Today I am thankful for my little Small Town, USA.  I adore this town…it’s my heart, it’s where I’m rooted, it’s where I grew up, it’s where I’ve made tons of memories and now it’s where I make memories with my family.  It may take us forever to get to a store, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I can walk next door to my Mama’s and across the road to my Aunt’s.  I can let my chickens run through the yard, which they love (except when my naughty hens are roosting on my Mama’s back porch railing).  I can sit on my porch and watch Amish buggies drive past.  Every person in town knows everyone, and every person from towns around knows my sweet Dad.  There isn’t a single other place I would rather live.

 

I’m so thankful for my business and how the Lord has blessed it over the past few years.  Nine years ago when I started this business, it was merely a pipe dream.  My goal was to make a fun atmosphere, quality photography and amazing products.  I wanted it accessible and affordable for everyone.  But most of all, I wanted to follow God’s direction for my business.  I am so super thankful that I listened to His voice.  I never could have imagined when I started Gypsy Tree what it has grown to be.  To look at where Gypsy Tree is now leaves me breathless.  I am humbled, honored, grateful and blessed to have crossed paths with all my clients.  I am also extremely thankful for how many people come as clients but leave as friends, one of my favorite things about my business!

Today I am so thankful for my three little brothers.

I didn’t grow up with siblings, although I spent many a day dreaming about what it would be like to have a brother or sister.  But it was something God never saw that in the plans for my household.  So imagine my absolute over-the-moon joy when I found out I had three younger brothers.  I was on top of the world.  As soon as I got a picture my brothers, I carried it with me everywhere I went and showed everyone my little brothers.  It felt so weird, yet amazing, to be able to say those two words. My brothers.  I felt like we had a lifetime of talking, laughing and loving to do.

Siblings are some of the few people in this world who will stick up for us and love us no matter what. They are a wonderful gift.  Think of all the fun stuff you’ve ever done with your brother or sister.  Think about the laughter you’ve shared and the times your sibling has encouraged you when you were down.  I think God gives us siblings so we learn how to work together with others and so we don’t have to feel alone.  Siblings give us the opportunity to live out the words of Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  But siblings also make life easier.  Scary moments are easier to get through when there’s someone there to walk beside us.  Jokes are funnier when we can share them with someone else.  Tough problems are easier to solve when we have someone to help us think them through.

We might not see each other very often, and might not speak every day, but I know if I needed them, they would be there for me in heartbeat.  I love you guys!!!