Thankful Thursday {link up}

Hello, lovelies! 

I am so excited for today's post. My beautiful friend (who I'm sure you all know!) Erin & I will be co-hosting a link up, Thankful Thursday, every Thursday in November. With Thanksgiving coming up, it seems quite fitting that we take some time to appreciate all the wonderful things that God has blessed us with. Big or small, we wanna hear em'! So get your lists, add your blog to the linky tool, and tell us what you're thankful for! 

Thankful Thursday

If you follow along on Instagram (@sweethomesb), you probably already know that I went home this past weekend. Visiting my family always leaves me feeling thankful, so you may sense a trend in this week's list. Today, we're talkin' my people. 

One // This woman. 

I would not be where I am today without my Mom. She is incredibly intelligent and analytical, and she so graciously passed down a portion of those genes to this lucky girl. I would not have been able to major in Math/Economics had it not been for her gift with numbers. 

But a good brain can only get you so far. My mom is the most hard working person I know. She is dedicated to her work; if she says she will do something, she'll do it. She taught me what work ethic looks like, putting me on the road to success from the moment I started to walk. I don't think I'll ever be able to adequately thank her for all that she has done to help me succeed in this life. 

Two // This man. 

My dad has a servant's heart like no other. He never complains about getting his hands dirty, putting in manual labor, or killing spiders. He also never complains when I take blurry photos of him. He always checks to make sure my car is in tip-top safety condition, and I'm fairly certain our pets would starve without him. Either that, or become obese from lack of walks. 

I'll be the first to admit that he doesn't get thanked nearly enough for all of the ways that he serves our family. I will never forget in college, when he drove up to Santa Barbara on Father's Day to help me move. It was the one day of the year that a father is supposed to get served, and here he was, serving me. 

Three // This guy. 

My brother is honestly, one of the best guys I know. For the majority of our pre-18 years, it was just the two of us. I've gotta say, he made growing up fun. We have the same sense of humor, which is a pretty awesome one if you ask me. He is generous, kind, and loving. He may try to pull the "I'm a cool guy" act, but I see the inner softy. 

When I was in elementary school, I had a friend over to do homework. I got thirsty, so I called out to my brother. "Mike! Will you bring me a glass of water?" I hollered through the halls. "Sure!" he called back, and just like that, water was delivered by my 5 year old brother. My friend was astonished at this behavior. "You're brother is so nice!" she said. And she's reminded me of that many times since. 

He came to visit some friends in Santa Barbara not too long ago. We got lunch, and as we were eating, I got up to get a glass of water. "I'll get it for you," he said. And just like that, he got up and did. He never grew out of that. I'd say he got my dad's servant heart, and it's gonna seriously bless some lucky woman one day. 

Four // This little lady. 

This girl. There really aren't words to describe our relationship. It is so special to me, and it inspires me to be the best role model that I can be for her. I feel like every time I go home, there are so many moments where she blesses me. 

She is constantly giving me gifts. Things that are special to her, she gives to me in a heart beat. This past weekend, she went on a camping trip with my dad. As a part of Indian Princesses (which I did when I was her age!), they exchange beads. She came home with a bag full of beads that she was so proud of. 

Before I left, she told me to pick a bead to take home. These beads were so special to her, and here she was, letting me pick one. I want to be like that, I want to freely give away the things that are special to me.  

Five // This place.

Walking the beach with my mom this weekend, I was just amazed at the beauty of this place that holds such a special place in my heart. San Diego holds so many memories, and it will forever be the place I call "home".

Not quite sure how I got lucky enough to have such an amazing family, and such a beautiful home, but I am certainly thankful for it!

What are you thankful for? 

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