A Thankful Friday Five

WOOHOO, we made y'all!

It's Friday and the weekend is almost here, can you taste it?

Before we get to the weekend, let's get the weekly linkup.

[Make sure you link up]

I noticed a few weeks ago that Natasha and other ladies used this linkup as a way to count things they were thankful for, so I thought I'd join in this week. I'm not sure if I'll do it for the rest of the month, but today, I'm talking thankfulness.

I'm thankful for:

1] The men and women in our United States Military

I grew up an Army brat and even though Daddy is retired now my pride in our US ARMY and other branches of the military is the same today as it was growing up. The sacrifices the men and women in our armed forces have made, since the creation of the United States of America is incredible and something I think many people take for granted. I feel so blessed to be raised in a nation where I can do pretty much whatever I want [without hurting others or breaking the law] without fear of persecution, death or jail. I can pray to my God, I can wear pants, I can play sports and choose to live alone with a child if I wanted. Our military keeps us safe and serves not only our country but the world. I am so thankful for their constant sacrifices and their sense of pride in our nation. 

LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!

2] My family

Everyone says it, but I know it. I have the best family in the world. God blessed me with an amazing mama, daddy and two lil sisters and I thank Him every day [except with sisters steal my clothes] for my amazing Brady Bunch family. We're like most families, a lil nutzo but fiercely loyal and supportive of one another. 2013 has been the best year of my life and they were a HUGE part in making me feel special during wedding planning and on the actual day. I know not all brides experience the support, love and help I was given and I feel so lucky to have had the four of them by my side. Our family has grown this year and now my parents have a soninlaw and my sisters have a brother, so amazing. My family is my rock and I am so so so grateful they are MINE!


3]My Good health and athletic ability

The Lord may not have blessed me with the body of a Victoria's Secret Angel, but the one He gave me works pretty darn well. While I do suffer from some random allergies and have had my share of sports injuries, I know I'm incredibly blessed to be as healthy as I am at 30. I've never broken a bone and the only surgeries I've encountered are wisdom teeth extraction and Lasik [KNOCKHEAVILYONWOODTHANKYOU]. There are so many people that suffer debilitating injuries or deal with chronic illness and I am so thankful I'm able to be as active as I am. I may not be the most in shape person, but I am still able to physically push myself to my limits and not suffer major consequences. Our bodies are amazing pieces of anatomy and I'm grateful I have the one I do.

4] My choice to invest money at a young age.

[source]
First, let me say this...I am by no means a financial expert nor am a rich.  But, I started investing money with my dad's financial advisor when I was 25 years old. In the beginning it wasn't very much each month, but through the years I've been able to increase my investment and had seen a very good return. I'm thankful that a] I have enough money TO INVEST and b] that my investments are growing despite the tumultuous market. I started investing with the goal of creating college accounts for my future children and of course retirement and right now I have more money than I started with so that's a good thing ;)! I would strongly suggest that if you aren't already investing, you look into a good advisor and start a small account. 

5] Le Husband

I mean come on, did you really think this newlywed could get through a thankful post without mentioning my new husband?!?! As mentioned before, this year has been the best YEAR OF MY LIFE and I'm so happy to married to a truly amazing man. Like many girls I dreamed of meeting my prince charming, getting engaged and having a dream wedding. And this year I achieved it all. I am so thankful I listened to God when He brought a RANDOM opportunity to join a new, random kickball team in DC. I'm thankful I trusted Him and jumped in head first because otherwise I wouldn't be where I am today. C is the man I never dreamed possible and makes me happy in so many was I never imagined. He constantly makes me laugh, loves me for me and is just amazing in so many ways. I'm so thankful I am Mrs. C and enjoying life as a newlywed. :)

Haaaaaaaaapppy Friday my loves < 3