thankful.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving up in Seattle with my parents. It was great to spend it at home again. I miss that every year. I brought my "big girl" camera and didn't take a single photo. So bad, I know...
As November draws to a close I've been thinking a lot about all the things I am thankful for. The list is very long, I realize. Which, of course, I am quite thankful for. My original plan was to take a photo a day of something I was thankful for and do a collage at the end of the month. But I slacked-off after about five days. Again, so bad, I know.

I am thankful...
for my wonderful, beautiful, sassy, imaginative, silly, lovey-dovey, little Max. I  may only have one little person in my life, but I got the best one. And for that I will be eternally grateful.
for my husband - who works lots of long hours to provide for us; who has the patience between the two of us; who is the calm one in our family. He is a funny guy, whose laughter is contagious.
my college girlfriends who I have had the great pleasure of knowing for almost 20 years. Being with any one of them feels a bit like home. And as a group - WOW! We know how to have a lot of fun.
being able to stay home with Max. It's by far the hardest job I've ever had. And the most rewarding.
for photography, which is something I can call my own; which has put me in touch with my old self; which allows me a creative outlet.
for my wonderful, new photography/blogging friends! They inspire me every. single. day.  They have left sweet comments on my blog and have been a great resource of photography information. They have prayed for me and they have sent me words of wisdom that I think of every day. I wish I could give you all a big huge hug and sit and chat with you over coffee. Someday.
for this great country we live in and the people who have fought for my freedom, past and present.
for my amazing parents who do so many wonderful things for me all the time! I could write volumes about all they have done for me...many volumes...
for my brother who always makes me laugh and who is such a wonderful Uncle to Max. And for his girlfriend who has so much energy and loves to play with Max.
I was able to do IVF. Now I will never wonder, what if we had tried IVF?...And for all of the friends and family who kept me in their prayers before, during and after that journey.
for anti-epileptic medications. Because of them I don't live my life in fear every waking moment.
for my health and the health of those I love.
for Pinterest. Yes, I know this sounds shallow. But at the end of a bad day I love getting lost in the eye candy that is Pinterest. I love how "just 5 more minutes" turns into and hour later.
for the ten years I got to spend with my sweet Maggie Lou. She brought so much joy to my life. Thinking of her just makes me smile.
for vanilla lattes.
for my great C-Town girlfriends! I have met a lot of really great, caring people here in Camas. Friends who listen and are ready to help at a moments notice. Friends to chat with for hours while having a few cocktails. Friends who will share Truffle Fries with you. ;)
for an abundance of good books to read!
for the world of possiblity that is my future.
for forgiveness and His grace.

Just a sampling of the many, many things for which I am thankful. I am so very blessed.