A Full and Thankful Heart

Once again, my blessings are too numerous to count.  Here are a few of my favorites:
Ben
My first born baby boy.  There are really no words for how much I love Benjamin Michael nor are there words to express my gratitude over how our relationship has evolved the past several years.  I suspect this is the case for a lot of little boys but for a good stretch there Ben was on "team dad" 100% of the time.  He would always choose his dad over me. Just this past year, however, the tables have turned and my boy is coming back to me. He still thinks his dad is the greatest but he is also super conscious of my feelings and often asks for me over his dad.  For example, if we have two separate cars at an event, Joey will break someones toe as he sprints to Dean's car but Benny will 9 times out of 10 say "I'll ride with Mom."  I know it's a small gesture but it means a lot to me.  Ben and I have had great, meaningful talks lately, too, which I love and appreciate.  As I have said before, Ben taught me how to love and how to be a mom and it is a continuing journey but one I am so grateful for.  I love Ben so much and am so thankful he is in my life.  He fills my heart to the brim.

Joe
Ah, my Joe Bug.  He is a stinker with a capital stink these days...and that is putting it kindly.  But where Ben fills my heart, Joey makes it happy.  There is nothing that puts a smile on my face (and in my heart) quicker than seeing that little face in all its wacky forms.  Joe makes the best faces...each one crazier than the last.  He can make me insanely crazy these days but in the blink of an eye I will be cracking up and just shaking my head at his antics.  Joe definitely keeps life interesting. 
Joey is testing all of our patience right now.  On a good day he is a lot to handle but I wouldn't have it any other way.  My heart starts to crack a little and my eyes fill with tears when I think about him starting kindergarten next year and leaving me.  I will miss my little partner in crime.  I am so very thankful to be my silly, spunky, sweet Joey's mommy.  I love him so.

Dean
I can't imagine a world without my Dean and I don't want to.  I don't think a day goes by that I don't tell someone how thankful I am for him.  He is my absolute favorite.  I love him more every day.  He works tirelessly to support our family but always manages to have enough left to give to us at the end of each day. He is my hero.

Friends
I have been beyond blessed in the friendship department my entire life. Truly.  It is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the amazing women I call friends. I think you could probably survive in this world without friends but it sure makes the ride more fun when you have people by your side.  I am so thankful for my girls. 

I am also very, very, very thankful for my boys' friends.  I love them all so much and truly feel that they are an extension of our family. 

Family friends, I have decided, are the best kind of friends.  We have several families where Dean and I not only love the adults but our kids are best friends with their kids.  It is a special kind of wonderful when we are blessed to spend time with these friends.  My life feels complete and I always go to bed on those nights with a smile on my face and a full heart.

Nana, Bampaw and Oma
Dean and I are so lucky to have the most supportive parents ever.  I know that I can call on any of them and ask for help and with a moments notice they will all be there with open arms.  I thank God everyday that my boys have such terrific grandparents.  We are all so thankful for them.

There are a million other things/people I am thankful for.  Brookie Marie, Landon, and Connor would top that list but also my sisters and brother, Clint and Abby, Deans siblings and their families, a flexible job that allows me to spend time at my kiddos' schools, a great home and in a community I love, Ben's incredible school and staff, etc., etc., etc.  I love my life and I am so very thankful today and every day.  Thank you, God, for the amazing gifts you have given me, especially in the form of the people I love and am lucky to have love me back.