Thankful Thursdays

Today has been a crazy busy day in my household. I spent the day sewing/repairing furniture, reorganizing my daughter's room, hanging up decorations, playing with children, and purging stuff we no longer need. All of these activities have me a bit tired, but I still want to take some time to sit around and think about some of the things that I am thankful for.

• My husband loves me more than he knows how to say and he daily encourages me, challenges me, and leads me. While doing those things, he takes into account my weaknesses and my passions and helps to press me forward into a better version of who I was created to be.
• My children are alive, despite a thousand different illnesses and medical conditions that have worked so hard to take them from our lives on earth. They are beautiful, intelligent, and immaculate human beings. I am blessed and amazed by how compassionate, driven, and open they are. I strive to always create an environment where they will know that I am their mom and they are safe to bring their thoughts, struggles, and ideas to me. 
• My friends. I have spent an enormous amount of time being put through emotional hell while here at this duty station. I have been slandered, lied about, attacked, demonized, and almost completely emotionally destroyed (almost all of this by "Christian" women). I have been taken for granted and completely unappreciated. I was almost to the point of emotional shutdown, until God brought two of the most amazing women into my life. They have made my time roaming around in the desert to be entirely worthwhile, and I will cherish them all of my life. They are the truest example of friendship and I am so thankful to have them here.
• Electricity. Lets face it, this is something we take for granted. I am so grateful that I have lights to turn on, an air conditioner to cool, and a refrigerator to keep food fresh. 
• My dogs. Despite all that I say about they annoy me and how the Spaniel is exceptionally aggravating, the truth is they are such a huge aspect of my life that I love them dearly. Even the Spaniel is utterly wonderful when a person isn't feeling well, and needs lots of cuddles and snuggles. She will literally just climb up on your lap (or next to you if you're laying down) and stay there until you tell her to leave. Despite all of her aggravations, this is one thing that I truly adore about her.
• My husband having a job. As much as there are a thousand times when the Army makes me feel so frustrated and angry beyond my ability to communicate, I am grateful that we have medical insurance, and a salary to pay our bills. 

So these are just a few things. What are you thankful for today?