Hello all,

This year for National Adoption Month and National Gratitude Month, I posted daily to our social media something I was grateful for that day. Here is the final list of my gratefuls:

1. Jake, our second rescue pup, who continues to come out of his shell as he adjusts to his new home

2. Goldy, our 10 year old rescue pup and our Golden Dude

3. Andrew, my loving husband who is going to be an amazing dad

4. the two bunnies who live under our deck

5. Sister’s in Christ, a women’s program I attend at my church

6. Hello Fresh, for giving us yummy meals and getting us out of our food rut

7. Auntie Beth, who is beyond supportive of our adoption journey and has always been a great part of my life

8. the ability to vote and have my vote counted

9. Christian (my brother in law) who is always up to try something with our family

10. dog rain jackets to help the pups be willing to go outside when its raining

11. Amanda, my coworker, who taught me how to easily grow sprouts for my sandwiches

12. my cute little tape measure, which helps me plan and diagram out changes we are looking to make in different rooms

13. Paint by Numbers from personal photos— getting to see some of my favorite things (like the lake and Goldy) come to life while painting is exciting and relaxing at the same time

14. Annabelle, my niece and possibly favorite person right now. She brings so much joy and love and always gets excited when she sees me

15. Bible study with my Bible Besties

16. my CPAP, which is a new addition to my life but makes so much of a difference to my energy levels

17. our fireplace, which helps keep us cozy and warm :)

18. my parents helping putting up Christmas- I know I go a bit overboard but it was so great to have a lot of help putting up 6 inside trees and lights and so much else

19. my mom, who has loved and supported me my entire life

20. my dad, who is supportive and the one who suggested helping put up our christmas decorations and made christmas candy with me

21. the progress on our dog den for the family room (turning a cupboard into a dog hang out area!)

22. our Santa decoration that is identical to the one I grew up with (and my parents still use)

23. the Bible in a Year podcast

24. Greg, Andrew’s dad, who made a great thanksgiving meal with…

25. Kathy, Andrew’s mom, who dotes on Goldy and Jake despite being allergic to them

26. Scalp massages and my haircut from Melissa. I go down to the cities for a haircut twice a year and she has already said she can’t wait to help pamper our future child

27. my extended family on my dad’s side, who I got to zoom with that day

28. Nose 2 Tail dog training and Brenda who has been amazing with Goldy but even more so with Jake

29. My sister Andrea, who is a great mom and role model

30. my cousins and their families, since Suzanne and Christina and their husbands are so ready to share the joy and love of their children with us all.

What are you thankful for this year?

~Natalie