Today I am thankful for books. Books may seem like an odd thing to be thankful for if you aren’t a book lover. But if you are one, you totally get it. I’ve been in love with reading for as long as I can remember. I am so thankful for a Mama who encouraged me to read. Growing up, every night my Mama and I would shut the TV off early (some nights at 8 pm) and go to our beds and read. Some of my favorite memories are snowy Sunday afternoons. After church and after the dinner dishes were cleaned up, we would each find our own spot in the living room to curl up under a blanket to read. I would be in my chair and she would be in hers. I didn’t want to play video games, or spend hours of my life watching TV; I just wanted to get lost in a book.  And I love the smell of a freshly cracked open book.

Books have been a major part of my growing process as a Christian, wife, mother, friend and adult.  I absolutely love reading and, during that book, realizing more about myself.

But it’s more than that, there is a connection between words and I.  My Mama says it’s because I’m wordy.  It’s one of the reasons I enjoy blogging.  And I feel completely blessed that part of that blogging is doing book reviews.

Today I am thankful for this sweet little country church I’ve been blessed to attend my entire life.  We have the best church family.  My parents attended this church when they adopted me, and it makes my heart so happy to know there are members there even still that prayed for them (and me) during the adoption.  So many members of the church I’ve known my entire life, and honestly feel as if they are family.  I’ve made so many lifelong friends inside this church.  And memories, oh how many sweet memories I’ve made here throughout my life.  I love knowing my own babies have made their own lifelong friendships and memories inside the church as well.  Just walking through the door feels like home to all of us.

I am thankful for the relationship my children have with one another.  Watching the relationship between these kids, as a Mama, is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed.  They sweetly love on each other, they support each other and fiercely protect what they have.  It’s not forced, it’s not fake, it’s just pure and true.  Best friends.  What a beautiful thing to stand on the sidelines and watch.

Their love, compassion and laughter is so contagious. I can’t help but be proud of the amazing people they are.  I am so incredibly thankful for the kindness they show towards not only each other but to others as well.  I could not be more proud of them!

I am also so thankful when my son’s fiance came into our lives, she just perfectly fit into the mix.  She’s not only his fiance, but my daughters best friend.  Watching the three of them together is absolutely the sweetest.  I can only imagine how close their families will be throughout life.