Thankful List 2014

Usually, I post 1 thing I'm thankful for everyday on Facebook during the month of November.  This year I decided to blog my list at once - 30 things I'm thankful for.  This list could not possibly contain everything I am thankful for, but it is great to sit down and thank God for each of these things and remind myself of the important things in life.

1. God's grace!
2. Liam's enthusiasm.  One of my favorite things in the world is to watch Liam run towards me with a huge grin on his face and his blonde hair bouncing on top of his head.
3.  Lilly's affection for stuffed animals and pets.  She was terrified of both when she came home from China (having never seen either before).  Now, she hugs and kisses them and has a great love for Daisy.
4. My teaching job.  It is so nice to work in a positive environment, where I feel appreciated.
5. My ability to be home more than I teach.  I love that my first job is being a mother.
6. Forgiveness - especially from my Heavenly Father
7. Big hugs!
8. My family.  When one of us gets cut, we all bleed, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
9. Dave - my best friend and teammate in this roller coaster of life 
10. Hearing Liam say, "Mom, I love you."
11. Lilly's attachment to us
12. Liam's faith.  Liam has some of the most deep, profound questions and thoughts about God.  I've learned a lot through his faith.
13. Daisy - such a sweet dog, and our first adopted baby
14. Pictures. I love being able to look back at pictures and think of all the wonderful memories we've made.
15. Christopher & Connor. They help me live with a heavenly perspective every day.
16. Lilly's athleticism.  I still picture the weak little girl I held for the first time and am so joyful when I see her run and jump.
17.  Lilly's determination.  Her fighting personality made it possible for her to thrive.
18.  Liam's tender heart.  He has the biggest, sweetest soul of any kid I know.
19.  My friends.  Regardless of how often I see them, they are so influential in my decisions, supportive, and true gifts from God.
20. Role models.  I look up to my Grandmother's knowledge of the bible, my Mom's work ethic, and my Godmother's parenting skills.
21. My students.  My heart aches for them sometimes, and sometimes I'm baffled by their little brains, but they challenge me to be a better teacher.  
22. Laughter
23. Fingerprints of God in nature - the sunrise, sunset, beautiful leaves, turquoise water, blue sky...
24. God's provision 
25.  Our church family
26. Good movies & books that make me laugh and cry and demonstrate the human condition.
27.  Pedicures - if you saw my feet, you'd understand
28. Adoption - what a great picture of God's love for us.  Adoption has made our family possible and our lives sweeter.
29. Beautiful things
30. My in-laws. They've always treated me like a daughter and are great grandparents!