Magic Machines

THANKSgiving Day 22
 Today I am thankful for the modern conveniences that I very much enjoy in my everyday life. Washers and dryers, heater, water heater, lights, toaster, refrigerator...and the list goes on and on! I love that I can sleep in comfy temperatures. I really enjoy my hot showers. I love putting my clothes into the magic machines that make them clean and dry. I am very blessed to live in this time where I have so much to make my life nice. I hope to never take any of it for granted.

Banging Doors

Day 21
 Today I am soooo grateful for my roommate, Anna. She and I have had a lot of fun these past months as we've ventured out into the world, a little more on our own than before. We've enjoyed a lot of laughs along the way, and I know that I have learned a lot from her.
 Today the thing that I am most grateful for about her is the fact that she woke me up today. I heard the bathroom door close very loudly, and wondered why Anna would be so loud in the middle of the night. I pulled out my phone to see how much longer I had before the alarm went off, and I discovered that it was 6:51. I need to leave no later than 7:04 to get to work on-time. In a panic I jumped out of bed and started running like cray to get ready. She was even kind enough to give me full access to the bathroom! Who knows what time I would've woken up if it wasn't for her!
 This is only one of many reasons that I am grateful for Anna. We have a good time together, and she has taught me many new skills, especially how to do things for myself. We have created some roommate traditions, and we have excellent roommate bonding time (binge watching TV shows...what could be better?!). For these and so many other reasons I am grateful to have Anna as my friend and my roommate!

Bonus Brother

THANKSgiving Day 20
 In keeping with my family theme these past few days, today I am thankful for my bonus brother, Nic. He is one excellent man. He works so hard for his family. But here's the deal-everyone is family to him. He so willingly serves so many people. He has a huge heart, and is always willing to jump in and get his hands dirty to make someone's life a little easier. He will go to bat for you, fight for you, or cheer for you-whatever you need. I am lucky to get to have him as part of my family tree. Love you, Nic!

Bouns Sister

THANKSgiving Day 19
Today I am thankful for my bonus sister, also known as my sister-in-law, Felicia. I knew that we were kindred spirits when we were both quoting from the same awesome movie. It was an epic moment when we had a "name that movie!" "No, you name that movie!" battle, and realized that we both knew the movie. I love getting to spend time with Felicia, and I hate that we don't get to do it anymore. (Dang work and living far away from each other!) Felicia is a friend I always know that I can count on. She's my second sister, and the perfect addition to the family. I don't remember what life was like pre-Felicia, which is okay because life with her is pretty fantastic! Thank you, Felicia, for being an awesome woman. You give me strength and courage. Love you!

Looking Up

THANKSgiving Day 18
Today I want to express thanks for my little brother. He is one amazing man, and I am so proud of him! I remember the first time that I looked up to him-literally. We were standing in the kitchen and he was taller than me. I insisted, like any good big sister, that he take his shoes off when standing next to me so that he wouldn't be taller than me. He informed me that he was not wearing any shoes, and a look at his feet confirmed it-my little brother had suddenly become taller than me, and I had to look up to him when we talked. Since then I have looked up to him in ways that he probably doesn't even know. He has been my hero and my champion. He quietly does his thing everyday and doesn't complain about it. He works hard to provide for his family. He is loving, kind, and sweet to his wife and daughter. He is hold-your-sides-and-laugh-until-you-cry funny. He is there when you need him. He is strong and humble. He shows Christlike love and service. He is just amazing, and I love him. Recently he got a promotion at work. When I found out I may have cried a little for him: I was so happy and so proud of him. If anyone deserved it, it was him. He is proving himself as a great man every single day, and others are starting to notice how great he really is. I've seen it there for a long time, and it was exciting to know that others were seeing it as well. And so today I give thanks that I get to look up to my little brother. He is one amazing person! Jason, you're the best brother a girl could ask for!

"I'm going to Knitting Club!"

THANKSgiving Day 17
 Today I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, and for the sense of accomplishment that it brings. Over the summer my sister introduced me to knitting, and now I'm really getting into it. I decided to make scarves for a few of my chickadees, so I've been knitting like a fiend! On Thursday I went to Knitting Club and re-learned how to knit, and I haven't stopped since. Each night it's fun to look at how long my project is getting, and to know (and hope!) that very soon it will actually be a scarf! I've been picking up quite a few new homemaking type skills recently, and it's been fun! Each project that I've worked on has been a labor of love, and it's been special for me to make these things.

Mothers and Daughters

THANKSgiving Day 16
 Today I want to give thanks for a very special lady in my life-my mother. I was realizing the other day that since I moved out we don't get to have our mother-daughter dates like we used to. I could always count on my mom to be my movie buddy! I miss getting to plan evenings together! I miss arguing about what to have for dinner on Saturday nights when dad is working and neither of us wants what the other is willing to cook. It sounds silly, but it was our thing. I love my mom for all of the crazy traditions that the two of us have! I also love her love for life. She and her sister are always going off on adventures, and I love that. She is setting a great example for me and my sister to follow. I also love that my mom has a big heart. We are getting into the season where she really gets to show it. She likes making goodies and treats for people, so she thrives this time of year! And even in the midst of her holiday cooking, baking, and crafting, she is still willing to help me when my projects go awry. My mom has a heart of gold, and I am grateful that she has passed her love of people on to me. I am so thankful to know that my mom is there for me, and always willing to listen and offer advice. I might not always take it, but it wouldn't be a mother/daughter relationship otherwise, right? :) Mom, you are one amazing woman and I am forever grateful to call you mine! I love you!