Thankful

It seems so cliche to write a Thanksgiving post about what I'm thankful for... and yet, it seems wrong not to. So here goes, please keep in mind this list is not in any sort of order and I'm sure I am forgetting something:

I am thankful for:
1. Friends -- I am soooooo blessed with an abundance of incredible friends, both near and far. I can't possibly express what each one means to me- that would take forever! But I am incredibly blessed with the BEST friends in the whole world - I'm thankful for each one of you!

2. Family -- Again, words cannot express what my family means to me, immediate, extended, adopted... wow!! Although it can be crazy at times and we certainly do not all do a good job of keeping in touch or being supportive, we do love each other. I'm thankful for each of my siblings, my brother- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents-- what am amazing, inspiring, and quirky bunch. I can't imagine what life would be without a single one of them. I am very blessed.

3. Nieces and Nephews, actually all the munckins in my life! -- although they are part of the "family" category, and some are part of the "friends" catagory, I'd be remiss in not giving them their own item. I AM SO THANKFUL for all of the terrific munchkins in my life :) They bring me sooo much joy and remind me to not take life too seriously. Being an aunt rocks my world.

4. My home and the bitches -- My "unit"... I'm thankful for my home, for a roof over my head, a yard, endless projects, my safe place. I'm thankful for the BOC, who drive me crazy with a constant stream of dog hair, affectionate licking, dead animals in the backyard, their constant need for attention, and more. They keep me sane. They always welcome me home with exuberance, are my constant companions and always keep me entertained.

5. My faith -- this would be first if it were a list in order. I'm thankful to have been raised in a community of believers, who handed down the faith to me. I'm thankful to be a Catholic, part of that Light in the Darkness that is continually called to deeper communion in Christ, deeper holiness, deeper community. I'm thankful for an amazing parish, an amazing pastor, other amazing priests, people that call me on, friends to read and discuss encyclicals with, you name it! I am thankful.

6. Random stuff that brings me joy -- pumpkin pie, a good cup of coffee, houseplants, warm sweaters, falling leaves, flowers, a good book with a good cup of coffee, mornings to sleep in (rare though they are), the muffler on my car, gardens, matching dog pillows, my stripey couch, personality / temperment discussions and books, a good cup of coffee, cute aprons, baking, homemade applesauce, clean floors, live-in laundry facilities, clean sheets, cozy blankets, big fun coffee mugs (with coffee in them, preferably), my new Bible (thanks Loves!), the insane animal chase happening before my eyes (2 dogs and a cat all over the house - going berserk), the sun peeking from behind clouds, and more... I AM THANKFUL!

Happy Thanksgiving!