This year I’m thankful for so many things. First, I’m thankful for God and the blessings he has given me and my family. I’m thankful for his calling to develop & nurture a more intimate relationship with him.

I’m thankful for my loving husband. He is my laughter and support. My lighthouse, my shipmate and forever partner. I’m thankful for the hard work he does everyday giving us the opportunity to have a beautiful roof over our heads, bills paid, food on the table and the choice for me to stay home to raise our family. You are my life. Without you I would be lost. You give me strength. I appreciate you more than one could ever know. I know I’m blessed having you as my husband.

I’m thankful for all my daughters. They too are my laughter and love. They are beautiful, healthy girls. I love seeing the world with and through them. Experiencing things in a new fresh way with them. I’m thankful for my older girls’ mother, Sandy. She is a fabulous role model and encourager, raising my beautiful step-daughters into beautiful young women.

I’m thankful for all the troops fighting wars on domestic and foreign soil. I’m thankful for God keeping my Brother-In-Law and all other service men and woman safe while fighting for our freedom. I’m thankful for God giving my sister the strength to hold her family together while he is away. I only know of some of the challenged you have on your shoulders raising your two young children without “daddy” being home. You are a role model for strength, endurance and love.

I’m thankful for the closeness my sister and my brother and I have shared over the years. And cherish the years we have to look forward to. My brother works so hard to support his family. I would pray that God lifts him up when he feel worn out and under tremendous pressure. And when Lisa is exhausted from being pulled by 3 kids, I’m thankful that my nieces and nephews have sucha loving and wonderful mom. The world is a better place because of Lisa’s love for her children.

I’m thankful for the health of all my family members. Of particular note, my mom and grandma who recovered from intensive surgeries this year. I’m thankful for the close relationship I have with my mom. As the years have gone on, our relationship has developed into a wonderful friendship. I know I can always come home and your arms will give me a hug.

I’m also thankful for my family members who are in my life. Even if we don’t always see eye to eye or always have the same ideals, I’m thankful they are in our life and healthy.

I’m thankful for the friends that I have that I may not always talk with. Maybe it has been a week, a month, a year, or more. In one way or another you have all touched my life and I’m grateful.

I’m thankful for my friends. Friends that I can lean on, call on during some of my most trying days this past year.

I’m thankful to be in a position to help other people. I’m thankful I have my health and energy to reach out and help. I’m thankful that God has blessed me with a career that I can continue to help make a difference in lives.

I’m thankful that my husband’s job brought us to Bakersfield. In a million years, I never thought I would ever say that. Being in Bakersfield has afforded us many opportunities in the present and in the future. I’m humble and grateful.

I’m thankful for all that we have. That is the intangible and tangible. Knowing very well that everything can change in a moment.