Thursday Thirteen #41

Thirteen Things SUSAN LOVES(in honor of Valentine's Day) 1. My husband...I miss him so much when he is gone. I am so thankful for his friendship and companionship. He's a blessing to me beyond what I could ever put into words. As we approach our 20th anniversary...I find myself regularly pinching myself to be sure it's for real. Thank you, hon, for all the love you give to me. I LOVE YOU!! 2. My boys...I'm always amazed when people look at me sadly when they find out I have four boys. I wouldn't trade being a "boy Mom" for anything. I know I would have loved girls, too. But I KNOW God gave us a special calling to raise boys into Godly men. I'm watching that happen...and it fills my heart with more love for them than I could ever imagine. I love you D, M, J, and A with ALL MY HEART!!!! 3. My parents...Dad, Mom, and C. I am so thankful for each of them. I can't think of a time when they haven't been there for me. I am so blessed that the three of them have gone out of their way to have a united front when it came to us (their kids) and now their Grandkids. My friends remind me over and over how blessed I am that we all "get along". I know it's true...and I love you all for it. 4. My brothers...Dan and Greg. I think about these two and smiles immediately come to my face and warmth to my heart. I don't think life has ever been dull in our family...and I think they are a large part of that. Thanks for all you do to keep us focused on each other and enjoy life. You guys are special!! 5. My BIL and SIL...Dave and Heather. We are so glad that you two are back on this side of the country. It will be great to finally be able to get together and see each other more often. Still, we know that with distance between us...you two are "there" for us. For that, we are grateful!! You continue to be in our prayers as you go through this journey. 6. My SIL...Christie. You are so special! It's been great to see you and Greg grow your sweet family. They are such a blessing to me. Thank you for the many ways you give to the extended family. It's such a gift when someone marries into a "bunch" like ours and just "rolls with it". 7. My Tampa nieces and nephew (C, K, and Z)....you all "bless Aunt Susan's socks off"! I love watching you grow. Your laughter and spirit are just so beautiful. I love the way that you love your "big boy cousins". You, also, love to laugh...this will serve you well as you spread joy to those around you. 8. My Orlando nieces and nephews (R, J, H, and M)....it's exciting that we are getting to see more of you now. I love it when you visit and you just feel "at home"....this blesses me! The love you all have for each other and your family is so special. As you grow, I know you are going to do great things. I can't wait to see what amazing things are in store for each of you. 9. My Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins....there are so many of them, it's hard to count. I have to say, though, I have the best extended family. Although we don't see each other often...it's as if we are together all the time. We communicate via email, phone and those rare face-to-face visits. Despite the distance...this family is close. I know that if I need anything all I have to do is call out...and someone would be there. That's a great security! 10. My Bible Study Friends....I am so grateful for this small group of women. They are unafraid to challenge me and help me grow. They also bring me so much joy. I LOVE laughing and talking and singing and praying together. Thank you for filling a void in my life. I'm forever grateful. 11. My Work Friends....I have some very special friends at work that help me. There is no question that this is a place of "TEAM" and minus the "I's" that sometimes exist in workplaces. I can imagine no better work situation than this. It's a joy to go to a place that I enjoy being each and every day. 12. My Writing Buddies and Friends....Over the years I have made so many friends via my job. There are three who have become very special "writing buddies". At some point in time over the last 8 years, I have published with each of them at least once (and some twice). I love it that even though miles separate us...when we are together....things just "pick up where we left off". These are the best kinds of friendships to have. 13. I know I should have started with Jesus. Truth is, without Him, NONE of these people would be in my life. I know that "every good and perfect gift" comes down from Him. I am eternally blessed that He loves me so much to fill my life with such great family and friends.

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