pumpkin pie, turkey, stuffing...and oh yes, pumpkin pie!!

it's so easy to get wrapped up with the craziness of life - or maybe the mundane of it - and forget about the many blessing we get every single day. i know i get trapped in that bubble of ungratefulness. it's easy to want and to complain, thinking that life is greener on the other side when really we have so much more to be grateful for. if only, we had that perspective on a daily basis.

and actually my little sister, ashley, (oh wise one) pointed how interesting it is that we celebrate thanksgiving and the next day, we are all immediately buying and craving and lusting over more things - whether it be during black friday sales or writing mile-long wish lists. (15 years old are wiser than you realize, people!). such a contrast. i think it's definitely something to remember this season! 

so what are you most grateful for, friend?

i've said this every year but i mean it more than ever before (and i hope this turns to be a continued trend as i get older), i am so grateful for my family. i'm grateful to be home with them for this season. i'm grateful for the constant support and love we have for one another. i'm grateful to call them some of my best friends...that we can laugh our heads off at the dumbest things that no one else in the world understands. i'm grateful for "the ryans" who are a part of my family (peyton and dad did need more men in the house). 

i'm especially grateful that i'm spending thanksgiving with my family this year. having lived in chicago for 8 years, it was hard (or too expensive) to get a ticket so close to Christmas break, so i normally spent thanksgiving with friends. mom, ashley and i each have a part of the meal to contribute - and it's 50/50 american and filipino dishes...so we plan to eat good! (kristine, we are not not thinking of you. we are missing you every second that you are not here. but girl, you'll be here before you know it! december is just around the corner, sis!)

 

other things i'm thankful for: 

my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who has given me true life. without Him, i am nothing. because of Him, i am even able to be grateful. for my fiance and best friend, ryan. i love you so much. also thankful for my best friends you know who you are. thanks for the texts, the emails and the phone calls. praise God for technology. you know i miss you. and you can't forget the obvious things...such as pumpkin pie, stuffing, turkey and all that yummy goodness that thanksgiving brings.

[happy thanksgiving, friend!]