Giving Thanks: A Tribute to . . .

I wrote recently about giving thanks daily for the things in my life (after reading my friend Elissa's blog post about the "Blessing Box").  Here are a few things that I put in my blessing box during the month of November:

1. Walks in the beautiful fall weather 
2. Good books
3. Technology (sometimes!)
4. Midnight revelations
5. Naps
6. My church
7. GAL girls :)
8. Cuddle time
9. Siblings
10. Clarity of mind
11. Rain
12. Laughter
13. Church
14. Family
15. Chances to help others
16. Sex - yeah I said it!  :)
17. Music
18. Patience
19. Cooper's smile
20. A good night's sleep
21. New neighbors
22. New milestones
23. Friends
24. Sunshine
25. Forgiveness
26. Quiet time
27. Christmas tree and lights
28. Duke's happily wagging tail
29. Babysitters
30. Dancing

I also want to give a shout out to:

1. Jesus - I am a completely different person with you in my life.  Thank you for the joy you bring to my heart!  Thank you for the selfless, loving example you have set for us.  Every good thing in my life comes from you and I am thankful for the blessings and the trials - they have made me who I am today.
2. Steve - thank you so so so much for working so hard for our family.  I am so thankful to be a stay-at-home mom, and it wouldn't be possible without your hard work.  You are an amazing provider, husband, and daddy.  When I see you with Cooper, it melts my heart, and I love you even more than I thought possible.  Thank you for making me your wife.  Love you!
3. Cooper - I am so thankful for you, baby boy!  You make our lives complete.  I am thankful for your smile, your laugh, and the joy you bring to us.  Love you!
4. My fam -
• Dad - Thank you so much for all of the lessons you have taught me.  Everyday, it seems that I am faced with a situation, and I hear you telling me, "Honesty is the best policy", "treat others how you want to be treated", "stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves", "give to those who are less fortunate than you are".  The values you have instilled in me have made me the person I am today.  Thank you for your lessons, and keep them coming!  My passion for learning comes from you.  Love you!
• Mom - Thank you so much for being my mom!  It sounds cheesy, but I can honestly say that I want to grow up and be just like you.  You are superwoman!  Thank you for all of the sacrifices you made for our family - I feel like I am only starting to comprehend what you did for me, since I am just beginning my mommyhood journey.  Thank you for always being my rock.  Love you!
• Jax - Thank you for always being you.  You have always been true to yourself, and you have taught me how important that it.  Thank you for being such a great aunt to Cooper.  I love watching you light up when you are with him.  It makes my day.  Thank you for your wit and humor; my life would be dry and boring without it.  Love you!
• Shan - I am thankful that you are so close to me this year!  Thank you for watching Cooper so that I can cross a few things off of the to-do list.  I love watching you with him too.  You make us both smile.  You are a ball of sunshine that spreads joy wherever you go.  Love you!
• Matt - Thank you for teaching me about perserverance and how to push through when the odds are stacked against you.  I am so proud of you, and Cooper is lucky to have an uncle like you.  Thank you for working so hard, even when it seemed pointless.  I know my son is going to have a great example to follow one of these days.  Love you!
5. My grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and cousins - thank you for the amazing support system you have always provided.  I have never had a day in my life that I didn't feel loved. I am so blessed to have you all in my life.  Thank you for your love and support throughout the years.  You mean the world to me!  Love you all!
6. My in-laws - I am thankful that Cooper has you as grandparents.  When we come to town, I love watching you shower Cooper with love and affection.  He is lucky to have you as grandparents.  Thank you also for the rest you give me.  When we come, you always cook, get up early with Cooper, and play with him so that I can take a nap.  I feel so rested when we leave.  Thank you for that.
7. My friends - you know who you are!  You are my support system here in Springfield, and I am so thankful to have you in my life. You are always there, to share in the joys and the hardships.  You have taught me what true friendship is, and I am so thankful for you and this lesson.  Cooper has some amazing "aunts" and "uncles".  :)  Love you guys!