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!