Thanks

I'll say it now because tomorrow will be far too busy with family time and stuffing our faces. I am thankful this year for many things. I can't say it enough how blessed we have been this year, and while this year also brought a lot of unnecessary situations and hurt feelings, I still feel it has been a great year thus far.

I am thankful to be done with school, and to finally have my nursing license. I started on this journey over 3 years ago, and I had many panic attacks, nervous breakdowns, and tears to get here. I am so thankful that this chapter in my life is over because I had to sacrifice so much, I had to live with my in-laws (while they are amazing in-laws, no one is super stoked about this living arrangement) for 2 years. I didn't get to see my own family for over 3 years, and didn't spend nearly enough time with Mike. My life was controlled by this program, my instructors, the weekly tests, the thousands of dollars of textbooks. The threat of failing a test induced so much anxiety that I could not do anything other than study. I would not go through that again even if I was paid to do it. So, again, I am very thankful to have this part of my life over with.

I am thankful for my in-laws. They did not have to offer their home to us so that I could go to school without taking out massive loans. This is the most support I have received from anyone in my life other than Mike. I truly could never repay them for this generosity. I would actually be sad to move away from them if we ever moved back to Tennessee. I just would.

I am thankful for my job. I have been there for over 5 years, and it has its frustrating aspects, but it is my work home. My boss has been amazingly flexible with me over the years for school, and the fact that I still had a job waiting for me when I finished school was such a blessing. While I may be having a hard time RN job searching, I am content for the time being.

I am thankful for our home. It finally feels like home to me, and I love coming home to it just being Mike and I. We couldn't be happier.

I am thankful for Mike, above all else. He is there for me no matter what. When I was crying my eyes out over school, or family-issues, or my job search, he was there. I could not have imagined when we first started talking to each other over 11 years ago, that this is where my life would have taken me. He makes me laugh every single day, we wake up every morning and fall asleep every night cuddled up tight. He surprises me by doing sweet things for me, and he makes me feel so loved. He humors me when I'm being cranky, or obnoxious. He accepts me for all that I am, flaws and all. I know he and I make a great team, and I couldn't be happier with this great man who fell into my life.

And lastly, while there have been brutally upsetting situations this year, I have to be thankful for the lessons I've learned from them and move on.

We are having Thanksgiving dinner with Mom and Dad-in-law. I am making chicken n dumplings using my mom's recipe. It's always a bit anxiety inducing using her recipes because there is never a straight-cut method. It's all by using your judgement. Which for something I've never made before is impossible. I'm so nervous to make this. The chicken is cooking now, and I just have to hope for the best!