not too busy to be thankful

i haven't had the opportunity to blog for a bit.
colin's multiple birthday get-togethers, thanksgiving--multiple get-togethers, suicide shopping the day after thanksgiving, driving to see extended family, work and gearing up for christmas production...

been so busy, yet i have to say that there has been a calm in the middle of it all. strange.
i am so thankful for so many things and to just list them doesn't seem to do things justice.
but i shall begin with a list because i don't know where else to start...

--i'm thankful for a God that loves me in all things, that is in control of all things, that uses all things for His good, that blesses when we least deserve and gives grace despite who we are. because of Him, there are so many things to be thankful for.
--i'm thankful for my family. i have a husband who is my best friend, boys who make me smile every day and night, and my cat...who we could probably say that i'm more thankful for than my husband is of him. i have a mom and dad who have always loved and supported me and will be my cheerleader when i am down and who are phenomenal grandparents to my boys. i have extended family that despite all our quirks come together and can just enjoy being together. i could go on and on about family...
--i'm thankful for dear friends. we have friends that live far away and friends that live 10 minutes from our house that i just couldn't imagine going through life without. they are always there when i've needed someone to laugh with or cry with or complain to or talk things out. i'm SO grateful.
--i think of all the physical needs that God meets in our lives. we have a home and vehicles that get us from here to there, clothes and food and toiletries and what we consider the basics here in america. bills get paid and new 'toys' come and trips are taken. we are so blessed that i am truly humbled. so many go without in this world and i have more than what i know to do with.
--i am thankful that God grants us each gifts and skills and abilities and things in this life that we can pass on to others, that we can make a difference in other people's lives. He never meant for us to live life alone or selflessly and i am grateful

so many things to be thankful for...
glad for the opportunity of thanksgiving to think a little more poingantly about it.
God is good.