Finding Thankfulness

This past week was kind of a rough one. And it yielded something I didn't quite expect. There were a lot of things this week. There were:

Death

Big pills to swallow

{Metaphorically and Literally}

Hard News

A Dose of Reality

New Realizations, Difficult Ones

{That Meant Things For Me That I Didn't Like}

Sadness

But, in all of that, I found myself feeling something I really didn't expect. Thankfulness. It was kind of like a breath of fresh air. I found myself seeing things differently. Not taking so many things for granted. I am thankful for SO many things.

Life.

A new nephew.

A family day.

Sunshine. And lots of it.

A camera. To capture the little moments we seem to so quickly forget.

My children. They are truly the lights of my life.

My husband. I am truly humbled he chose me for his bride.

Late night chats with my best friend 5,000 miles away.

Early morning skype dates from the other side of the world.

Friends that time don't change.

The ability to cry.

Hugs.

My dog.

Painted nails.

Blue Skies.

Truth.

Giggles.

Germany.

Opportunity.

The simple kindnesses of others, in which they give with no expectation of receiving.

The mere fact that our Creator gave me the ability to find THANKFULNESS in a trying time. What a gift. One in which I am abundantly grateful for. One in which I truly hope I do not easily forget. So today, I am thankful

A Birthday Wish List

So, it's not often I ask for anything for my birthday. Or really want anything for my birthday. My birthdays tend to just go to crap. Like, Aaron is deployed, or a the week before a landrover crushes us and I break several bones in my body and am in a wheelchair. You know, something always comes up. So, my birthday has kind of become no big thing. But, this year for some reason, upon turning a quarter of a century old, I am excited about my birthday. I've always made it a point to make birthdays a huge deal for those around me. Growing up in high school I always blew up balloons and got huge bags of candy and left them in the office as surprises for my friends. I always make it a point to do extra special things throughout the day for Aaron and the boys on the day of their birth. I LIKE birthdays, just don't ever find anything special about my own, but this year, for some reason, I desire for it to be special. I even made a list of some things I wanted. Yup. I did it. Now, some of this crap is expensive. I know that. I don't expect to get all of it. Or any of it for that matter. But it was fun to be a little indulgent for once. So without further ado, here is my list. My little "want" list for turning a century of a year old in a month or two:

Isn't it cute? Yup, I know.

A trip for me and JoJo to Cali. For me to spend a week with Lisha and meet sweet Ava and JoJo to meet Lisha. I already get this.

So I can walk and lose poundage. Except I want a little different version of this stroller. The one with the 360 degree front wheel.

Kindle baby.

Love this lens. It's the 18-125mm f 3.5-5.6

Cute, no? With all the rain here I need these!

New mom mobile? Yes, please.

Dehydrated fruit snacks. Delicious, and helps lose poundage so I don't eat so much crap.

So, there's a little insight into me. And my wish list. My quarter century crisis desires :) Happy Sunday!