Thanksgiving 2009 edition

Like every year, this year was a roller coaster. Up, down, wanting to puke at times....

I've recently lost someone very dear to my family. My beautiful Auntie Betsy. Cancer weakened her body, but never weakened her spirit or her love for her Ohana. She was the matriarch of our family. The glue that binds us all together. But I'm thankful that she's no longer in pain, and that we got to spend some time together before the Lord called her home.

I'm thankful for my husband. He's amazing. He puts up with my daily complaining, my laziness, and my attitude (especially when I'm tired, hot or things don't go my way). He pushes me to obtain my goals and keeps me on track when I start to wander. He sacrfices his free time and takes on both parenting roles so I can go on my excursions to Oklahoma, Vegas or whatever random place I want to visit. We celebrated our 7th anniversary this year, and he's still the love of my life.

I'm thankful for Landon Cash. He's the apple of my eye, and my reason for breathing. It's amazing how such a little person can influence your life. Just looking at Landon makes me want to be a better person. He's full of so much wonder and life. Even the bad days are good ones with Landon.

I'm thankful for my job. Sometimes things don't go as planned. I didn't get what I was looking for. And in the end, that's going to be okay. That just means that I'm on the path that God has set for me. I have more lessons to learn, and there is something better waiting for me.

I'm thankful for my family. Sometimes they drive me insane. And other times they keep me from going insane. My parents always sacrificed so much so that I could have the best in life. And I'm always appreciative of that.
I'm thankful for spending childhood summers and spring breaks at my sister Lisa's house. I still remember catching lady bugs and learning to boogie board, and then as I got older, bringing my best friend to stay. Those were the best summers of my life.... and Robyn and I still talk about how much fun we had.
I'm thankful for my sister, Mandy. And that we've had the chance to grow closer in recent years. I'm thankful for my brother Nico. Of all of my siblings, we're the closest in age, but still 11 years apart. I have some great memories of him skateboarding, and him putting me on the board in front of him as we cruised down the street. I don't know if I've ever told him, but he's one of my heros, too.
All of my family is very important to me, so if I didn't mention you, don't be offended.

I'm thankful for my friends. I miss my best friends (Robyn and Megan, I'm talking about you). They always find a way to turn an ordinary day into a great one! And maybe by them living so far away, it makes the time we do spend together even more special.
I'm also thankful for my great friends, like Shea & Courtney, who let me vent about things and people, and other stuff. We have fun times together. I'm glad Wesley's high school friends married such amazing girls! And I'm thankful for Miss Haylie, too. It's such a blessing for Landon to have her to grow up with. They're like two peas in a pod, and I they're that fond of each other forever.
I'm thankful for all of my other friends, too. Dana for always making me laugh and for our trip to OU this year! FUN stuff! For Robin and all of her advice. She truly gives the best advice! And everyone else that I haven't mentioned.

Wow, is this a novel or what? I have a lot to be thankful for this year. And I give all of my thanks to GOD. Because, without him and the sacrifice that Jesus made, I wouldn't have any of this.