Jobs

I've done such a great job of the whole thankfulness thing...

Today, I'm thankful that Adam and I both have jobs. I have a job where I get to work with small children and high schoolers. Adam has a job where he's affirmed, loved, and wanted. We're both in good places. 

But it's because of these jobs that we were able to go to Portland last week just because. Just because we wanted to get away and enjoy a time out. 

And we definitely did. Have I mentioned that I love the Hampton Inn?? Because I do so very much. Staying there for the weekend was so great. Several times throughout the weekend I thought or said out loud, "I could work here!" 

Besides the obvious enjoyment of the Hampton, we enjoyed great food, lots of laughing, and the luxury of completely shutting down from work. It. was. awesome.

And we went to this awesome waterfall. 

My cute husband has a beard! :) 

Despite my inclinations to complain about aspects of my job or the ways it's plain exhausting, I'm so blessed to be able to enjoy a weekend away with my favorite person. 

Obviously

I don't really have the energy to post much (any?) content.

But, today, I'm thankful for this face. 

And this one.

I'm so thankful for these girls. I'm so glad Anthony and Erin didn't wait until having kids was "convenient" because I never want to go back to a day without Ryann or Alee. 

I miss them somethin' fierce. 

I'm thankful for their smiles. Their hugs. Their giggles. 
I'm thankful for every bit of both of them. 

Parents

Today, I'm thankful for my parents. 

I'm thankful for their love, their care, and their marriage. As I watch a few of my students struggle, already, with broken homes and constantly bouncing from his house to her house to Grandma's house, I'm so grateful that my parents have a strong marriage. That they still hold hands. And they still serve each other and believe the best. I'm thankful that I got to hear them argue when I was a kid, so I could see that marriage is hard work and not perfect. 

I'm thankful that they made family vacations a priority. I love the memories I have with my siblings and the home videos to go along with them. I know this was a sacrifice, but I so appreciate it. But we all can laugh when we think about playing cards in Costa Rica, Kara's constant need to shop in Hawaii, or all of us learning to snowboard in Tahoe.

I'm thankful for the confidence they cultivated in me regarding Whose I am, by always pointing me towards Truth. 

I'm so thankful God gave me the parents He did. 

Also, growing up in, on, and around Chick-fil-A my entire life-- totally awesome!!

Thankful

People who have time will be blogging all month about 30 different things they're thankful for- 1 for each day of the month. I'm going to be realistic here and know that I won't be signing in every day. It's November 2nd anyway, right?

But I do want to be sure to choose in to this season of thankfulness and be intentional. Perhaps a gratitude tree in my house would be a good idea. 

Anyways.

Today, I'm thankful for my husband. 

I'm thankful that he kills spiders and cleans toilets. 
I'm thankful that he can usually make me laugh despite how exhausted I am from my day.
I'm thankful for his songwriting and singing abilities. They are some of his hidden talents. 
I'm thankful that he plays with my hair and hugs me close every morning. 
I'm thankful that he's competitive and playful. Loving and forgiving. 

I'm thankful for this man I'm doing life with. I value his leadership. I love his insights (usually). And I cannot picture life without his companionship.