Counting My Blessings

This is by far one of my favorite holidays, and I feel so blessed to be able to celebrate what treasures I have in my life.


1. My re-established Faith - We played a little game of 'Hide-N-Seek' for a while, but eventually (and thankfully) we found each other again.

2. My Parents - For always taking time out of their busy schedule to make us feel special. For always loving us, no matter what we did. For instilling such a strong value of family. For being the great role models they are. For loving each other. For laughing with us.


3. Molly - For always being there to challenge AND support me. For always giving me a reason to laugh. For never giving me your ID. For always being one step ahead of me. For being so similar, yet so different from me. For never forgetting those silly little fights we got into as kids. For that one time you threw water on me. For keeping my secrets.

4. Mark & Scott - For ganging up on me. For being the older, rough and tough brothers. For being 'my boys.' For being super protective of me. For being an influence of my decisions. For the foul language you have taught me. For allowing me to be me. For the times you cried for me. For getting me drunk that one time always watching over me.

5. Abby & Maegan - For loving my brothers. For forgiving our crazies. For further enriching our family. For new friendships and siblings. For girl power. For your patience. For getting my mom off our backs.

6. Claire - For being you. For showing me a new kind of love. For bringing such joy to my brother's face. For your butt chin. For being the first grandchild. For the smiles you bring each and every one of us. For being the new Stanga Train Caboose.

7. Friends - For each being so different from one another. For making me want to be a better person. For allowing my mistakes. For the memories. For the inside jokes. For inspiring me. For being a phone call away. For keeping me laughing. For your honesty.


8. Pets/Animals - For giving my mom a mission and purpose in life. To bring frequent pleasure(and frustration) to our family. For being great companions. For giving us something to joke about.

9. Personal Blessings - My education and future learning. My career for giving me an opportunity to become completely independent of anyone else, giving me something to be able to do each and every day and allowing me to provide nice things for myself and the ones I love. My home for being a warm, familiar place where I can relax and appreciate my life.

10. Holidays - For giving me something to look forward to. For those days off of work. For giving us a reason to drink eat a lot. For being able to give back. For allowing my close family and friends to get together and celebrate. For oyster dressing. For making it a special family tradition.


11. The Less Fortunate - For keep on keepin' on. For illustrating strength and endurance. For showing me what happiness really is. For making me want to do something for others. For keeping me in touch with reality. For your personal stories and heart-felt feelings. For inspiring me to be a better, selfless not selfish person. For keeping your Faith.

{Please note, I don't necessarily mean less fortunate in a strictly monetary meaning. Also, I'm not thankful that there are less fortunate people, I'm just thankful that if there have to be some - I'm glad I can learn through their courage.}

12. Me - {Not in a cocky way, folks!} - For my health. For the amazing opportunities I have experienced. For being so blessed in many ways. For any sort of enjoyment I may have brought to anyone's life. For my life!

Wishing everyone a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving.



*It is right to give thanks and praise!*

(Okay, seriously - that's what just came out of my mouth when I ended this post. Nothing like a little subliminal Catholic prayer to pop out when you least expect it.)