Things I Am Thankful For

I've been in quite a funk lately. Maybe it is because in a month I will turn 40. Maybe it is because every time I think winter is ending, we head into an onslaught of 40 degree temperatures. Maybe it's because I really miss Texas, especially all the wildflowers and "almost summer" activities that start this time of year. Or, maybe it's because of all of the above. I'm not sure. All I know is, this girl doesn't have time for a funk. So... today, I am writing a thankful post. Here we go:

1. I am thankful for JOE WIDNER. He is a hard worker, he loves Jesus, he loves his kiddos and me with all his heart, and he takes such good care of us. Joe is more than I could have thought about needing in a husband when I was just 24 years old, but God knew exactly the partner I would need. He challenges me, wants the best for me, and is supportive in ways that are unexpected and encouraging. So, he gets the number one spot on my thankful list. And in my heart.

2. I am thankful for my sister, GINGER LUCAS. There is only one person in the whole world who knows exactly what growing up in my house was like, and I am fortunate that Ginger is that person. We have shared joys, heartaches, sorrows, secrets (which will NOT be revealed here!), clothing, beds, strep throat and the stomach flu, hysterical laughter, inside jokes and tons and tons of memories. I hit the jackpot with a sister like Ginger, and I want to be just like her when I grow up.

3. I am thankful for friends. MELANIE HARMON, LESLIE MIDA & JEANETTE HOY - these gals have prayed me through and pulled me through this year. When we left Texas, I couldn't have imagined the obstacles we would face in New Jersey. Some had to do with our new location, others were personal, family crises, and they have stood by me through it all. They called, listened, sent me texts and emails, put messages all over my facebook wall, and most of all, when I felt invisible up here, they SAW me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am a better mom, sister, wife, and daughter because of you three.

4. I am thankful for my mom and dad, JOHN & ANN COONEY. I don't think I was a bad kid growing up, but I know my parents & I had our struggles. Now, I look at my own three kids and think about what I want my relationship with them to look like when they are adults. I think it would look a lot like the one I have with my parents. The kind of thing where at any time I can pick up the phone and ask a random cooking question, like, "can corn meal be substituted for corn starch?" (NO). Or, if something more serious is going on, I can count on them to be "fair and balanced" when we talk. I love that my dad sets up basketball brackets every year during March Madness. I love that my mom likes to teach my kids to cook and knit. I love that my parents, my sister's family, and we can vacation together and come back with GREAT stories. And, that when we come back, we're planning the next vacation. How many families can say that they really enjoy each other? Well, mine can. And, I am thankful for that.

5. I am thankful for ROSS, CHLOE, and EMMY. I have stories upon stories about how the three of them make me think, feel, and learn. Ross is wise beyond his 13 years. He is such a neat kid, has such a kind heart, and tries to always do the right thing. Chloe is my peacemaker. She gives up things that make her happy in order to restore order to our clan (even if she is winning a DSi game!). She is a hard worker and applies that principle to everything she does - academics, sports, friendship. You never get less than 100% from her. And Emmy... she is the sweetest little stinker you'd ever want to meet. High on the drama, high on the affection, high on the disdain...everything for her comes on just that one setting. It makes her a little bit of a wild card, but loveable just the same.

Here are a few more things I'm thankful for, without the commentary.

* oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
* Sonic.
* TIVO.
* seat warmers.
* hot glue guns.
* Tyler candles, particularly the Homecoming scent.
* Halloween in Houston.
* Kenny Chesney.
* self tanning lotion.
* mains & pedis with my girls.
* my blog friends.

I feel much better now that I've written this post. I am thankful for that, too!