Amy's Top Ten Things to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving Season!

I was recently "reminding" Kevin of the definition of alliteration... So i decided to use an example of this literary term in my title. He may not appreciate it, but I do. That's just one of our many differences that make our connection unique. (more on that later) As for now, we are discussing thankfulness. I have read several other blogs regarding this topic and decided to jump on the bandwagon. I mean really ..is there even one of us who does not need to take a little time to reflect on all our many blessings? I know I routinely take things for granted and forget to offer my gratitude. So here's my top ten...

10. CAFFEINE- I know it is not the best thing to be grateful for and I also know that in excess it can be harmful. Yes, I should limit my intake while breastfeeding. (Another thing I will forever be thankful for- Breastfeeding.... I love it and would encourage all mothers to try it!) Back to caffeine but still on babies. My youngest does NOT sleep. No more than 2-3 hours at a time at night and VERY little during the day. Yesterday, for example, he was up 14 hours and slept maybe 20 minutes. (and that is being generous) Manning, on the otherhand, sleeps great and will still take a nap several times a week. But he is 2 and 1/2 so when he is awake, he is busy! In summary, I have two darling sons whom I love with my entire being but they do not allow their mommy much rest! I am a tired woman! Caffeine allows me to function. It does not take away the dark circles under my eyes (concealer does that) but it has helped me to stay awake for the last 6 months!

9. My MiniVan- I never thought I would say those two words together because I NEVER thought that I would own a minivan! I have learned to never say what you won't do. A mere two weeks after Myers's arrival, we were at the Toyota lot buying a Sienna minivan. I love my minivan....there I said it again! It is the most practical automobile I have ever owned. I can nurse Myers and change his diaper with room to spare...all while Manning watches his favorite Thomas the Train dvd. More than the awesome conviences and spacious interior that this van offers, I especially like the safety features that come on the awesome auto. I love having a backup video camera, sonar sensors, and of course the GPS. This car rocks and I love being a minivan mom!

8. Chick-fi-la- I am easy to please. I don't need expensive or fancy just give me Chick-fi-la and I am a happy woman. Yes, I know we eat there WAY too much but it's the little things, right? We are all together. Kevin has his LARGE sweet tea and countless Chick-fi-la sauces, Manning has a balloon AND a play area (unless other loud kids are in there and then he wants NOTHING to do with this kid friendly area), Myers is happy to be out and about, and me....well I am just happy to see everyone else happy. Plus the food is good, the people are friendly, the music is Christian, and we always see people we know. I am thankful for Chick-fi-la!

7. Kelly Jordan- I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends! I am thankful for each of you and the influence you have on my life. Apart from my husband, I have one BEST friend. She has been my BEST friend for close to 15 years. Kelly is the most genuine, kind, and caring person I know. She is one of the first people I call with good news (I'm engaged! I'm pregnant!) and the same person I call in the middle of the night with awful news (My momma just died.) I am so thankful for her friendship...I am so blessed to have a friend like her!

6. My JOB and Extended Family- I love staying home with my babies. I work 12 hours each week at my church and teach aerobics (Another thing I am grateful for) 2 hours a week. Other than that I get to be with home with my children. What a blessing! I am also thankful for the people who help make this possible. I have an awesome family. My dad, his girlfriend, my in-laws, Kevin's sister, my aunt,the list goes on and on....i am so grateful to ALL the people who help us. The people who come in the middle of the night at one moment's notice. The people who keep my children not out of obligation but out of LOVE. I am thankful to you!

5. HEALTH- I am so thankful for mine, Kevin, and the boys' health. Just yesterday, we found that one of our friends has acute leukemia. He is 31 yrs old, married, a pastor, and has 4 children. They are an amazing family and I ask that you remember them in your prayers. (Josh and Julie McKeown) It is so easy to take good health for granted. So I thank GOD for keeping my family healthy.

4. My Mom- My mom died 4 and 1/2 yrs ago. I spent 24 years with her and she was sick almost 1/3 of those years. I never got to surprise my mom with the news of "I'm pregnant!" and she will never get to hold her grandbabies. However, I know in my heart that she already has. When I look at my sons, I see my momma looking back at me. No, they don't look like her...but in their eyes I see the hope that was the embodiment of Ruby J. Dawkins. I picture her up in heaven carefully selecting which babies to give to me. She picks just the right one and then holds him in her arms the way only a grandma can do. Though I can't talk to my momma, her words of advice run through my mind as if she is standing right beside me whispering encouraging words. When faced with a situation, I know to ask "What would Jesus do?" and then I follow up with, "What would momma do?". If you knew my mom, you know that the answer to both of these questions is almost always the same. My mom was a woman after God's heart. I am proud and thankful to be her daughter.

3. My Sweet Baby Boys- I could write for hours or possibly days about the love I have for Manning and Myers. They bring so much joy and laughter to my life! I am so blessed to have two beautiful, healthy boys. God is so good! I am so thankful that HE chose me to be their mommy and I pray that I will be the mother they need me to be.

2. KEVIN- God brought Kevin into my life at just the right time. He is the man of my dreams and the answer to my prayers. (I know it sounds corny and cliche ...but there are no other words to express the love I have for this man.) He is a wonderful daddy, a treasured friend, a spiritual leader, and the best husband i could ever ask for. After the first date, I thought I had meet the man I would someday marry. After the second, I knew. When he took me home that second night he didn't kiss me.....he prayed with me! I had found MY MAN and I will never let him go.

1. My SAVIOR!!! He died so that I may live and I choose to live for HIM! I am so thankful for a loving heavenly Father and the promise of eternal salvation.