Thankful Thursday

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and this is always a time for us to focus on the things in our lives that we are grateful for.  Every Thursday this month I intend on writing about seven things I am thankful for; one for every day of that week for thirty total things I am thankful for. So here is my list for week one:
1 and 2: These boys

I am so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy baby boy. 
I thank God every day for Ryker and I am so grateful that he is perfect in every way.  I think sometimes we take for granted the fact that our children are healthy.  So many parents are not so lucky.  Their children spend their lives in and out of hospitals, a scenario that some of us cannot even imagine.  Even though having a newborn baby can be exhausting and frustrating at times when you don't know what they need, I am truly grateful that my little boy is perfect.

That little boy's daddy is one of the best men I have ever known. 

I am thankful to have such a wonderful husband who works hard and really does everything in his power to make me happy.  Quite honestly, I couldn't ask for more, except maybe that his job didn't take him away from home so much.  You know we all have had that mental checklist of the qualities we hope for in our spouse, this guy has them all!
3: Our military service members
As a military wife, this one hits close to home.  You hear people always say "Support our Troops", and I sincerely hope they mean it.  These men and women literally sign up to sacrifice their lives for people they don't know and even people who do not believe in what they are doing.  I have such respect for what they do and the sacrifices they make.  I know so many military wives whose husbands have missed the birth of their babies, missed birthdays and anniversaries (mine included), and I even know a few who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives.  This is one of my very favorite photos.  It is the day John came home after being in Afghanistan for 7 months.  I will never forget this day!

This life is most certainly not an easy one for both the families and the military members alike, but their job is incredibly important and our world would be a much different and scarier place if it were not for them.
4. My parents

I wasn't exactly the easiest child to raise.  I know, I know, some of you are shocked, but it is true!  I am sure with a lot of prayer, my parents got through those tough teenage years and I am forever grateful for making me who I am!  I am blessed to have such wonderful parents and wish I could see them more.
5. My brothers

I love these boys.  I haven't lived at home in 11 or 12 years, so I had to watch them grow up to be amazing young men from afar.  Every time I go home to Texas, I have to be sure to see them and spend time with them.  I am so thankful that they are such great guys and I can be close to them even if we live far apart.
6. My in-laws

Some people may think I am crazy for putting this, but I have married into a good family.  I have heard some horror stories about crazy in-laws, so I am thankful I don't have any of those!  Even John's extended family is great and a lot of fun.  I am really lucky!
7. God
Yes, I know this should be number one, but without Him, none of these other things would be possible.  I am grateful for the tremendous amount of blessings He has given me!

Well there it is, week one!  I know these are the typical things people are thankful for, but they are the most important.  Next week I'll try to be a little less sappy!