Things I am thankful for...

The holidays are always a time of reflection for me. Maybe its the end of the year drawing closer or all the time spend with family and friends just being in the now, blissfully happy. I wanted to take the time before it got away from me to write a post about the people & things I am most thankful for this holiday season. In no particular order...

My Husband ~ He is my rock, my hero, my support and the man of my dreams. No woman ever had it this good... I am sure of it. God blessed me when he put Rick into my life. Rick is the kind of man that every man should be... He is loving, thoughful, loyal, driven, handsome and just amazing. He's the guy that makes you tea in the middle of the night when your sick, lovingly teases his inlaws making my momma smile, the man who dreams BIG and has the motivation to see it through. There are big plans in store for this little family of ours. I cannot wait!

My Parents ~ This year something clicked for me when it came to family. I was no longer a 30 minute holiday visitor at my parents house (as I had been in the past). This year I can honestly say I saw my family more than I have since I left home for this big old world. I try to call my Mom everyday just to say hi, bring lunch by for no reason at all and surprise them with gifts just because. My mom and dad are amazing. They are so loving, accepting, encouraging and just wonderful. They give so much of themselves without asking anything in return, I try every day to make them proud and be the kind of daughter they deserve.

My Inlaws - I met Rick's parents for the first time after a wedding. I drove the 3 hours to get to Laramie still dressed up from shooting and had butterflies in my stomach the entire way. When I arrived at their house there was a connection - immediately. It was less like meeting his parents for the first time and more like visiting my own family whom I hadn't seen in a while. I am blessed to have TWO families that love and support me. I am thankful for everything they add to my life.

My Passion - A day with my camera in my hands is a good day for sure. I feel so lucky to have found something to inspire me. Something that just fills my entire heart and allows me to touch the hearts of others. Before I found photography I didn't consider it necessary for a person to love their job. It was just a source of income right? I could not have been more wrong. Photography has taught me so much about who I am. Everyday I get to do what I love and photograph people in love! I have the best job in the entire world and I never take this for granted.

My Religion ~ There was a time not so far back that I was an agnostic. Too young and caught up in my own life to "look into" this whole god thing lol. I remember always feeling like I was a part of something bigger, being taken care of, watched over. This year that feeling is unmistakeable. I have had so much happen this year. Wonderful things like marrying the man of my dreams, travelling the world, being blessed with a pregnancy. Devastating things like the passing of my grandmother, losing a child... Throughout it all its been my faith in god, my faith in fate and things happening for a reason that has brought me peace.

These are all important parts of my life that I honestly can say I DO NOT take for granted. WHo are you thankful for this Holiday season? Have you teken the time lately to tell them? Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and I wish everyone a season of happiness, love and most of all family.