I'm thankful for my husband.

I'm going to assume that you've noticed I'm not necessarily doing this list of gratitude in order. Because if I were, my husband would be a lot closer to the top than #5.

Mark and I don't have a perfect relationship. We rarely go a day without arguing, and we often find long car rides to be a great opportunity for an all-out fight. We've had days, weeks, even months when we weren't sure we could stand each other, weren't sure we could make our marriage work. We've thrown things (rarely and not at each other), we've slammed doors, and we've shouted things that I won't repeat here. And Lord knows I've said many things I wish I could take back.

But somehow - by God's grace - we still manage to make it work. And, with the exception of the last couple of weeks, the last year of our marriage has been better than ever.

Mark is my best friend, the one person I can truly be myself around and the one person I can tell anything. He listens to all my ideas and tells me anything is possible. He stands beside me and puts up with my crazy family and agrees with me when I say they're crazy. He's quick to apologize and quick to forgive. He makes me laugh and doesn't let me take life - or myself - too seriously. Well, at least he tries. He works his tail off to provide for Photobaby and me. And there's not enough room on this blog to list all the ways he's a good dad! He is honest and loyal and laidback, and well, cute!

So today - and every day - I'm thankful for my husband.