Thankful

Today is coming to and end, and I now need to make sure I give thanks for all the wonderful things, people, moments, etc. in my life...so here it goes....

I am thankful for...

1. The forgiving nature of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who above all things deserves more than I have been giving lately.
2. My supportive, loving family, who totally understands what it means to be there for each other through the good times and the bad.
3. The most encouraging, patient friends, who have been shoulders to cry on, listening ears, and the most sacrificial givers of their quality time...you know who you are for sure.
4. The internet and computer, which allows me to not only stay connected to my friends and family that are not living with me, but also have connections to tasty recipes, fun blogs, my bank account, tools for teaching, drama all around the world, and music.
5. Music, for it truly is what makes my heart happy and speaks so clearly to me.
6. A beautiful house to call home.
7. A sweet, lovable puppy who I have grown to love and cherish. (Thanks to Kristy for helping me with sweet Lola. She is truly lucky to have you love her as much as I do.)
8. The discovery of new recipes. I have truly developed a love for trying new recipes, foods, and spices. I am truly loving all the new flavors that are being discovered. Pioneerwoman is rockin' my world!!
9. My students. They make me want to come back to school each and every day. Some days leave me discouraged, for I feel as if I have not been able to fully reach each student; however, then I come in and they just smile and give hugs and knuckles, and I just melt.
10. Television. I know sometimes it is trash I am watching, but sometimes I just need to stop thinking and just enjoy some good entertainment, right teachers?!?
11. Money. I am so ready to be able to say the words....DEBT-FREE!! I am getting so close I can taste it, but this next year seems like it is going to be forever long, since it is the home stretch. Every little penny will be pinched, so that I can meet the goal of being debt-free by next Christmas!!
12. Photography. It has become my outlet of sweet moments lately. I was able to use this gift to take pictures of my grandmother's beautiful flowers so she could see her yard. I have also had the privilege of taking children's pictures, family pictures, and maternity pictures. What a joy it has been to take these pictures and bring a smile to my friends' faces.
13. Good health. For the most part, I am a healthy girl. I have the freedom to live my life each day without the worry of being in a hospital or a doctor's office.
14. Laughter. I love to make other laugh! It is super special when I can bring someone out of a dark place just by being a cut-up. I also love sitting around and laughing with my friends and family. There is something so special about this small gift given from the Lord above. He sure knew we would need laughter in this life. I am very thankful for this.
15. Sweet memories. I have had the sweetest memories made this year with friends and family. One of the sweetest memories is the time I had to spend with my grandmother before she went home to be with Jesus.

There is so much more I am thankful for, but these are the top 15 for this year. What are you thankful for?