Thanksgiving 2017 // What I'm Giving Thanks for This Year

I have been getting everything in order for this years' Thanksgiving events. It's Rick's and my first year hosting together and in our own home. It's so weird to think that we're old enough to be at this life stage. As we prepare for a lot of baking pies and brining the turkey, I wanted to let y'all know some of the things I'm thankful for this year. This isn't in any certain order but rather just a collection of all the memories I'm grateful to have had as a part of this past year for myself, my family and my friends.My Mom + sister // my husband, Rick // our dogs // my church // my family // Skipbo // Rick's sweet + sour chicken with chow mein // Levi's Jeans // those who've believed in me // changing seasons // rest and relaxation // Willie Moore's catfish // forgiveness // walking trails // Pandemic // my word of the year - intentional - and how it has deeply influenced my year // eye primer // my GI doctor // my husband Rick + his willingness to battle my Chron's Disease alongside me // reading books + having someone to discuss them with // an espresso maker in my home // the weird things Annie taught me + my path to being brave // NCIS marathons // Pokemon Go // having the comfort and safety in a relationship to be yourself and dig into tough conversations // having a patio that I can enjoy // the strength to carry on in tough times // Jesus-Centered Bible // the power of prayer //vietnamese iced coffee // Moana // encouraging words // reading in the backyard // Dumar's Mediterranean Restaurant // Mary-Kate + Ashley Olsen sleepover marathons // podcasts - especially The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey // road trips with Rick // how everyone in Houston rallied together during + in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey // our wedding video + photos // for those willing to stand up and fight against injustices // phone calls with Kelli // Rick perpetually cooking for me + being my "nutritionist" // our weekend in Kemah // Girls Nights // Kill The Spider by Carlos Whittaker // cast iron cooking // the journey of healing that has led me to begin blogging, writing and baking again // Stranger Things // reading or listening to interviews // reaching one year of marriage // Japaneiro's // Rick's support of me + my dreams // my mom going to almost every GI appointment with me to be my second set of ears // my ever growing relationship with Jesus // sunshine // my car // Ticket to Ride // facial masks and bubble baths // Questival // the braid that's usually in my hair // Lush's Curly Wurly // learning to say yes and be okay with self-care // researchers // my online communities of Dreamer's and Builders + #AllTheSingles // hanging out with my mom on Thursdays // Shea Moisture conditioner // photography + the restarting of Ashley Karlen Photography // candles - especially this one // visiting friends // Coffee - especially the stuff Ted + Gracie brought us from Costa Rica and amaretto from Don's Humidor in Waco // my 2017 reading list and how it's influenced me // Netflix // the sous vide // Spotify // friends that feel like family // my gold Converse // puppy snores // Rick's brisket // J Crew Factory socks // having all of my stuff at one place // thai tea // Longmire // blogging // giving myself the freedom to say no // my eno hammock // rough moments that cause me to grow // Tea Kettle // Clyde // my lovely curated people I follow on instagram // El Dorado Mexican Restaurant // my friends // the 7th girls // Supper Club // lunches with Megan // almost being unpacked and settled // Mac + Cheese Festival with Rick + Daniel // everyone who reads my blog // our cozy college blankets from my Mother-In-Law // Ellie Holcomb's Red Sea Road CD // the courage and freedom to become me // memories of those that I've lost along the way.What are you thankful for this year?