see him with his 3-year-old daughter! My sister-in-law is going to make an amazing mother someday. She’s always in-tune with Brooklyn.
- My Sister. When she was first born, I really didn’t like her at all. I used to hit her on the head when she was a newborn and say “nice, nice baby,” which of course I got in trouble for. I didn’t want a sister at all. I was an only child for 7 years, and I wanted to keep it that way. Boy, was I ever wrong! I cannot imagine my life without my sister. We have become very close over the years, and we will always be that rock in each other’s life.
- My Grandmas. I have two grandmas. Grandma Betty watches Brooklyn while I work. I know I can speak for Kevin too when I say that we are both so very grateful for all she does for us. It’s because of her that Brooklyn isn’t in daycare! Grandma Gwen is very, very loving. She has 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 6 children, 4 daughter-in-laws, church family and many friends, but she loves everyone and has never learned to say “no” to anyone.
- My Cousin, Sarah. I have 12 cousins and while I am not trying to leave anyone out, I have to say how grateful I am for Sarah. She’s four years younger than me and when we were growing up, there was definitely a sense of competition. But, now that we are grown up and both married, I am relishing in the relationship we are building. She’s a wonderful person, so giving and like my sister-in-law, she’s going to make an amazing mother someday.
- My Closest Girlfriends, Jessica & Jenn. Life wouldn’t be the same without these girls. I share such a special bond with each of them. Kevin and I are Jessica’s daughter’s godparents and Jenn and her husband are Brooklyn’s godparents. We are experiencing mommyhood together and will always have each other to lean on through everything in life. These girls are more like sisters to me than friends.
- My Friend, Steve. If you want to meet someone that is very sincere and genuine about knowing how you are, let me introduce Steve. He works with my husband, but over the years, he has become a dear family friend. My in-laws have considered adopting him!
- My Fellow Jr. Youth Group Leaders, Lori & Renee. These ladies are my sanity when it comes to planning all things Jr. Youth oriented. They also provide me with stories and tips about what it means to have a teenager, since they both have boys in the Jr. Youth Group. Yikes! Can I keep Brooklyn a toddler forever!?!
- My Bloggie Friends. I love sharing stories with you, and getting to see a glimpse into your life. You making this blogging adventure that much more fun!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!