Thanksgiving...Thankfulness

Warning...little long!
I know some of you that visit this blog are just interested in the photography aspect, but since it is also my way of keeping a little mental journal or random thoughts I thought I would post today as I reflect on the season.  Ignore or scroll down for the picture posts if you so desire... :)
Things I am thankful for... I guess one that has been on my mind lately is my Nana.  I am thankful that I got to have such a wonderful, caring, loving example in what a grandmother and mother should be.  Unconditional love. I am sad to not have her here to celebrate this season with but joyful to know she is celebrating better than we could ever imagine with our Lord.  I am also thankful for my beautiful children and husband that God gave me.  I prayed for the right person to come into my life to share it with and I doubted it many times.  I am glad God gave me the patience to hold out and wait for him.  He gave me Russell who can tolerate my moods, habits, and craziness in general and all the while make me laugh!  My kids who I share with this wonderful man.  Boy are they trying but they are also such amazing little people and I am so proud of who they are.  God watches over them and helps me daily to do my best - and whether I like it or not, my best is all I can do!  I am thankful for wonderful family that I can go visit and share time with.  My mom and Clay who always welcome us into their home and do so much for us.  Who tolerate us invading for a few days when we visit a few times each year and entertain us! My mom who always has fun things for the kids to do and me too!  Who I can always count on for a trip to the scrapbook store and to just listen.  My in-laws who are so gracious to help us out all the time and just give us a nice relaxed visit when we go to the farm.  So peaceful and all time is lost when you are there.  So nice to feel like you have traveled back to simpler times and breathe!  My dad who is just the greatest dad in the world.  Who always made me feel like I was the prettiest and most special little girl.  I wish all girls had that!  Who just gives you that look that says "you mean the world to me".  For Dad and Susan who are always so happy to see us since we only get a few of those visits each year.  For adoring and spoiling my kids and making everything fun and about the kids! As well as the rest of my family...I am so blessed to have a big family!  I am thankful for a job, a house, and that we can afford all that we need and a few things we don't.  For the ability to change directions in my life if I don't like the way something is going, just having the courage to do that!  For having so many people who love me and want the very best for me.  For GREAT friends who are always asking "when can we get together" even though we are all pulled in too many directions.  For my budding photography business, the talent to pursue it, and the people who are willing to allow me to photograph and spend time with their family for a little while.  For family movie nights, girl days with Jaedyn, dates with Bubba, family game nights, scrapbook nights with the girls, holiday traditions that I hope my kids will carry on with their own, and most of all that God has given me all of this and SO much more than I could ever hope for.  I could write all day about this but I have kept you long enough.   Just wanted to send this out there as I was thinking it as a way to honor God and be thankful, as I should be in my heart EVERY day!
God bless you all and know you all hold a special place in my life and heart!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Don't forget to tell Him of all the things you are grateful for!