My Thankful List

It is the last day of November and the past few days I have felt extremely thankful.  Here are a few things I am thankful for...
1) My husband, he and I have been together since before we had any baggage to bring into our relationship.  We know each other inside and out.  I don't think any other man would "fit" me as perfectly as he does!!
2) Alyssa...we have our ups and downs but we love each other through it all.  She is growing up so fast! She is smart, silly, and wants to be just like me.  All she wants is a sewing machine to make things just like me!!
3) My sweet boy, Johnny.  He may run everywhere, be into everything, or terrorize his sisters, but he has a smile that melts my heart!  He is so loving and alwyas wants to cuddle.
4) Michelle...over thanksgiving my father-in-law decided she was me with a hint of Bradshaw thrown in.  I think it is the perfect mix!  She is sooo goofy whenever she is beyond tired.  I like to let her stay up late sometimes just to see her be so silly!
5) Baby 4... I already love and cherish this new life in me.  This may be a hard pregnancy but I keep telling our baby that it is no reflection of how much joy and love they already bring me.  (I get to see baby this afternoon!!!  We have decided not to find out what we are having!!!)
6)My family.  I don't know many families that are as close as we are.  My siblings and I are close, even if some of us get on each other nerves from time to time. I wouldn't trade them in or their friendships in for anything.  I have parents that support me in my decisions and rejoice whenever one of their children decides to extend the family.  I know many people that have a hard time being accepted whenever they decide to have a larger family.
7)My friends....new and old.  They have helped shape me into the woman I am today.  I love each and every one of you that has had a hand in molding me, whether it was a small part or large part. Thank you for acccepting me and loving me.
8) In high school I was always trying to be accepted by people or groups.  I never felt as if I truly fit in anywhere, except by a very small handful of people). But I can say, I am beyond thankful that my class was not one that bullied others, if they did I never saw it happen.  I don't know if I would have survived had I been bullied.  (I know so many children now that are bullied, they come home crying and miserable. I breaks my heart to see them being critized for being who they are...)
9) Creativity.  I never thought I would sew or bake like I do.  I love it and feel humbled that God has allowed me to see this part of myself.  I don't know how He will use it but I pray He will!
10)My husband's job.  He is very blessed to be working with Christian men, one guy even has a Bible study with one of the other guys that had many questions about what the Bible really says they meet during work hours because it is that important!!  If he ever needs time off for anything they will work with him and are so helpful.  He stays extremely busy but is there whenever I need him! And this job allows me to stay home with my babies!!
11) And one last thing....my relationship with my Lord and Savior.  He has been with me before I even knew what a relationship with Him was about.  He saved me from so many things. But most importantly He loves me.  He loves me beyond anything I can comprehend. And I am so thankful to have His love.  I want to serve Him in all I do and I am still learning and growing.....but I don't think that will ever stop until I am in Heaven.

I am so thankful for so many things in my life.  But right now these are the few that stick out. 

God knows.

I know most of you know I grew up catholic.  I left the catholic church at age 18 because I felt God calling me elsewhere.  My mom had a very hard time understanding my decision and I thought she still did.  But God likes to show us what we need at the right moment.  A lady I met that has a daughter 2 days older than one of my children goes to the Catholic church with my mom.  She told my mom that she really wished I was catholic because she really liked me and wanted tog et to know me better.  I guess she questioned my mom about why I left.  My mom told me her reply and it about made me cry.  She told her that out of her three children I am the one that has the most solid foundation and faith. That I will pray and encourage her whenever she needs it.  WOW!

For 11 years I never knew what my mom thought of my choice.  I have always felt like the black sheep of the family.  I was never as smart as my siblings, or as creative.  I was the quiet one that read books constantly.  I was never as atheletic as them.  But through that I have learned never to compare myself to them.  I know who I am. But to have my mom say that meant the world to me. 

Good news

So, I finally have a moment to sit down and update everyone.  I am starting to feel better.  I met with the endochrinologist last week and she had good news.  She said that my thyroid problem is all due to a pregnancy hormone hCG.  She said I should go back to normal after the baby comes.  Yay! I am still easily tired but I have learned what taxes me.  I am now starting my second trimester and I can tell.  That whole sour stomach thing has gotten better and I don't require two naps a day.  Although my morning nap last about 2 to 3 hours.  I do have trouble falling asleep at night.  I have had a horrible cough for a week and I bet once that is gone I will feel almost normal!

We are going to VA for Thanksgiving this year.  I am excited and I love to see my hubby's family. They are fun! There are 10 adults, 5 children, and 3 dogs staying at our aunts house.  craziness!!!  I can't believe the hoilday season is here.  The years are going way too fast!  I can only imagine how time is going to fly next year when Bradshaw 4 enters the world. 

Well, I hope everyone has an awesome day!!
Alaina