Twenty-seven

Yesterday was my 27th birthday, and I was going to blog about the 27 things I have been thankful for this past year, however I didn't have time to blog yesterday with everything that we did.  So I will do it today!  Here it is, 27 things I'm thankful for (in no particular order):

1. My job - kind of a weird thing to start off the list, but I do feel really blessed to be working where I am and getting the experience that I am.  I only have God to thank for landing the job I have had for the past two years.  My collegue that I work most with is also a Christian and it has been a blessing to be able to talk about spiritual things at work.
2. Small Group - off to a rough start a year ago, it is finally taking shape! We have an awesome group of people who get together on Thursday and an amazing leader who teaches well. 
3. Coco - though she can be really, really naughty, she is also a great dog and we love her a lot. 
4. California - last September, Steven and I got to go to California for a week for a wedding and some time in LA.  It was really great to see friends and just have some time together. 
5. Precepts class - this past year I started doing Precepts at Bethel.  It has blessed me beyond words and renewed my hunger for God's Word! 
6. WSU Friends - I could actually list each one out and have it be over 27 names long!  We always cherish our times hanging out, camping, rafting, visiting and having dinner with friends from college.  We love being able to stay in touch with everyone and continue to build those relationships.
7. New Friends - God has really blessed us in Tri Cities with lots of new friends this past year.  It took awhile, but when we leave there are many people we will miss a lot. 
8. The Condo - I love our house!  And all the crazy upgrades we do to it.  Last summer we finally finished the bathroom and this summer we will tackle the kitchen and all the floors.  Pray for us, as it is a long process this whole remodeling thing but hopefully it will be totally worth it (and we won't kill each other in the process). 
9. Ikea - kind of out of place, but we just went there last weekend and my love for Ikea was renewed.  I'll be posting pics soon of our new closet "doors" from Ikea. Genius!
10. Coffee - where would I be without it? *typed while taking a swig of morning brew...yum!
11. Subaru - technically we've had the car almost two years, so it's not a "past year" blessing.  However, it is a continual blessing that we have a great car with lots of room and the ability to haul more than we could ever imagine (including: double sink vanity, trees, Queen bed frame, wood framing...you name it we've hauled it!). 
12. My library card - I finally got one in January and it is so great!  Why did I ever buy books?
13. The fish - so fun! 
14. My family - we got to spend some awesome time with them this year.
15. My Mom - she has come through everything with flying colors!  This year was hard dealing with her cancer and that process.  I'm so thankful for her prognosis (very good - cancer free!), and constantly reminded how it could have been a lot worse.  Thanks, Jesus for protecting her body!
16. Aunt Shannon - she's totally deserves her own number as she single handedly kept my family moving, eating, breathing, and not going crazy during my mom's treatment (well there was a little crazy - but nothing too serious).  Thanks, Sha-nay-nay for being spectacular!
17. Nala - because she really is the best dog ever!
18. Steven's family - even though they all live in the Southern US (except Amanda), the times we spend with them are quality and fun!  And we get to go to Hawaii with them on Thursday. Yay!
19. The Nest - I'm so thankful Carla talked to me about getting this started last summer.  And that Carla kept it going all year. And that now I get to help lead again since I'm not working during summer!  Yay!  Bring on the female fellowship!
20. China - so we didn't make it to China this past year, however God has continued to open up really amazing doors and show us glimpses of what a future in China may hold.  It is exciting to see as He slowly reveals all the opportunites out there!
21. Babies - we're not having babies any time soon - however so many friends are and it is such a blessing to get my "baby fix" at church...love it. 
22. Ann Taylor Loft - do I need to explain?
23. Our camera - I love it and and am so thankful for being able to take amazing pictures. :-)
24. Beth Moore - can I be thankful for someone I've never met?  Her book, "So Long, Insecurity" has helped me process through so much. Thanks, Beth! 
25. Sleep - we have the best mattress and I hate getting out of bed in the mornings. It's just so comfortable!  Plus, we've been really good about going to bed early this year.  I think this past year I was the most rested I've ever been!  Being the night owl I am it's hard for me to get a full night's sleep when needed. 
26. Steven - I can't say enough what a blessing he is!  He fixes everything, takes care of me, provides for me, drives me crazy, loves me like he's crazy, and keeps us organized.  I am so blessed by marriage and can't even fathom life without him in it.  I love the adventures we go on together and the adventures we will one day take.  Thank you Steven for being my best friend!  I love you a so, so lot much!
27. God's continued provision - He knows just what we need and always provides at the right time.  I am so thankful for all that He has blessed us with and that He allows us to take part in His plan for our lives!  How awesome!  I feel that everyday my journey with Him deepens and just when I think I have it all figured out He reveals even more of Himself that I grapple to make sense of.  So thankful He gives us the faith to keep going and the freedom to revel in it all!