Grateful.

One of the most amazing things about blogging is being able to look back at where I have been and the lessons learned. So much has changed since last Thanksgiving... what remains constant are the blessings that come... often in the most unexpected ways. And now for the top 10...

1. This man. It is so crazy to think that we have been doing life together since I was 18... as each year passes, I am amazed at how much we have changed... but how we have changed together. He accepts my quirks and faults... laughs with me... willingly eats my new recipe attempts... lets me sing Taylor Swift at the top of my lungs - only slightly off key... encourages me... and reminds me I am not in control. To be able to call him my husband now is the most exciting feeling!

2. This family. Planning our wedding brought my family together as we tackled programs, flowers, THE dress, how to incorporate family traditions and heirlooms, and as my parents honestly communicated that this day is an event, what is lasting is the promise we make. I am so thankful to have parents that are not afraid to let me fall but are always there to help build me back up... they have let me learn tough lessons but constantly encouraged me along the way. It has always been my hope that Travis and I have a marriage like theirs... one of faith, acceptance, compromise, friendship and love.

And for my brother... who loves and accepts unconditionally. It is still hard for me to believe that he is a grown-up now... but I am so proud of the person he is becoming.

3. This extended family. With marriage comes more family. And what I have learned from the Meyers is that family is important. No matter the distance - your family will always be there. It doesn't matter whose side or what your last name is... it's one big family. I am so thankful to have them to remind me of that and encourage Travis and I to do the same for our family.

4. This new family. Kam has watched me grow up from a teenager just out of high school to an adult with a job. He has been a part of our relationship from the very beginning... and supported us through moves, distance, graduations, and all the in between stuff. Having him and Bridgette in our life has been such a blessing... they go beyond brother and sister-in law to two of our bestest friends. Watching them become parents has been so encouraging and exciting! They support Travis and I in the most amazing ways and I know that when we have kids one day, they will love them as much as we love Oliver and Olivia.

5. These friends. I could not ask for a more dynamic and amazing group of friends. God has most definitely blessed me with friends that make life so much richer. What has been even more amazing is watching these friendships go across high school and college lines. It is so reassuring to know that I have these girls to call on when life gets tough... when life is funny... when life needs adventure... when life changes... and when life seems normal.

6. This place. Our first place. Travis and I spent a couple of months looking at apartments and reading almost every Craigslist posting before we found THIS place... OUR place. The move was fun - exciting - and challenging... his clothes AND my clothes... his stuff AND my stuff... his habits AND my habits... now that everything has pretty much found its place, I am grateful for this move because we learned so much about each other... we had to let go of some our own ways of doing things and find a new way together. While we still have a few projects left to complete, this place feels more and more like home. Picture tour coming soon... PROMISE!

 7. These women. I have been blessed with two amazing grandmothers that are the perfect picture of unconditional love. They both have hearts that serve and accept and love and encourage. They both stood by their husbands through job changes, moves across the world, health issues that could have torn them apart and last days where they never stopped loving.

8. This picture. Last Thanksgiving, I was thanking God that my granddaddy was in a safe place... this Thanksgiving, I thank God that he is safe... just in a different place where there is no more suffering, confusion, medications, or pain. This is the last picture I have with my granddaddy and last one we have with him as a family... they both will be tucked away and treasured always.

9. These moments. The in-between moments... between weddings... showers... family events... the big stuff. It is these moments that I am lucky to have captured on my phone... to remember that it is often those in between moments - the random trip to get ice cream... the ride in a mini-van and laughter about the moms we will be... the date night... the adventures in our new neighborhood... the road trips... the finished products... the everyday life stuff - that bring the most joy.

10. This faith. And this promise.