The Month of Gratitude

So, I know that it is the END of the month and no one is really talking about Thanksgiving anymore, but instead of posting every day what I am grateful for, I kept track on a notepad throughout the month and wanted to post my whole list at once. I may have repeated myself a time or two, but hey, I must be really grateful for those things. So without further ado, this November I am grateful for:

1) modern medicine
2) a selfless husband, who continually serves me without any expectation of return
3) a close and fun extended family
4) Hallie-- the joy, laughter, and spunk she brings into my life, plus the sweet hugs and kisses and "I love yous"
5) My good parents who raised me with strong values and principles-- and most importantly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ
6) The good country that we live in and the democracy that allows us freedom
7) My Grandmothers. Both have shaped and added much to my life. I appreciate the spunk and love of adventure of one and the kindness and knowledge of the other.
8) The close relationship I have with many of my aunts and uncles.
9) Good friends- movie nights, talking, enjoying treats together.
10) the chance to start every day new and have a "better tomorrow" than today
11) The opportunity to attend church, to feel of the Spirit, and to partake of the Sacrament
12) Family time. Hearing my kids laugh and play together.
13) Good books
14) Spirituality
15) My sweet Flor. Her smile, her laugh, what she teaches me. The fact that our Heavenly Father loves us enough to sometimes give us what we desire, but then to also give us opportunities to learn and grow in the process.
16) I am grateful for beautiful art, music, and theater that uplifts me
17) Grateful for the plan of Salvation and the knowledge that we can be with our loved ones again
18) I am grateful for temples and the meaning that they have in my life
19) I am grateful for my job and the joy I get from being involved in the beautiful world of adoption.
20) I am grateful for my Jacer. No matter how the day is going, he can always make me laugh and smile. He has my heart and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent his happy and silly spirit into our home.
21) I am grateful for good food and for good exercise :)
22) the friendships of our adoption friends and the examples they are to me
23) Days where we can just spend time all together as a family! There's nothing better
24) Best friends from high school who I have remained close to. They are incredible friends and I am grateful for each of them
25) hot chocolate
26) My personal testimony
27) The laughter of my children
28) Adoption. I am thankful that a wise Heavenly Father instituted such a beautiful thing. It has touched me so many times and so many ways, of course in my personal life, but also in my professional life.
29) I know I have said it before, but my darling husband. I love him so much. He brings out the best in me and makes me feel like I am the most beautiful woman in the world.
30) The home we have to live in. It is simple, but it is ours and it brings us a lot of happiness.

Still to come...the recap of our multiple Thanksgivings. I know, I know, I am tardy. Oh, well.