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I must admit I have had a difficult time thinking of what I am thankful for that begin with the last three letters of the alphabet. I'm sure if I really took the time, I would successfully find something, but...

I have been having such a wonderful time at home that I've not spent a lot of time thinking about anything except family, thanksgiving dinner and home. It's been a lovely week surrounded by everything and everyone that bring me true joy...

This week has been one of true Thanksgiving.

W

Water - I do believe it's my primary "element," complemented by Fire, which is why I am at such peace when I am in warm sunshine near a body of water. I absolutely love oceans, rivers, lakes and of course swimming pools!

World Wide Web (WWW) - it has opened up the world to me! I can't imagine (or remember) life without the internet. When used properly the internet is a powerful tool for good.

V

Vacation! I have the greatest job, really. I work with a top-notch group of people, all working towards a very positive goal - educating children. And I am very thankful for my job. However, I am also very grateful for Vacations. Our school is closed for the week of Thanksgiving, which gives me the entire week to relish in the blessing of my home and family. I'm so grateful to have a full week to enjoy it all!

Vision. I'm grateful that I have always had the ability to see - literally and figuratively. My eye sight has been something I have taken for granted, until about 10 years ago when I discovered the blessing of reading glasses! I am also grateful for the ability to "see" things figuratively. I love to discover the symbolism in literature and life and then see how I can apply it in life lessons. It makes everything so much richer.

Ummm

Umbrellas - 'nuf said.

My Dad's Ukulele - many fun memories of singing as a family with Dad accompanying us on his ukulele "Oh, when the Saints come marching in...!"

I must admit to "stealing" this one from my friend Sue:

The United States of America! Is there any greater feeling that watching our beautiful flag being Unfurled while the National Anthem is being played? I love this country, I'm grateful for it's goodness. I am also very proud to have two sons who have volunteered to defend it. (Thanks Sue for reminding me!)

T

Travis - a wonderful son, brother and friend. He is also a very handsome army pilot. I love him!

Temples - The House of the Lord. In them covenants are made and eternal connections are forged. I am thankful for the blessings of the Temple.

My Testimony - while it is far from perfect, my Testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation keeps me grounded and gives me hope.

Shhhh

Shelby. Shelby writes. Shelby writes on her blog when she is not heavily burdened with school work. Shelby is in college. Shelby is cute and a lot of fun too.

Sleep. I am so grateful when I have had a good night's sleep and I wake refreshed in the morning. Oh, I think I'm feeling a little sleepy now!

R

Rivers - running water, really. I really, really love the Mississippi River (I like spelling Mississippi, too!) Rivers bring peace to my soul.

Rain (is there a theme here today?). I love the rain. I would take the rain over snow ANY day. I especially like what the world looks like after a really good rain. I used to love thunderstorms that brought rain except now my dog freaks out and destroys my house, so I dread the storms. But bring on the rain!

Q

Quite, quiet, quit! I'm too tired to think of a "Q" something I'm thankful for.

Moving on....

P

Prophets to guide us in these latterdays. Oh, that reality is wonderful, wonderful to me!

Promises the Lord and I have made with each other. They keep me focused on moving down the path that will bring the greatest joy and peace in my life.

O is for...food?

Olives - all kinds! I love olives. When I was little I would put olives on each of my fingers and eat them one at a time, my kids used to do the same thing!

Omelets - the ultimate breakfast food for me. I love them soft, stuffed with vegetables and melted cheeses! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Oranges - nothing is quite as good as a juicy, sweet orange. I especially like the Clementines because they are easy and fast to peel and I can eat a lot of them!

Ovens - it's so nice push a button and voila there is heat. Even with the ease of modern appliances, I still have a hard time getting inspired to actually cook something - can you imagine if I had to think far enough ahead to start a fire, or keep it going? I love my electric oven, the delayed start and the timer!

N

Nights to sleep. I don't especially like the dark, so I could never live in Alaska during the winters. But, come nighttime I am grateful to be able to wind down from a busy day and (hopefully) settle in for a nice long rest.

November - the starting gate for the holidays. I love it!

Numbers - as in data. I am discovering I am a data geek. Part of my work involves gathering, compiling and then analyzing numbers and I love it. It's like being a detective, figuring out the whats, the whys and the what ifs of it all. I already admitted to being a geek, so don't bother pointing that out!

Mmmmmmmmm......

Marriage - to the right person, in the right place, by the right authority, at the right time! It's my hope that each of my children are blessed with eternal companions who are committed to them come what may and with whom they can enjoy the vast experiences of mortality.

Melissa - loves Math! Melissa makes me smile. She's thoughtful and cute and fun and single too! If you know anyone worthy of her, please leave a comment with contact information! :)

Men - not merely the gender, but when a man acts like a Real Man. I am fortunate to have been surrounded by good examples of men my entire life. I'm especially grateful to have married a wonderful Man who loves me and is committed to me and our family!

Modern Medicine - my life and the life of many of those whom I love have been impacted by the blessing of Modern Medicine.

Mortality - what a ride! We never know when our experience on earth will be over, so it's important to make the most of it while we can!

L

Laura - she's talented, smart and adorable (that one's for you Laura!) She is also a great daughter, sister and friend. But, beyond all that, she is a stellar example of all that is most important in this life. She's also my baby girl! Love ya, Laura!

Lemons & Limes and the thirst-quenching drinks they can produce on a hot summer day!

LPA - I'm grateful they took a chance on me.

K, I'm grateful for...

KAUAI - If you've been there you understand why it is at the top of my "K" list. If you've never been there, let me give you a peek:

Knives are also on my list today, can you imagine slicing into this with anything else?

Just a Few J's I'm Grateful For

Jesus Christ has made possible all the highs and made bearable all the lows of my life. I am forever indebted to Him. I hope my life reflects at least a tiny particle of His goodness as I try to follow His example.

Justin – Cait’s fiancé and my son. I know she has already made him very happy, I hope he will always take good care of her. He will be a good husband if he follows the example of his own Dad.

Jelly Belly Jelly Beans – most any flavor except coffee or chocolate

The Letter I

I

Ice – the kind you put in drinks to make them cold, not the kind you find on the streets and sidewalks during the winter. It’s Ironic that this was on my list today, as I woke up to find snow falling - I hate winter ice!

Ice Cream – preferably with chocolate and/or nuts.

Islands – visited a couple, anxious to enjoy more (especially now as winter is knocking on the door!)

Indian cuisine

Homage to "H"

H

My Heart has served me well these last 52 years, asking little in return. Hopefully it will continue to beat without me even having to think about it for many, many more years.

A Handsome Husband – that would be spelled D.A.V.E. Looking more and more distinguished with every passing year. Speaking of passing years - Happy Birthday (today) to my Dave.

Hair – I should stop complaining about my hair, for I’m sure I look much better with what I have than I would without!

Heros – the everyday variety, you know the unsung ones. I’m thinking specifically of my children who have each worn the SuperHero patch quietly on their chests at one or more times in their lives.

My Home. It’s not huge and it’s not fancy, but it truly is one of my most favorite places to be!

And last, but certainly not least,

Hugs!

G

G

Gardens filled with Gerber daisies and other gorgeous gems,

Gloves to keep my hands warm, as winter settles in.

Grass - freshly cut - signals time to put my gloves away!

Garlic & Ginger used regularly help keep disease at bay.

Whole Grains in breads and cereals are a great addition to my day.

The Gym is somewhere I should be after all that Grain I love.

And have you studied the Galaxy?

It's a Gift from God above.

F is for...

F

Family and the ties that last Forever.

Friendly folk.

Fall's fabulous temps, scents, and splendor!

A,B,Cs of Gratitude

So, my friend started this "challenge" . I thought it was a great idea, but have a little catching up to do. Seems like I'm always trying to catch up with her when it comes to letters! Unfortunately, I won't have the fancy fonts like her, but I also do not have my own fancy website!

A

Ashley - my oldest daughter. She is also heavy into Apples (computers, that is!) another thing I am grateful for!

And, I can't help but copy Sue on this one, but I also am grateful for the Atonement and the marvelous blessing it is in my life.

B

The family that made me The Mama B! I married into a wonderful family!

Blogs and Blogger Friends!

C

Cait - she's joining our family soon! She's an answer to our prayers! Hopefully she can put up with us!! We can be a little Crazy... my second "C" - I LOVE my CRAZY kids.

And one more "C" for which I am very grateful...Clothing - need I say more? :)

D

The letter D rhymes with three, so I have three things to be grateful for!

Dave - my best friend, a great man in so many ways. I'm so glad he is stuck with me forever!

Dads - especially, mine! Dad, just in case you are reading this... I love you!

Dogs - I complain about their messes a lot, but I can't seem to get away from them!

E

An Eternal perspective - softens the edges of the mortal experience

English literature - Austin, Bronte and Dickens are some of my favorite authors!

I invite you to join me on this quest! It's a great exercise and it's not too late to start!