Thankful Thursday - Valentine's Day Edition

Today I am thankful for all of the LOVE I have in my life,
and more importantly, the people who are responsible for that love...

• My husband. He is my true love, my soul mate, my "lobster". He loves me unconditionally. He always knows the right things to say to lift my spirits no matter what my mood. Jay is never shy about complimenting me. With him I always feel beautiful and sexy, even when I first wake up in the morning. When he looks into my eyes, I know I am the only woman he sees. He is a hard worker, a great provider, & and an amazing father. Plus, he puts up with my crap. What more can a girl ask for???        

• My sons. I love my boys. Each one of them brings a special and unique energy to our family dynamic. I could give you a list of things I love about each one of them, but then we would be here all day because there are just so gosh darn many of them!  I love each one of them for many different reasons, and I am so grateful to have them in my life. They brighten up each and every one of my days and fill up my heart with more love than I ever imagined possible.

• My baby girl. I've always dreamed of having a little girl. Having M in my life has more than exceeded any expectations I had before she was born. She is so sweet, and silly and loving, she is just a pleasure to be around all the time. She always makes me smile. When my mom passed away I didn't think anything could ever fill the void she left behind, but having a little girl of my own has definitely helped to close that gap. I know the odds of having a girl were not in our favor, and I am so thankful that God blessed us with this amazing gift.

• Dear old dad. There is a saying about silver linings... my relationship with my father is the silver lining in the cloud of my mother's passing. We have always had a good relationship, but we have grown so much closer in the fifteen years since my mom has been gone. My dad is my rock. He is always there for my husband and I, and he is a wonderful grandfather to our children. We are all so lucky to have him in our lives. He will be spending a large portion of time out of state when he retires, and I am really not sure how we are going to get by without him. For now I will just be grateful for the time we spend together.

• My one and only big sister. Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be like my sister. She has taught me everything I know about fashion, hair & make-up. When I was a teenager she took me drinking, and showed me how to dance. She has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. She has done her best to step in and offer the guidance she feels my mom would've given. When my ex bailed on me, it was my sister who held my hand and wiped my tears as I brought R into this world. We have been through many things together, some good and some bad. We are both stronger because of those things, and because we have each other. 

• Last but certainly not least, my very best friend. I met her when I was just 5 years old. We were in the same first grade class, and have been friends ever since. For thirty years she has been there for me. Together we have celebrated countless milestones and shared many heartaches. She has picked me up when I was at my lowest, and flown with me at my highest points. Sometimes I think she knows me better than I know myself - we often joke that we share a brain. Most people search a lifetime for their soul mate. I consider myself very lucky, because I have two.