There's actually no way to go over every single thing that I'm thankful for because I am thankful for so much.  I count myself as one of the most blessed people on the planet.  I have been through an incredibly hard year, but not a day goes by that I don't counter that weight with the joy of all I've been given.  Of course, I'm thankful to be an American.  I'm thankful for all of our armed forces and our veterans who've protected my family's freedom.  They have provided me with the gift of laying my head down at night and feeling safe.  That's priceless.  I'm also thankful for my home, my vehicle, the food in my kitchen - the whole nine yards.  The two things I'm most thankful for would be my faith and my family.  Being a Christian is the best part of my life.  My faith restores peace and hope in my life.  It allows me to forgive and be forgiven.  For that, I'm eternally grateful.  Then, of course, there is my family.  If you know me at all, you know that they mean the world to me.  Let me tell you why:

*Mom and Dad - the most incredible people on the planet.  I have a neverending supply of unconditional love coming from them.  And it's allowed me to love others unconditionally.  I live in awe of their ability to give and keep giving.  They inspire everyone.

* Kiki - my awesome sister.  She moved in with me a few months ago, and it's been the absolute best thing that could've happened.  She's a near copy of me, and we have more fun together than I could have ever imagined!  She's a constant help and support, a great listener, great cheerleader, and completely beautiful person.  She keeps me young and smiling.  AND - she is the best cookie-maker on the planet!!!

* Nathan - my adorable - almost 18 year old brother. ;)  He is the embodiment of laughter and joy.  He is sunshine and happiness.  When I was at my absolute lowest one afternoon, sitting on my couch crying, I heard a song playing from my brother's phone where he was sitting on the other couch.  I looked up right about the time he started singing...."you're amazing just the way you are...and when you smile, the whole world stops to stare for a while, cuz you're amazing just the way you are...".  Not only did I burst into laughter, but I just thought - I am so blessed.  My brother is an angel I think.

*Last but not least - my beautiful talented children.  Let me tell you, my children are a gift.  For those of you who don't know, my oldest three are adopted.  I would love to have given birth to them, but I didn't.  God was able to change their stars and give me the opportunity to be their Mother.  He not only rescued them, but he rescued me.  I have never wanted anything more than I wanted to keep and hold onto my babies, to watch them grow up and grow old.  I have never been more THANKFUL than I was when I found out my dreams would come true and that I would be able to love and protect them forever.  Add my adorable Princess, who was born just 2 weeks before my older three got to come live with me permanently - and you have the happiest, most blessed mommy in the whole entire world.  There will never be anything so wrong or so sad in my life that I could forget how enormous the gift of my children is.  So, to celebrate - I thought I would do something rare and post a picture of my little angels.  Here they are - basking in summer fun - happy. :)

I am THANKFUL.  Indeed.