Thanksgiving

A time for thanks. I decided to steal my mother's idea and list what I am thankful for. First, I have all the usual things that I am thankful for:

• The gospel -- I get a lot of strength by living the gospel. Plus, I have a whole extended family through the ward that cares about me and my son.

• My family -- My wonderful son is the most important person in my life. He brings such joy in my life as I watch him grow up and find his way in life.

• My sisters -- I have three wonderful sisters. I love to spend time with them. We have such wonderful talks and enjoy spending time together. I love having my youngest sister right down the street from me -- at least for a few more days until she moves to Utah :(
  
• My brother -- My brother and I were the best of friends as we were growing up. I loved spending time with his friends rather than mine -- at least that's what I remember.
  
• My neices and nephews -- I love to spend time with my nieces and nephews. I tell them stories, play games with them, talk about books, and spoil them rotten when I can. (The picture is only a few of them -- I have 20.)
• My house -- I have enjoyed decorating my house and finding the best place to put everything.
• My yard -- I finally got my backyard landscaped and I love it.
• My job -- I am so thankful to have a job that I love doing. I enjoy children's literature and helping students come to love it too.

Now time for all the little things I am thankful for:

• low cost of gas right now
• soft ice cream
• a night sky full of stars
• soft green grass to lay on
• all the colors, especially purple
• sweet smelling flowers
• new books -- especially ones you can't put down
• smiles
• hugs
• chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate
• dishwashers...so I don't have to wash dishes by hand
• coupons
• Chuck, 24, Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Stargate Atlantis, Numbers
• Friends, Lois and Clark, Beauty and the Beast, Star Trek Voyager, MASH
• soft pillows
• warm blankets for cold rainy days
• a porch swing
• a cool car that I can put a lot of stuff in
• holidays where I don't have to go to school

Okay -- I'll stop listing things so I can go have fun with my family.