Thank You Thank You Thank You….

It seems appropriate that I should spend this post in gratefulness before heading off to a weekend of complete contentment. I mean this life is pretty darn good. For starters, my friends are absolutely incredible. I know everyone says that, but for me, for the first time in my life I have friends worth sticking around for. I was always in awe of people that have known each other for life. People that grew-up together, shared memories with each other, stayed friends despite sporting eye patches, bowl cuts, or ridiculously large glasses. We were children of the 90′s and anyone that managed to get through that decade together were the epitome of best friends forever.

We moved a lot which meant that I started over a ton. I went to three elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and two colleges. I loved it to be honest. I never felt like I was missing out and loved each opportunity to reinvent myself. Maybe I had more gusto in one place or was more reserved in another. Sometimes I was blonde, brunette, or (unfortunately) red-headed. Sometimes I wore belly shirts, backless shirts, or Jnco jeans (Don’t judge, I told you this was the 90′s). I even changed my nickname a time or two, since hey, no one knew the old Elle from that last state. The drawback to this lifestyle, as it turns out, was friends. When my husband and I moved to California three years ago, we were starting fresh again- another do-over. Thankfully, this time has been different. The friends I have now are the kind worth sticking around for. They are adventurous, hilarious, imaginative, and inappropriate. We talk about everything from cannibalism to menstrual cycles and have been known to start an entire company in the span of an hour. They are my brain-trust, support, and inspiration. I can finally say I know what the fuss is all about and for that I am extremely grateful.

Then there is my family! Man are they awesome! We sing together, dance to Broadway tunes, and #tweetwhilesittingnexttoeachother. We are big fans of a cozy Sunday and nothing keeps us all from wearing our giant blankets out into the living room. (A reminder to the family that I started this trend loooooong before Luke made it all the rage). We love crossword puzzles even though, let’s face it, Dad gives us all the answers. Mom makes us all lattes and sometimes busts a move in the kitchen while she’s at it. They are a pretty awesome crew if I do say so myself and I can’t wait to see them all tonight!

My brother Luke colors on the walls, dumps out the cereal boxes, and climbs the fridge to get at that last cupcake. He’s the entertainment and also the troublemaker. I’m not sure what the rest of us would do without him since he bears the brunt of the sister kisses and knows he can get his way with a few, well placed “I love you’s” and “You’re my favorite sister’s”. He knows how to work the crowd.

My sisters are both gorgeous and I would love to spend every day with them if I could. One shares my affinity for show-tunes  the other my obsession with Lululemon, and all three of us just can’t get enough of a good paranormal romance novel from the young adult section. This weekend we will venture out to see the final installment of the Twilight movies and I am so grateful to have the sisters to do that with (Team Edward!)

And have you seen my husband? What a hunk! I absolutely adore that he plays batman with my brother, tells me I’m beautiful when I look like a hot mess, cleans the dishes when I manage to toss food on the ceiling, and believes with all his heart that I will succeed. I love how he wears his new gear the second he bought it and that he manages to think about camper vans 24-7. I love that he hacks into my blog from time to time to read what I’ve written about him and still doesn’t make me take it all down. Put simply, he is my favorite husband on the planet. Even as I write this he is simultaneously giving me leg-tickles and booking our trip to Hawaii. The man is just perfect for me.

I’m also grateful for this calling. The ability to fulfill my purpose in life. Through this blog, this business, this community that is beginning to form around what I have created, I know a fire is starting. I’m so grateful for those of you who have been reading my blog and sending positive vibrations my way. Without you none of this work would be worthwhile. Thank you.

Finally, I’m grateful to God since I realize that all of the above is a gift. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

P.S. I didn’t include any photos of my friends because I don’t know which of you are comfortable with me sharing your beauty with the rest of the world. Any takers?