Late Twenties...

Yesterday (December 12), I celebrated my 28th birthday. Yes, I have officially entered my late twenties…wow! It’s amazing to see what God has done in my life throughout these past years, and I thought it would be fitting to list 28 things that I am thankful for today.

1) My Saviour. He loves me when I’m unlovable (which, lately, I have to admit has been frequently), even when I’m being a whiny baby about my job situation. I love that not only can I lift up my job search in prayer, but I can also pray for a heart makeover while I am in the midst of the “battle.” Thank you, Lord, for being faithful to complete the good work in me that you have begun.
2) My hubby Steve. 3 years ago on my birthday, he proposed and we would have never guessed that our married life would take the turns that it has to this point. I am thankful that he loves me as Christ loves me (again, even when I am unlovable) and is the foundation for our future family. He is going to be such a great daddy and I am oh, so impatient to see it
3) My wonderful extended family. I am blessed with parents that raised my brother, sister, and me to grow in our Christian faith. Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, and Uncles all had a part in me becoming who I am (and am still becoming). It is amazing to see how close we all still are, even as the cousins/grandkids get “all grown up” and take on busy lives. I just love my family so much.
4) My family-in-law. Actually, I have never once felt like an “in-law.” From the very beginning, they have treated me like a daughter/sister. I am honored to be able to truthfully say I love Steve’s family and enjoy them as my own (seriously! I know not everyone is as lucky). My sister-in-law is someone that I now consider one of my closest friends. How lucky am I?
5) My Norman. To some, dogs are “pets,” but our Normie is truly a part of our little family. I tell people that I am getting a glimpse of what mothers must feel for their children. Yes, Norman is THAT special.
6) Dark Chocolate
7) The B.C. Clark’s Anniversary Sale jingle. I think that might actually be one of my favorite parts of Oklahoma…for real. I just love it and sing it pretty much constantly either out loud or in my head. It makes me happy.
8) My friends. I have always (or so I thought) found it easy to make friends. I have now learned that moving to an entirely new place (aka this land called Oklahoma) with little direction other than “support family now so my honey can later” is hard. Really hard, actually. My friends (from Minnesota, California, Oklahoma, and everywhere in between) remind me that life is good and I am loved.
9) Cereal
10) My reality shows. My weeks are measured by which show is on each night. This is what passes my time and I love these shows.
11) Co-workers that enjoy the fact that I am working here, even though I do not always enjoy said fact :o)
12) Wow, I am not even halfway done! These may start to get a bit more silly, but still I am thankful for them!
13) Chips and Guacamole
14) Having a weatherman living right in my own home. It sure makes picking outfits and planning things a whole lot easier.
15) My sewing machine. Mom and Dad, that was the best graduation present ever.
16) Community Theater. Amazing that I have only in recent years developed this hobby. I was hooked from the start. Musical Theater is a part of who I am, and I love it.
17) Reduced Fat Cheez-Its
18) My piano. I love that my parents got me into piano lessons when I was 4. Playing the piano used to be a chore…now it is a stress reliever.
19) The fact that when we walk into a room and flip up the switch, light comes on. After being without power for over 30 hours earlier this week (many are still without...ugh), I appreciate having lights and heat again.
20) OU Football. I love it. I already can’t wait for next year…but first we must conquer the Fiesta Bowl. Go Sooners!
21) Golden Gopher Football. Even if my MN team does not win very much, I just love them.
22) U of MN Marching Band. They are actually the real reason that I love Golden Gopher Football.
23) The MN Vikings. Hey, this girl loves her football. Enough to have 3 of her 28 things be about it.
24) Chocolate Milk
25) My neighborhood ladies and our “crafty nights.” I look forward to this every month. I am blessed to have neighbors that actually talk to one another…something I have not really had before.
26) The University of Oklahoma, who approved our Petition for In-State Tuition. What an answer to prayer!
27) Library Books—and good friends to recommend “must-reads” that I end up loving so much that I can’t put them down (Rebecca and Meg, I still need to read “Redeeming Love”).
28) Camping Trips and Campfires with friends

There are actually several more things to add to my list. Thank God from whom all blessings flow!