Home Again, Home Again...

(Before you begin, this is another long one...I'll warn ya now.)

We're back! And, what a fun Thanksgiving vacation for our family! This year, we went to visit Pops and Grandma in Hawaii, which is always such a fun break from the normal Thanksgiving holiday! Any week that includes tropical weather, beach trips, sno cones (called "shave ice" in Hawaii), boat rides, and more food than I could begin to list in a blog, is a GREAT WEEK!! We even snuck in two days of outlet shopping too! Plus, a traditional Thanksgiving feast in a not-so-traditional place---the oceanarium restaurant in Waikiki.
The only bummer of the entire trip was the yucky stomach virus that all of us had the pleasure of receiving within two hours of each other. The only one NOT sick was Kendyll...poor girl. She was really starting to wonder how she was going to make it with noone to take her anywhere or play anything. But, we managed. And, once that little bug leaves, it's amazing how easily I can scarf down food again!! The night after "The Sickness", we had a family outing to Benihana....enough said.
It was a wonderful trip and another great visit with Mark's parents. They are such gracious hosts who always think of us first. They love their granddaughters so much and it is so fun to watch the four of them together! We all got spoiled rotten, and we loved every minute of it!

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So, once again, I have been gone from posting for weeks....this is such a pattern with me. I just can't break it. While I was away, I missed a very important blog that I saw on every friend's page...the "I am Thankful for" list. So, here is mine. Just a little late.

1. My health and the health of my family....not just my husband and children, but also our parents, siblings, siblings-in-law, grandparents, great-grandparents. This is a blessing that is easy to take for granted. (For example, the last time I posted, I was waiting to get results from some tests that would basically determine if I was going to be able to have more children or not. Praise the Lord for the results! It looks like after one more surgery (this Wednesday) Mark and I will be once again blessed to have that option, if it is the Lord's will. Through this health scare, I have learned so much---most of all I've learned how much MORE thankful I should be for the health I have.)

2. My husband. (I'm trying not to make each number a paragraph, but it's too hard.) Mark is absolutely the ONE that God knew fit me best. I didn't even know I could love this deeply. We could not be more opposite if we tried, but together, we make everything work better. He is the most amazing, selfless, caring person I have ever known, and sometimes I just stare at him and wonder how this all happened to me.

3. My children. Again, a long one, I'm afraid. And, again, I do a lot of staring and wondering about why I get to be their mommy. How do I sum up how wonderfully blessed I am for my two beautiful girls who make me smile all the way to my core every single day? They bless our lives with a richness I would have never imagined before they were here. And, I can't wait to watch what is ahead for each of them.

4. My family. By this I mean, my parents, my sisters, and my brothers-in-law. We have a huge family and I honestly don't even know how to describe this one. My parents, although the road they've been down has been hard at times, have taught me more lessons and continue to support me in more ways than I would have ever known back when I was sixteen and thought I knew it all. They never stop telling me how proud they are of me and Mark and our girls. And, always make sure I know how much they love me. They would do anything for any of us and that is priceless. And, my sisters....what do I even say? All three of them are the best friends my mom always told me they would be (back when I was sixteen and they drove me insane...) and much, much more. Not a day goes by where I don't talk to at least one of them (usually two or more!) and we literally share everything in life together.

4. My friends. Now, that sounds so "cliche" to say it like that. But, I have the best friends in the world....and it is amazing the different roads that lead to each one. Some live nearby and I see them four times a week, and then some live far away (like San Antonio and Amarillo and Memphis and Cookeville!!!), some give me their listening ear, some give me their spiritual knowledge, and others give me their humor and smiles. Each one blesses my life so differently and so completely. I don't know where I would be without them all.

5. My church. I don't know how the world makes it without a church home. We have been at PC for seven years now, and the people I know and experiences I have had through this amazing family has blessed my life beyond belief. I look forward to watching these same people and experiences mold and shape my precious children, as we and all of our church friends grow older together....

6. My faith and my God. This one shouldn't be #6....and it is definitely not placed in "order of importance". I am so thankful that I am blessed with a relationship with my Creator, despite who I am and what I've done. I feel so grateful for the way He cares for me, provides for me, and guides me each and every day. I literally feel Him around me in so many ways, and there is just no way to be thankful enough for that blessing and comfort. He is the reason for that I have a list....

7. Okay, this is too hard. There is no end to this list thing!!! So, here are a few other random thanksgivings for the little things in life.....

Mark's wonderful family and the way they love and support us. My niece and nephew who are still "baking" who will join our family soon! Bedtime Prayers with our children. Baby Mia who is finally united with her parents and my dear friends Chad and Amy in China this week. Tivo for all those reality shows that I can't get un-hooked from. Cold Weather...fireplaces, spice candles, warm sweaters, the works. CGGW....what has happened to us, girls? Mexican food, anywhere, anytime. Sunshine School and my precious ever-growing group of three year olds. Movie Dates. Popcorn (sometimes goes with the movie date...but most of the time, just a late night snack). Mark's Job and the security and support it gives our family. Mark's company car, and the free gas it gives our family. Finding surprise money in my messy purse (happened today...) Road Trips, even with our kids...something is exciting about packing all I need in the back of an Explorer and getting out of Dallas. Hawaii (it's on my mind, can you tell?) Nichole Nordeman, and the way her songs touch the core of my faith. Our home. Christmas decorating. Ann Taylor Loft. "Oh's" Cereal. Blogging and this new-found addiction I have to my friend's personal reality shows. Blue Bell Cookies 'n Cream. "Miss Rose", a blessing of home-cleanliness that started when I was sewing non-stop for my business--I'm thankful that my husband has let me keep her as "my friend" every two weeks (this happened today also...). Forgiveness. Answered Prayers. My children's belly laughs, especially when done at the same time because of each other. My life and the fullness that each day brings.