Counting My Blessings Part One

(once again, picture by The Pixel Fairy Princess! Thanks Debbie! It's the only current one I have of us together!)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I want to post a quick little something each day this week about the most treasured blessings in my life.

I will start with my husband, who is the root of ALL my blessings! I am normally so focused on my children. I don't brag on him near enough, and sometimes, I even take for granted the fact that I have such a wonderful husband. I am truly blessed. I am living the life I always dreamed - a wife, a mom, with wonderful children, a comfortable life, nice home, fun vacations and the opportunity to follow most of my whims. My husband is the one who has made it all possible. I grew up in a divorced home as an only child. My mother did the best she could for me and I love her so much for it. But I am so grateful that my children will never know what it is like to experience divorce, or to wish for a sibling to keep them company. They have everything I didn't have as a child, which makes me so very, very happy. He has given me the family I always longed for.

I am emotional, he is the voice of reason. I can be frivolous, he is practical, and again the voice of reason! I tend to procrastinate, he is a "get it done" kind of person. He keeps me grounded. Most importantly, he is a family man. Every choice he makes, he always makes it with his family first in mind. He works hard and is successful, but not to the point of not "being there" for us. He is involved in the kids' lives, and takes time to keep up with school assignments and help with homework.

My husband is a good man with a beautiful heart. He is generous and in this economy, he knows just how lucky we are to be surviving these times mostly unscathed and with a sense of security. When we were talking about Christmas plans, he made sure that we budgeted a more significant amount than usual for charity. He said it was more important to him than ever to give when so many people are facing uncertain times. That is just the kind of man he is.

The one thing I find most endearing in my husband is the way he plays with our children. He really plays, like gets out the stuffed animals and puts on this whole silly routine. It is hilarious to watch. Linzi LOVES bedtime because she knows she gets to play with daddy. Her giggles echo throughout the house each night. The most beautiful, happy sound I have ever heard. He was like that with Alex & Mandi when they were little too. Each one has an animal or two that Eric has created a personality for. Each night, they are entertained by these animals and their crazy, stories and adventures. Seriously, Disney really needs to come to our house and listen to these stories. His talent really should be shared with all children!

He has seen the best of me AND the worst of me. And he is still here! This week we are also celebrating our 16th anniversary and he still makes my heart flutter. These are just a few reasons why I love this man so much. I am very, very lucky, I know. I love you honey!

Cheese Alert! :-) Call me corny, but I moved this song to the top of my playlist this week in honor of my hubby and our anniversary. After 16 years of marriage and 20 years in love, this song describes the way I still feel about him!