aaaThank you!

Last year around this time, I wrote a Thank You post containing several things/people I was thankful for at the time. To keep with tradition, I thought I'd give God another "shout-out" and list what I'm thankful for this year. Without any further ado...

Always on my list: My dear, sweet, adorable, sexy, loving, courageous, and hard-working husband, Drew. He is the funniest guy I know, incredible father to our children, and the champion of my heart. He will always be at the top of my "thankful" list.

Of course, I'm equally thankful for my two kids. The fact that they're healthy, growing, and smart is a miracle. Not everyone can say that. I'm often reminded of this. And as a bonus - they're hilarious, adorable, and downright beautiful. ;) I love them both equally, but I'm thankful for them for different reasons: I'm thankful for Cash because he introduced me to the wonderful world of motherhood. He has endured so many "test runs" as our first child and has somehow made it! ;) He has such a sweet, tender spirit, yet can test my limits in almost the same breath. He's an awesome sleeper and excellent big brother. Being his mom is a true joy.

I'm thankful for Corrinne because she taught me about trusting in God's timing before she was even born! At only 3 1/2 months old she is learning so much everyday. Because she's my second and I'm a little more relaxed, I enjoy watching her learn without worrying she's not doing what she should at this given stage, etc. Having her has forced me to be the organized person I always wanted to be, but never had the swift kick in the pants I needed to get me there. Her smile is a highlight of my day, and the reason I don't (always) cry when I am woken up in the middle of the night...I'm so incredibly thankful and glad we were blessed with her.

Almost daily I think to myself, "I love our new house." Its such a blessing to have so much space for our kids, visitors, our stuff, and the kids to come. (Yes, there will be more! But not anytime soon.) We've been able to entertain our friends and family without people having to sit on each other's laps. (I kid, that never happened.) We are so grateful God worked it out for us to be able to sell our house and purchase this one. It was truly His handiwork.

My family. I have a HUGE family and its always crazy when we're all together. But I think I'd probably cry if it were any other way. There's nothing quite like the bond you share with your siblings. My sisters are my very best friends and I know it'll always be that way. We understand each other better than anyone, know the other person's joke before they say it and laugh the loudest at it. We hurt when one is hurting and celebrate each other's accomplishments. I realize not everyone can say they're thankful for their family and that breaks my heart because I can't imagine a life without that support system. I have tremendous parents whom I've become friends with as an adult and appreciate their love and parenting even more as I've become a parent. I know I don't say it often enough, so in case you guys are reading this -- I love you! :)

Chick-fil-a Sauce. Ok, I don't know when Mr. Truett Cathy came up with this recipe but I'm pretty sure all of heaven rejoiced. I think I've become slightly obsessed with it and its become a staple at lunch on play date days - which happens once a week. And it occurred to me this afternoon, while eating my 2nd 8 pack nugget meal with a large sweet tea and extra C-F-A sauce this week, that this could be to blame for the 11 pounds of baby weight I constantly complain about. (Yes - I lost a pound last week! Baby steps, people. Baby steps.)

Mylicon. I'd like to thank the manufacturers of Mylicon for all the times you have had a hand in allowing me some extra sleep when my little one gets a bit gassy. You have created a miracle drug and I'm considering buying stock in your company...

DVR. Gone are the days of missing out on shows just because they're on after I go to bed, or having to miss something because I need to leave the room momentarily. Oh no! Not only can I "record" a show without using the VCR (do those even still exist?!) but I can record FOUR SHOWS AT ONCE! Glorious technology!

And lastly (just for this particular list) but far from the least...

My salvation. You know I couldn't do a list without stating the obvious. I'm forever grateful for the sacrifice Christ made for me and you and have committed my life to doing everything I can to glorify and honor Him.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Hollingsworths!