Thankful...

Well, it's about that time, so I'm making my "Top 20 What I'm Most Thankful For" list... some serious, some silly, some superficial, but all sincere. Here goes:

I'm thankful...

1. that Ryan has been safe and sound in the USA all year. And while I'm on the subject of my husband, I'm thankful that he is the rock of our marriage and has enough faith for the both of us.

2. for my family...ALL of them...in-laws included (and I'm not just saying that).

3. for my dog, Jack, who even though he growls a lot and his breath is less than desirable, is the most devoted pet I've ever known. I'm thankful that when Ryan is out of town, Jack won't go to sleep until I do.

4. for my other dog, Harley, who is the best cuddler and makes the sweetest puppy noises and will turn 3 on Thanksgiving (just thought I'd throw that in).

5. for the fact that Rosa's, Taco Bueno, Target and Starbucks are all less than 2 miles from my house.

6. for my driveway...I know it sounds silly, but after living in an apartment, I truly appreciate pulling up to my own driveway at the end of the day and not having to look for a parking spot.

7. That reminds me...I'm also thankful for my own mailbox.

8. that I have a job I actually enjoy going to every day and co-workers I enjoy spending the day with.

9. that the Dallas Cowboys are kicking ass this year. Yes, I said ass.

10. that I'm a TEXAN! I never appreciated Texas as much as I should have until it was a 24 hour drive away...no state tax and genuinely nice people everywhere you go. Love it!

11. for Diet Cherry Cokes from Sonic every morning on my way to work.

12. for OLD friends, who even though we don't see each other as much as we'd like will always be the easiest people to pick up with because we know each other inside out.

13. for NEW friends, who make every place I've moved feel like "home".

14. that I've been given the opportunity to use my gifts as a way to provide for our family. I love that I can be productive and do what I love at the same time.

15. for my TiVo. I know, I know, but even though I waste a lot of time watching worthless shows, I'm at least saving time by skipping the commercials. Does that justify it?!?

16. that it's officially time to listen to Christmas music and decorate this coming weekend!!!

17. that the Rex Sox won the World Series.

18. for my freedom.

19. for the things God has blessed me with that I take for granted everyday...a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food to eat, family & friends.

20. for God's unconditional grace, love and forgiveness that I definitely don't deserve but absolutely thank Him for.

Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

America's Heroes

"O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine,

Till all success be nobleness

And every gain divine."

That is my favorite verse of "America the Beautiful" because it captures the heroism of our nation's veterans. This weekend, we got to be part of Lewisville ISD's Veteran's Day ceremony. Ryan's Papaw came in for it also, so it was really neat that they got to be honored together. We went to breakfast at an elementary school where the students had decorated the tables with hand made patriotic placemats, and at each seat there was a thank you letter written to a veteran. The kids served us our coffee and treated these guys like rock stars. To see some of these men's faces light up when they realized that they are appreciated for their service brought tears to my eyes. The whole event was SO well done by everyone involved. I was really pleased to see that our schools are making a big deal about supporting the troops. I regret that we don't make every day Veteran's Day because every day we have is a day that we are free to work, to go to school, to pray, to speak our mind, and to enjoy the freedoms that these veterans fought for us to have. I don't know if many of us truly grasp the significance of that. I know I don't...and my husband is a vet! The Flower Mound band played the anthem for each branch of service, and when the Marine Corps Hymn was played and Ryan stood up, my heart swelled with pride. I make a much bigger deal out of it than Ryan ever will, and that's really how most of these vets are. Selfless. Speaking of selfless, the guest speaker for the ceremony was a Marine Staff Sergeant (and Lewisville H.S. graduate) that lost part of his arm in Iraq. Instead of being bitter, he uses his situation to serve as a mentor to fellow amputees at Walter Reed and the Naval Medical Center. He did a great job of reminding everyone of the importance of supporting our troops. So, next time you have a chance...thank a Vet!!

Two of my favorite Vets...Ryan & Papaw

Marine SSgt Mark H. Graunke, Jr. and his family. This Liberty Bell replica was brought over by the Daugters of the American Revolution. I was SO excited to see that on either side of the bell were tablets with the 10 commandments inscripted on them....YES, at a school function.