Blog Link Up: A Thankful Heart '16 Round 2

I posted what this link up is all about last week and why I'm really pushing it this year, but I still thought I'd give a brief description this week for those of you just popping in ;) If you'd like to read the lengthy version, head on over to last week's post!

Three years ago I decided to do a series of posts during the month of November about all the simple joys in life that I am genuinely so very thankful for. 

Each week, on Sunday, I would post a few things that made my heart feel that much more full.

It could be something as small as the meal I ate the night before or as big as my faith and family.

Either way, it reminded me of the many blessings I have been given and somehow my days felt brighter and my heart felt happier.

There are far, far too many things that I take for granted and it's about time they get some recognition.

Although I fully realize that I should be giving each of these things recognition no matter what time of year it is, November just seemed fitting :)

So once a week from now on, you will be hearing bits and pieces about the things that are giving me "A Thankful Heart"

1) My Husband

Hunter is my absolute best friend. I always say that Oaks is my best little friend, but hunter is my best best friend. That's how it started out too, we used to say we were "just besties" and then kiss each other goodnight ha! While Hunter was on his mission my heart would literally hurt because I missed him so much. I missed having him to talk to when I accomplished something, I missed his hugs when I had a hard day, and I just missed him being around. I can't even begin to explain how happy I was when he asked me to be his wife. The day we promised forever, I was on top of the world. Our little newlywed life was perfect. We never fought and we just really enjoyed always having each other around. Things got a little trickier when we had a little baby. She protested sleep, demanded a whole lot of attention, and my hormones went crazy. Between being exhausted, a baby constantly screaming, and my hormones telling my brain my life wasn't happy, you could say our perfect little newlywed life quickly went a little haywire. Yet somehow, this guy always stayed right by my side. He always encourages me to be my best self. He tell me he's proud of me more than I can say. He sleeps next to me on the couch while I have a long night of work because he doesn't want to go to bed without me. He never misses a day of telling me I'm beautiful. He thanks me for all the meals I cook. He tells me I'm the best mom in the world. And just today, I woke up to the sweetest note from him. He surely isn't perfect, but I'd say he's pretty perfect for me. He has a whole lot on his plate, but always seems to put me and oaks first. He's my rock, my best friend, and my lover. I wouldn't want to go through this life without anyone else by my side. "We might not have any money, but we've got our love to pay the bills." ;)

2) My Country 

I'm the crazy person that cries every time I hear the national anthem and is teary eyes the entire Fourth of July. I am just so entirely proud to be American. I love this country and the older I get, the more I realize just how lucky I am to live here. There's quite a few people that are having a hard time right now based off the recent election... What I'll say is, this country is built on freedom and unity. That freedom is based on our unity. We have laws and consequences for many of the same reasons you have rules in your own home. When the country is mostly unified, our freedoms are there. But just as a mother takes away a child's freedom when they disobey, the same goes for uncivil protest. This country gives second chances, builds each other up, and stands with one another. Let's remember that and support our leaders to do their very best. I am so grateful to live here that it makes my heart burn with passion. I will always feel that way and always trust God to guide our leaders. We are a patriotic family through and through. 

3) Modern Technology

This photo is the best I could do to try to explain why this made the list. I have family in all sorts of different states, and I don't get to see them very often. However, I think of them at least once a day. Especially my immediate family. I wish so badly I could just hop in the car and be at my mom's house in 15 minutes to talk and let her play with her grand baby, but we're obviously supposed to be here right now. I am so thankful for all of the technology out there that makes it possible for me to stay in touch with her and quickly send pictures and videos of Oaklyn. There's a whole lot of different technology out there, but making it possible to stay close with family is my favorite. Oaklyn asks to talk to Mimi a lot and when we're able to, we FaceTime her right away so she can see her. It's the cutest thing watching her face light up when she sees my mom. I might tear up every time we hang up... I love that Hunter can easily call his mom every Sunday and talk for as long as they want. I love that I can text her when I'm thinking of her and that she watches my snapchats to see what we're up to. I just love that technology has made it seem like family isn't all that far away. 

Link Up Rules:

1) Please subscribe to, follow, or just check out your host and co-host's. (first 3 links)

 2) Visit and comment on at least 5 other blogs. This link up is meant to create a blog community so don't be shy!

 3) In your post, please either share The"Thankful Heart" image above or link back to this post on your blog post.
4) Make your post more appealing and creative by adding whatever pictures you please and as many reasons to be thankful as you'd like! (remember that the post you link up should be about what you are thankful for!)

(#5 is optional but, very much recommended!)

 5) Share your post on instagram using #thankfulheartseries (with your choice of picture) and go check out other posts! Be a friend and comment on or like other posts :)

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