giving thanks

The origins of the Thanksgiving holiday are clouded with events we’d rather sweep under the rug, but the modern-day American tradition of “giving thanks” has evolved into a fairly tolerable celebration.  (If gluttony and sloth are things that you’re into.)  Ok, I’ll stop.  I couldn’t help myself.

It’s a tradition that brings families together.  I can live with that. 

In the spirit of giving thanks, I’d like to share the things that I’m thankful for everyday, not just on the 4th Thursday in November. 

I’m thankful for:

Family

Stuart and Denise (and their 'stashes')

Little bro and I on his wedding day.

Photo credits to Jessica Fike .

Mom and Dad!

Clif and Amy

Sami

(You really need to stop being so cute.  I mean it.  Stop now.)

Noah

Josh

Friends
Tom, Jeremy and Josh.  First night in Austin, at Rudys.  Best. BBQ. Ever.

Doug, Matt and Josh

Ranger Matt

Alex (and Heather!)

Mallory

These little friends make my day.  Really.  Look at those faces.

photo credit to Mary Helen Horne

(she gets credit for making cute babies too)

Mary's daughter, Mallory, calls me "MeMaw" and it turns my heart to mush.

Janell and Luke and little Eli.  I miss you guys.  Wish you were closer.

Dogs


Juno, and Juno's tongue

Juno and Ajax.  Best. Dogs. Ever.

Health
Yes, I'm obsessed, but it has changed my life.  Go try it .

Freedom
 Thank you, service men and women.

And, of course, little things like: 


Hockey 
Go Canes!

I'm starting to realize that everyone I know makes this face a lot.

True Religion jeans

flat irons

ice cream

beer, particularly this beer

cheeseburgers

summer

movies

authors like Bill Bryson, Jon Krakauer, and Douglas Adams

rubber rain boots

the internet (goodness knows I couldn't live without it)  I will be googling "how to cook a 12lb turkey" very soon.

clean water (that's kind of a big deal)

Of course, I could go on forever, but I'll spare you.  I hope you are all having a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!