Coffee n Conversations #2 - Thankful

Here it is week #2 of coffee and conversations. Although for me it's more Caffeine and Conversations or Coke and Conversations as I rarely drink coffee.....but anyways that's not why we are here is it! I am linking up again and every Monday with Lauren at Simple Free and Kalyn at Love, Laughter, Happily Ever After and this weeks topic is: What are you most thankful for this year so far?

I am sitting to write this post several days early as we are currently in Florida visiting family. I did write an I am thankful post back in November for Thanksgiving, but I figured that I could go a little more in depth. First off I am thankful to have such a wonderful support group that is my family including my extended family. When my dad was sick and when he eventually passed, family I had never met came to my side and was there for me. Even now, after only meeting them once or twice in my adult life as I head to Florida I have been swamped with facebook messages about wanting to see us and visit. I have gotten many notes over the last two years and our first day in Florida is going to be a mini family reunion as well as a friend get together of all the people that were there for me and my stepmom that year. I am looking so forward to seeing all of them. Also I am thankful for the relationship that I have with my stepmom. Our relationship hasn't faltered and we still talk on a monthly basis to catch up on each others lives. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

I am thankful for my parents; my mom and stepdad. They have always been by my side and truly only want what is best for me. They have brought in my hubby and have truly made him like a son to them. Our memories that we have created over my 30 years are some of the best times.....including the time you threw me in the corner dad! Yea! I know you know what I am talking about. To clarify, the abridged version, he didn't throw me in the corner. We had a ritual at night where he would take me to my room for bed and without turning on the lights would throw me from my door into bed, then we would read a story until it was moms turn to tuck me in......well one day my mom cleaned my room and, because she was unaware of this ritual, moved my bed to the complete other side of the room. Needless to say I was left in a crumpled mess on the floor and my dad was a wreck. Well its safe to say that ritual was shot to s#^t. Haha. Even though I wasn't the easiest child to deal with, they both always loved me with all of their hearts and still do. There support emotionally and financially growing up...their advice and ear in my adulthood is the best thing to have. I love them so much!

I am thankful for my little family. Our pup is the light and the silly in our lives! I am so glad that we decided to rescue her and bring her into our crazy family. I am so truly thankful for my husband. I cannot say this enough and many people I know are probably like *puke! stop talking about it!* but in all seriousness, I couldn't have chosen a better partner. Yes, marriage isn't easy. It takes a lot of compromising and forgiveness, but without that you never learn about yourself or the other person. Patience and a good ear for listening are key. Also keeping the love alive and a smile on your face. After 12 years we still love each other just as much as we did the first year! He is my rock and my warmth. I love you babie.

This last thing was more for last year. I am thankful for the lessons. Things happen in your life and either you can let them tear you down or you can learn and grow from them. I had my dark times and I needed that dark time. I saw the things that I needed to change and made the steps towards those changes. I still have work to do, because we are always works in progress, but I feel like I have made leaps and bounds towards a new and better me. A healthy outlook on the future and my life!

There you go. My philosophical moment is over. I hope you all will join in on this link up! The questions are great and insightful! Happy Monday!