{ Thankful }

For a teenage brother who writes sweet, sincere, chatty thank-you notes

For crisp, sunny winter days

For Handel's Messiah

For eggnog-laced coffee and chot chocolate {why oh why isn't eggnog sold year-round?!}

For Christmas decorations up early and with minimal stress

For my husband--I think he loves eggnog even more than I do

For the frequent giveaways on A Cup of Jo, Rockstar Diaries, and The Pioneer Woman--though I haven't won anything, I love the anticipation and looking at the pretty things that someone is getting free!

For pomegranates

For an excuse to make soda cracker candy, Oreo truffles, butter toffee, and fudge

For secrets and planning and gifts to wrap

For a new Winco, minutes from home

For Yankee Candle Co.'s incredibly authentic-smelling Christmas tree candles

For a bachelorette party full of Apples to Apples, Twister, pedicures, Pride and Prejudice, and a chocolate fountain {did you know that Fritos dipped in chocolate are really tasty?}

For flash mobs singing the Hallelujah Chorus

For the opportunity to see the Nutcracker ballet with my mom- and sister-in-law

Yes, I am intimidated by my sister-in-law's runway-ready looks.

Lucky for me she's as sweet as she is gorgeous.

For Chelle's really easy chicken pot pie recipe

For a great library system and a library three minutes from home

For an excellent church

For plans to go to the Christmas Eve service at our church with Mike's family

For this Advent devotional

For a husband who is eager to do Advent

For a few activities that are starting to feel like "our" traditions, now that it's our second Christmas since getting married

For candy canes, cinnamon pinecones, and peppermint candles

What are you thankful for?