Patio time!!!!!!!!!!

I've waited, oh, I don't know, three, four, five months for this? Finally, it's here! Our patio and walkway was installed last week, and I could not be happier. It's beautiful! Can't wait for the next step, which is the landscaping. Hopefully that comes in next week or so. Yippee!!!

Things I am thankful for

This week is Thanksgiving, my #1, all-time, most favorite holiday. It's my favorite because it was a time when our family was always together. I remember big feasts at both of my grandparents houses as a child, and as I got older, it was always me, mom, dad, and whatever family was in town visiting. It was always someone - grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles - and that's why I love Thanksgiving. For me, it represents family, and that is the most important thing in my life. My family. So, in honor of my favorite holiday this week, I thought I would post a few things that I am thankful for (in no particular order).

• Family and friends. You know who you are. You all are my rock. I wouldn't have made it through my life, especially these last few years, without you. I love you.
• Jay. The love of my life, my best friend, my soul mate. You know how to make me laugh. You always make me smile. I miss you every second I am away from you. You are my everything. I love you with all my heart.
• Our military and their families. We wouldn't be here today if it weren't for you, and the sacrifices you all have made. You all are my heroes, and I thank God for you each and every day. Thank you.
• My health and my family's health. For the most part, we are good. Except for a few back and knee tweaks here and there... knock on wood... nothing major. And that is a huge relief. I think about those who are sick all the time, and I pray for their recovery.
• A truly rewarding job. I have a great team that I work with. They make my job so easy each and every day, and it is a blessing to have such a strong, diverse, and talented team. I love the PR profession, and telling stories about our students and employees. So rewarding and awe-inspiring.
• Sports. OK, I know this probably sounds corny, but I am thankful for them. Football, baseball, volleyball, basketball, NASCAR... you name it, I'm thankful for it. They bring me a break from the every-day world every now and then, and allow me to just be me. I love talking sports, watching sports, writing about sports. That is me, and I am thankful that something so trivial can allow me to be me.
• All of my "neices" and "nephews." You are a joy to be around. I look forward to watching you grow up to be the amazing people that I know you'll be.

What are you thankful for?