30 Days of Gratefulness | Day 20 & 21 | Laughter & Youth

When I was younger, all I ever wanted to be was OLDER. Yes, it's true. In our youth, we wish for 'more years' and in our older years, we wish for our youth again.

Looking back on my youth, and I've probably said this many times before, but we had so much fun. My sisters and I fought like the dickens - but when it really came down to it - we flippin' adored each other. Today, we're BEST friends. And boy do we LAUGH! I definitely think the saying is true ... "Laughter is the best medicine."

Grateful for the memories of my youth - and the laughter we shared - and continue to share in our adulthood! LIFE would not be the same without these moments - without the laughter - without my sisters.

30 Days of Gratefulness | Day 8 | My 'Married Into' Family

When I married my husband almost 13 years ago, I can't tell you how amazingly blessed I was to also become a part of his AMAZING family. Not only did I gain three sisters, but I also gained two brothers - and later another when my sis-in-law Lisa married her husband Michael! And what's more - I gained some amazingly beautiful nieces and nephews! And more keep coming! :)

Thankful how they love Jason and I and our little man Eli. I couldn't be more blessed to call them my family. SO GRATEFUL for each and every one of them!!!

 

30 Days of Gratefulness | Day 7 | My Dad

I love my dad. He's definitely the type of person that if you have a problem or you're in a predicament, you can go to him and he'll be a listening ear or offer sound advice.

Over the years, I've been really blessed to grow closer to my dad - in a way that makes me grateful in so many ways. We have some pretty great talks and honestly, he's one of the wisest people I know.

He has taught his four girls the value of hard work and dedication. And while we all don't see eye to eye on things sometimes, (mostly politics!), he still respects us and our decisions. And quietly prays when one of us is hurting or in need.

He adores his three grandsons and simply, enjoys LIFE and all the moments that go along with it - and even through the rough ones, he has taught us, there are lessons to be learned. Grateful DAILY for my dad and the role model he is, not only to my sisters and I, but to his three grandsons who absolutely adore him. :) Love you dad.

30 Days of Gratefulness | Day 5 | Nieces & Nephews

Next to being a mom, the next greatest honor and privilege, is to be an aunt. I have the cutest, most wonderful nieces and nephews a girl could ask for. And I'm so thankful for every single one of them - the joy they bring - and the love they give - even the ones that aren't exactly related by blood! ;) LOVE THEM ALL SO VERY MUCH!

30 Days of Gratefulness | Day 4 | FRIENDS

So I know some of these photographs aren't the greatest - but I love them! Because they're little moments that were shared among friends. I'm so thankful for the women and men in my life that I get to call FRIENDS. TRUE friends. Some of them I live near - others a bit farther away - but despite the distance, and sometimes the time that passes before we all see each other again, I'm so grateful that I have these beautiful people in my life. They're my 'brothers' and 'sisters' that God has enriched this amazing life with.

30 Days of Gratefulness | Day 3 | My Mom

My mom is a pretty amazing woman. She gave so much and still does to each of her girls and her three grand babies. Despite the ups and downs of this crazy life - she somehow manages to make MOMENTS happen - and tries to remain positive and optimistic. I'm very thankful for the times we've shared over the years and for the many wonderful memories we've made along the way. I'm grateful for her sacrifice and love - and thankful that she is compassionate and genuine - even when it's hard.

Today is her birthday. I'm grateful that there is a day to celebrate her and the amazing, beautiful lady she IS.