The First

I love November! 

I love everything about November: the peak of fall. I love fall, the smells of the fall, the tastes of fall (Apple cider, pumpkin bread) and the feel of fall. I love when the cooler weather begins to set in and you can wear jeans and a cardigan. I love football season. I love bonfires and watching all the trees turn to bright red, oranges and yellows. But, most of all, I love that November is the beginning of the season in which time slows down a little (or goes really fast, depending) in which we can take some time off our normal, everyday life and reflect on the blessings we have been given. I love to have a Holiday where the main purpose is to say Thank-you! And, I feel it is so much needed in our self-centered world. So, I love the challenge of a month to give thanks! Would you join me in giving thanks this month?

And, do I have so much to give thanks for on this first day of November. First of all, one of the most precious ladies to me in the world was born on this day: My Grandma. My Grandma(s) have always been among my best friends. That may sound strange to some; but, I always thought I had some of the coolest grandmas ever. Next to my parents (and now husband) my Grandma has been one of the biggest supporters of me throughout my life. Very rarely did my Grandma ever miss a volleyball or basketball game. She is a great listener and friend. Not only did she listen to me (all the time...) she also has taught me so much. I cannot tell you how many countless hours my Grandma spent with me in the kitchen teaching me to bake and cook. We have had some pretty crazy adventures in the kitchen...and, she also spent lots of time teaching me how to sew. When I was very young, she bought me my very own sewing kit and we would sit together sewing on little projects. I always wanted to sew as good as she did. She made me countless outfits and Easter Dresses and quilts. How precious those moments were together. I still ask her lots of questions about any particular project I'm working on and she is always so gracious to lend a hand. What a blessing she is! I love you and I'm thankful for you Grandma!

November 1st is also a special day for another reason. This is a little hard to explain; but, my husband and I still celebrate November 1st as a really big day in our relationship. You see, it all starts way back when (no worries, I will make it short), when Shaun and I first met, we didn't have the greatest relationship--actually, we pert near hated each other. It's hard to explain and honestly we don't really have any reasons for it, but we could hardly stand being around each other. This went all for quite a while and one evening (October 31st to be exact) it all came to a head. We were at a friend's house and we were not getting along. The night ended in a really horrible "disagreement" and we went away furious and humiliated by the other. Great story, right?

But, there is more. We both went home that night realizing that what we were doing and how we had been acting was wrong. We had an activity planned the next day that we were both supposed to be at. Shaun sat down that night and wrote me a really long letter in which he apologized and asked if we could start anew and be friends again. The next day, he handed me the letter and I couldn't wait to read it. So, I actually went into the bathroom (cut me some slack, it was the only place I could be alone) and I sat on the floor and read the letter. With each paragraph, my heart got heavier and heavier and tears flowed out of my eyes. I knew I had been in the wrong. Shaun was a wonderful guy and I knew that I really respected him. So, later on, we made it right--in person. We asked for forgiveness and made a commitment that we would do our best to be friends. And, as God would have it, a mere 3 years, Shaun asked if I would date him on November 1 and, well, the rest is history... as I sit here with a sparkly diamond on my hand from my best friend, Shaun--the man of my dreams.We joke about our former sincere dislike for each other and say that we are thankful we got all the bickering, disagreeing and dislike out of the way before we were even in a relationship :) Although it isn't perfect, it the most perfect it could be. I could not be happier and I am so thankful for forgiveness and second-chances; and, of course for a wonderful, amazing, loving, best-ever husband.