Attitude of Gratitude - 2008 Year in Review

2009 is officially here and although I'm excited about all that this new year has to offer, I am thankful for the many blessings that 2008 sent in my direction. So...here is my Attitude of Gratitude for the week...and it's a list of some pretty special things that I'm particularly thankful to have had during the past year.

1. Steve - Not that these are in any particular order, but he definitely gets the tops spot. Without him, none of the rest of this would be possible. He is my partner, my soul mate, the love of my life. He completes me so perfectly and I can't imagine life without him.

2. Madison - By two minutes, she is my baby. Although Madison is definitely my drama queen, she is also incredibly sweet, loving, and nurturing. She's a mommy's girl, for sure, which means lots of great cuddle time for me! When she flashes her beautiful smile at people, boy, does she melt hearts!

3. Olivia - Our "first born", Olivia is my independent girl. She's terribly bright and very funny. She loves to make all of us laugh, especially her sister. Olivia is a steady stream of beautiful conversation...seriously, she can out-talk even me! Olivia always has an adorable grin on her face as she talks to everyone and everything under the sun.

4. Family - Steve and I are both so fortunate to have wonderful and supportive families who are able to be a part of Livie and Maddie's lives. Some live close, while others live far, but regardless of distance, they all play an integral role in our lives.

5. Friends - This year has truly taught me a lot about friendship. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by the amazing friends that I have. Friendship is a constant give and take relationship, and I'm so lucky to have great friends who are there for me when I need them and I feel fortunate that I'm able to support them when they need me as well.

6. Our New House - We traded in our 100 year old starter house for this new house. I now have a garage that I can actually park a car inside! I have a basement that I'm not scared to walk into! I have a fireplace! A yard! Updated electrical wires that I'm not worried will start on fire! Shall I go on?!?!?

7. Teaching - Even though my job isn't perfect and I don't love it EVERY day, I still feel blessed to be in a profession that I'm passionate about. I might not be quite as passionate as I was about two years ago (I wonder what changed?), but I do still love what I do.

8. My Master's Degree - This was my biggest accomplishment of 2008. In May 2008, I graduated with a Master's Degree in Education. I honestly never thought I would complete the program, between getting pregnant with the girls, giving birth, and then going back to work full time. But somehow, I did it!

9. I Love Yous - This goes back to my husband and kids, but I really felt it needed it's own place on my list. Steve and I have always cherished these words and make sure to not only say them often, but to truly give them meaning when they are said. In the last month, my girls have started telling us they love us and it is the most wonderful thing that comes from their cute little lips. Olivia, very clearly, will say, "I love Mommy. I love Daddy." Usually, this is followed by, "I love baby doll. I love chair. I love TV." Ok, so it's not special enough to be reserved just for me, but I still find it heart warming. Madison, on the other hand, professes her love with a cute, "Lud e mommy". And she tends to stop at the living, breathing objects in our house.

10. Faith - My faith has, in many ways, grown deeper this past year. With God all things are possible!

Happy 2009!