So Thankful

Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you."

I receive a daily devotional and this was the verse for today's email.  I remember using this verse on a frame I made for Bill in college, so it has sentimental value as well as spiritual value.  

I love Thanksgiving.  I find it so refreshing that we have a holiday devoted to remembering all for which we are thankful.  A thankful heart, joyful and full of love, and a full belly!  Sounds pretty perfect, really!

This has probably been the biggest year in my life.  My heart has doubled in size with the addition of our sweet little E.  I'm pretty sure I could peg motherhood as being one of the hardest things I've ever done, yet easily the most fulfilling thing, too.  Easily.  I literally burst with joy when he smiles at me.  I still cry randomly when I look at him - it is just such a beautiful thing!  I am so thankful for our little guy and can't wait for the adventures ahead!

I am so tremendously grateful for my love, Bill.  He's absolutely my best friend.  He knows ME - the real Cristin that doesn't wear makeup and works in sweatpants and who cries when a player gets tackled at an OSU football game (all the while complimenting the tackle, but crying at the thought of that kid being someone's son.... and how my son will likely play football one day... and I'll have to watch him get tackled!  Eekk!!  Stop now... my throat is tightening!).  He calms my nervous mind in regards to raising a child, has been my biggest supporter in nursing little E and constantly compliments me on my effort to raise a healthy and happy baby boy.  He knows that I am miserable at words of affirmation, yet lovingly affirms me daily through his words and actions.  He is truly a man after God's heart and I love his Godly leadership in our house.  I look up to Bill and am honored to be his wife.

Phew.  that was heavy.  let's lighten this up a tad....

I'm grateful for this blog because I intend to treat you like a best girlfriend.  Sharing stories about my kid, sharing pics of fashion I love and either wish I could have, or wish I would have the nerve to wear, sharing pics of home design that inspires me, and sharing just little tidbits that have motivated me that day.  

I'm grateful for a fabulous family - on both sides.  Bill and I are so fortunate to not have any 'inlaw' stories to share when people start dissing their own.   I know it's nearly a rite of passage to despise an in-law, but we don't.  We love ours!  What a blessing!  We have wonderful, loving siblings and wise, fun parents.  We love you guys!

I'm grateful for some pretty amazing girlfriends.  While I need doses of time by myself, I THRIVE on time with friends I love and adore.  They have encouraged me through my postpartum days, through breastfeeding woes, and all the joys of being a new mom.  I got to share the fun days of college with many of them and am getting to know the joys of living in Muskogee with others.  I love you all, and hope that I can contribute to your lives to repay how you have touched mine!

Finally, I'm thankful for you.... reading all the way to the bottom!  :)

Love you, and have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!