Being that the holidays are just around the corner, I felt like it was the perfect time to write about things which I am so thankful for; things that I never felt deserving of, but thanks to His blessings, I have been blessed with beyond measure. Yes, I'm talking about the three little ones that keep me on my toes. The husband's work schedule that is constantly crazy.The writer's mind in me never stops thinking. The photographer in me whose camera never stops flashing. The nurse's job that never stops sealing a scratch with a band-aid. The tutor after school. The counselor to three little and questionable minds. In all, I am so thankful for this crazy life that I call "mine." There isn't another place in this world I'd picture myself being, or doing it with.

Seeing my children smile, laugh, and soar daily... that's what I live for. Yes, I may be that mom that leaves skid marks in the school parking lot when we woke up late because we stayed up too late watching a movie or we just couldn't get the giggles out. Hey, we made it to school on time on some of those crazy hectic mornings, but some became tardies. The boys probably had messy hairdos, and the jeans, that have been in a clean laundry pile, which I haven't gotten to fold yet, were probably full of wrinkles. My daughter probably had mix-matched socks on or she picked a Christmas outfit to wear before Thanksgiving, and boots that didn't match the leggings. I felt no need to argue with her because there wasn't a reason. Will she be this little forever? Absolutely not. The boys can care less if their jeans are full of wrinkles. They do not care if the outfits are Polo, Children's Place, or the good 'ole Faded Glory. They do have the Under Armor itch, but they know they don't have to have it to "fit in."

There is one thing that I try to instill in my children, and that's appreciation. They've seen kids without. They've seen us getting groceries and hearing another parent telling their child to put whatever they had back because they couldn't afford that extra box of cereal, that was special, with the character marshmallows due to the Batman Vs. Superman movie coming out. It's a leading example right there. Not all children have what you and I have nor do all families have a piece of what we have either. It's heartbreaking. I can't say that we have everything in life, but we have a lot to be thankful for. God has blessed my family with just what we need. Not just wants, because sometimes those wants create debt and my husband and I try to steer clear from anything with payments rolling in.

I see people with their children dressed to the maximum potential that there could be in a fashion show. I see them driving new cars and huge houses that they wake up in every morning. I see them dressed in name brand clothing items that probably cost more than one of my camera lenses, head to toe. I went shopping on Black Friday, where I picked up a $160 coat that looked warm and fuzzy. I thought to myself staring at the price tag... "Really? How can this be THAT much and am I really about to pay that much for a coat that can probably buy my entire house a load groceries?" Needless to say, the humble old me went back to the clearance section. All the others were dazing at what color fuzzy jacket they wanted. I smiled; I knew I was walking out with that $160 still in my pocket. It then went to Christmas for my children, and my family. I bought items that could be spared for others rather than for just that one item I thought about buying for myself. I have to admit, it's very rare that I put myself before any of my family.

I am just thankful of what $160 will bring. Things like smiles on Christmas morning and gifts to be given to family that I hold dear to my heart. The selflessness that I was taught in my upbringing, I engrave to my children. Each year my children enjoy buying gifts for their siblings. The surprised feeling that they have balled up inside of them is then exhaled on Christmas morning as they see each other opening the gifts they bought for one another.

Being thankful means being thankful for all of what you have; big or small; cheap or expensive because I assure you there is a child, another man, or another woman looking at you wishing that they were living in your shoes.

There are things that I am forever thankful for; one is a never doubtful love, unfailing love, and one who never judges. One who died for you, and me for what mistakes we make, the greed in us sometimes, and the friend that never leaves. He is just as thankful for us loving Him, and spreading His word. I believe He uses me through spirit with my pen, my paper and then unfolded on my computer with my writings. I see He is working through me weekly. My words keep getting bolder, a little bit more loud. His love is the most powerful thing. How grateful are we? How thankful are you that we have such an awesome God?

I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful for each opening blog, a piece of encouragement that I type, the thought of knowing someone is reading this. Someone may need a reminder that we may not have the best of the best, but we have everything that the good Lord needs us to have. I can guarantee you; simple people like me live a better and more joyful life than those of the rich and the wealthy. If you have the love in your heart for our Lord and Savior; you are the richest person here on Earth. His grace moves through me daily and that makes my soul feel completed with everything that I need. He's lifted my eyes. I've seen the love and I feel it deep within my soul. His love never fails. His power trampled my fears and made them passions.

I am forever grateful for the life that I live. The family that I have, they couldn't be any more precious. The things God has provided for us, and His blessings; I am humbled by them all.

Being thankful means more, than just what we have - think about it. Look at what surrounds you. You'd be surprised looking in at what beautifies your life in the most simplistic ways.

For all you are, give thanks to Him.