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I thought it only fitting that I "count my blessings" here since after all, it's that time of year and my blog is named after it!  I have too many to count really, and way too many to list here, but here are some that come to mind as I ponder on the year:

1.  Derek – his hard work on our behalf, his humor, his patience, his new passion for health and fitness, his creativity, his willingness to serve others

2.  Jacob – his love of reading, his tenderness, his love for me even when he doesn't want to love me very much, a new understanding about how he works and thinks and feels

3.  Caleb – his laughter, his jokes, his comfortable-ness in his own skin, his easy nature, his sweet love, his helpfulness

4.  Samuel – his words, the way he asks "tomorrow?" when I say "no" to anything, his giggle, his run, his blonde curls, his quiet and gentle ways

5. our home that allows us to entertain, host the church choir, and play and work beside each other

6. our Maggie – she is fun!

7. this blog – how would I ever remember my life otherwise?

8. good, sweet parents

9. living grandparents who I adore

10. siblings who make me laugh and who it is so fun to see happy

11. sister-in-laws who are so dear and kind and good

12. friends – lots of really wonderful, gracious, generous friends – some who feel more like family

13. responsibilities at church that have richly blessed and enriched me – teaching primary, programs for girls camp, trek

14. gourmet club – and the ease and delight with which i cook and entertain now

15. jacob's letter to president obama

16. caleb's artwork

17. the boys' teachers at school

18. our new village – Dr. Linda, Dr. Banks, Kristen, ECS – they help my kids in ways that I can't

19. progesterone cream

20. our neighborhood friends

21. our neighborhood park

22. the way samuel answers "dunno" to almost everything

23. our income that allows me to do SO much and worry SO little

24. derek's thoughtful and conscientious approach to our income and budget that requires me to spend wisely

25. my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ

26. the scriptures

27. living prophets and apostles who give wise and pertinent counsel for us and our families

28. the sounds of the piano – the boys who make those sounds – the teacher who teaches them to make those sounds

29. my washer and dryer for giving me 10 whole years of diligent service…let's shoot for a few more!

30. my Suburban that carts us around everyday without complaint (so far)

31. a comfy bed

32. a decent camera that allows me to capture some really fun things

33.  the opportunity to travel and see parts of the world that I never thought I would and stay in really nice hotels with really fun friends

34.  allergy shots

35.  Christmas music

36.  my laptop – boy is it used and abused and used some more, and I love it

37. Derek's ability to work from home

38. my kids' nursery and Primary teachers who are patient and diligent and kind

39. church magazines that come every month with messages of faith and hope and insight

40. friends and strangers blogs that inspire and teach and give me things to ponder

41. daily phone calls with my mom

42. my bathtub

43. caffeine free soda

44. book stores, books to read, and smart authors

45. Emma Smith, wife of Joseph

46. boys who unload my dishwasher

47. good health insurance

48. holidays

49. the life of Jesus Christ

50. the opportunity to be me, to live HERE (on this earth, in this country, in this home, town and neighborhood), to be a mother and wife, to be happy, to be surrounded by loving family and friends, to have peace and to love my life

Happy Thanksgiving!