It’s that time of the year when we gather our thoughts and think about the many things we are thankful for. So here it is, my thankfulness post for the year.

I am thankful for my husband

This year we celebrated our 10th anniversary. I cannot imagine doing life with anyone else, my love for him has continued to grow throughout the years. I respect him and admire his passion, loyalty, and commitment to God and to our family. He believes in my writing ambitions, and he encourages me more than anyone else. He truly is the love of my life, even when we fight!

I am thankful for my children

My three girls are treasured gifts. They each have their own talents and gifts, it is a joy to watch them grow. I feel lucky to have them. Parenting is the hardest thing I do, but there is no better job in this world. It is a privilege to be their mom.

I am thankful for family

Our extended family has loved us and supported always. I married into a remarkable family, but so is mine, if I can say so myself. I am thankful that God placed me right where I am with these people to be my very own. And here I will include the family that God has provided for us that is not blood related, but the ones that have “adopted” us in, becoming my children’s grandparents, but also loving Andy and I so well. I love you all, always.

I am thankful for disability

Life would be much easier if my children did not have special needs, but it is a part of life, and we live with it. Not only that, I have come to appreciate disability, because as I parent my girls I have learned so much about priorities, about what really matters in life. I have also come to recognize my own disability, those broken places in my heart that need to be mended.

I am thankful for contradictions

A while ago I posted about living in the middle of a contradiction. It’s not easy, not one bit. But even in the midst of contradiction God is here, and God is good. So I keep holding on.

I am thankful for criticism

This year has been the year where I have been publicly criticized as a writer and special needs advocate. It hurts. Nonetheless, it keeps my heart in check. It’s not about myself, I write for others, and the bottom line is, I want to please God with my words, and I have a strong sense of “calling” from him when it comes to my writing.

I am thankful for Zumba

Yes, I really am. We all cope with life in different ways, and for me it’s dancing. It is a way to deal with stress and  clear my thoughts.

I am thankful for the IDSC

The International Down Syndrome Coalition is my other family. The organization I work for, but also a cause I believe in. all life is precious.

I am thankful for your stories

Your comments, your stories, your emails, I am incredibly thankful for your willingness to share your heart with me. You’ve shared heartache as you parent children with special needs, you’ve shared joys in your parenting, you’ve identified with me in my struggles as a pastor’s wife, you have celebrated adoption along with me. Thank you for taking the time to connect with me and create a community that encourages one another. It is an honor.

I am thankful for leaf piles

Here is a little slice of our family, one of our favorite Fall traditions, one of my favorite memories we make as a family where everyone can participate, regardless of ability, even if you only face plant on the leaves.

Editors note: The picture with the bee is form my grandpa’s house. He is a bee keeper, and I got to snap some pictures this summer.
This week the writing prompt is all about thankfulness, so it’s that easy! Join us and link-up a post you have about thankfulness. Then link back here. Visit the person that linked up before you and leave an encouraging comment, that’s it!