Giving Thanks

This post is a bit late....but here's a list of things I'm especially thankful for this year (2010)

- Ben. I have a healthy 13 month old who brings me unbelievable joy every single day. Yes there are challenges and it's a lot of hard work but it is absolutely worth it.

- Ben has more or less been a very healthy kid. No major illnesses or injuries! Not to say we haven't gone through boxes of kleenex to wipe snotty noses or done loads of laundry after other unfortunate reversals of fortune, but he has been for the most part healthy. Blessing.

- Ben is sleeping. At least 50% of the time, he sleeps through the night without any wakings. After going 13 months without a night of uninterrupted sleep, we'll take it when we can get it.

- Ben is happy. He smiles and laughs at anyone and everyone hoping that they'll return the smile and give him an excuse to wave his pudgy hand in excitement.

- Brian. I have a wonderful husband who I've been married to for 4 years. He is working so hard to get his PhD and I admire his persistence in the important work he is doing. He is a wonderful father who sacrifices time and time again for his son and is setting an example of what it means to be a Christian man of integrity.

- Family. We have wonderful family who have been so supportive and loving. We could not make it without them. Our awesome parents are amazing grandparents to Ben. What a blessing.

- Health. We made it through 2010 without any health problems! 2006- Katie misdiagnosed with a terminal heart disease. 2007- Brian diagnosed with epilepsy after 2 seizures. 2008- Katie diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia after docs found bone tumors. 2009- Ben was born totally blue and not breathing. 2010- HEALTHY YEAR. Praise the Lord.

- Community. We love our church family. We love our neighbors. We love our friends.

We have lots to be thankful for this year. At the close of a crazy, hectic day, I'm sitting here drinking tea, looking through the pictures on my computer of the past year and giving thanks to God for all his blessings.