I'm Thankful...

It seems like everyone is doing the daily 'Thankful' posts for each day in November via facebook.  Cute idea but I never jumped on the bandwagon.  Well here I am jumping on-just via the blog world.  I have a bit of catching up to do since it's now only a few days before Turkey Day so instead of doing it day by day I am just going to list my top 22 things I am thankful for since Thanksgiving falls on the 22nd.  I am so excited for Thanksgiving this year for so many reasons-one being that it kicks off my favorite season/holiday of the year! 

I present to you my top 22 things I am thankful for in no particular order:

1. My Family-I don't think I need to elaborate.  I have the best family in the world.  Especially my own little duo soon to be trio (well 4 including me but everyone knows I am the best-I KID!)  (but seriously)

2. Our jobs-It's no secret that this has been a struggle for us at one point.  But I am so thankful that Tommy and I are both in jobs we love and we can provide for our little family. 

3. Our home-Our home may not be huge but we love it and it keeps us safe and dry-even in hurricane strong winds.  Even if we did loose a little siding I am more than grateful that is all we lost. 

4. Kiddie Academy-I love this place.  I feel that Lilly has grown so much because of the teachers and staff there.  They really encourage learning and growth.  Before I had Lilly I didn't think I would want my kids in day care.  We tried to make that work but it reached a point where it was our only option.  I am so glad I found a place that truly cares and I feel that it's the next best thing to being home with mom or dad or other family members.  I am happy too that Lilly loves 'school' too!

5. My husband-He's included in my family of course but he deserves a shout out all his own.  I hit the husband jack pot that is for sure.  He cooks when needed, helps with cleaning that i hate like dishes and cleaning toilets, is an awesome dad, and can build a mean swing set and basically do anything around the house!  He rocks and I love him more than anything.  I am most thankful he puts up with me at times (like when I leave his work pants in the dryer for days and he has to wear them wrinkly because all the other ones are dirty).  he's also a comic!

6. My health-who isn't.  But I complain way too much when there are others that aren't so lucky.  So what I am a bit more overweight than I would like-I have my health and a wonderful life-I am lucky and for that I am thankful. 

7. Toddler belly laughs-anyone who cannot at least crack a smile when a toddler or baby belly laughs must be off their rocker.  Lilly loves to laugh and I love when she laughs.  It's the greatest thing in the world and it can lift me up and turn my whole day around. 

8. "Bless you Mommy"-sorry for all the kidisms but every time I sneeze or cough Lilly says to me;  "Bless you Mommy".  I am not sure who taught her that or if she just learned by example but I am so thankful for it.  I could be upstairs and she downstairs and I can hear her little voice say: "bless you mommy".  It makes my heart swell. 

9. My extended family-I cannot be more thankful for my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, in laws, nieces, great-aunts....My family rocks and I am PUMPED to get to see almost all of them in one room at my beautiful cousins wedding in December. 

10. Our country and state-we exercised our right to vote a few weeks ago and I am so proud that I have that right.

11. Thanksgiving Dinner-'nuf said

12. Mascara

13. Weekends-I love the time I get to spend with my family.  Since during busy time I can often work on weekends I cherish them even more!

14. Social Media-is this weird?  I love that social media like blogs, facebook, twitter, blogs can keep us connected (although sometimes too connected).  I've kept in touch with people I may not be able to do otherwise and I love it.  While sometimes social media can be a bit of crazy or suck some life out of our day because let's face it who HASN'T used social media as a way to stalk someone (and BE HONEST).  I think one of the best things is that while we get caught up in our busy lives it allows some of my closest friends and family know what's happening in my life.  I would be exhausted if I e-mailed/called everyone I wanted to sharing some trivial part of my day or a million pictures of Lilly-now a good talk to e-mail is good-just not at all possible every single day!  So Thanks social media (and skype and face time...)

15.  Hot Chocolate (it would be coffee if I wasn't cutting back due to the babe)

16.  Holiday music-with the exception of Christmas Shoes-I am NOT thankful for that song.  And if you are sitting there saying Christmas Shoes?  Here you go-most depressing song ever!

17.  My best friend-we don't talk everyday like we used to but when we do it's like old times.  I am so thankful she's been in my life all these years.  Friends for 16 years and counting...

18.  Mellow Mushroom pizza-I only wish the closest one wasn't 6 hours away. 

19.  My hairdresser-I recently found someone more local for me and love that she made me blonde again-plus she cut it well and she doesn't cost an arm and a leg-mama like

20.  My education-I have a bachelors degree and masters degree that pretty much were paid for from two very strong schools.  I am also thankful of all the sacrifices my parents made to send me to Catholic school 1st-12th grade.  I am so thankful I have a great education! 

21.  Pinterest-Thanks for making me a better baker and cook, organizer, and I am working on the whole decorating thing. 

22.  Last but not least I am thankful for all the strong women in my life who have taught me so much about life, love, and who have made me who I am today.  My mom especially!  Love you all!!!! 

Hope everyone has a spectacular Thanksgiving.  We will be doing some house hopping this year and I am looking forward to lots of food, family, and fun!