Okay, I didn't do the typical post on my blog Thanksgiving week, or even a status update ON Thanksgiving. It wasn't that I didn't feel grateful. Because I did and I am. It was just that it's always the same old stuff every year. The things that are obvious in my life that I should be grateful for and the things it's easy to be grateful for. So I didn't really want to even go through the motions of it this year. It's a tradition in our family every Thanksgiving that regardless of who we spend that day with, we always go around the table before the prayer on the big feast, and everyone gets the opportunity to express one thing they are grateful for in their life. Being that it's only limited to one, you always feel like you have to name the one most Grandly SIGNIFICANT blessing you have. So, it's always the same kind of thing and you always have the comments that are deep and profound making the things that are simple seem so insignificant. Even ridiculous. Like you aren't really grateful for the most important blessings of your life. So while I was reflecting on that, I decided that I was going to concentrate on the things that are small and may be taken lightly, for granted even, but that actually do have great significants on making my life more pleasurable, enjoyable, and even meaningful. So here is what I hope to become my yearly tradition on November thirtieth: my little grateful 30 list.---A little "grateful" for each day of the month.
1. Cough drops- The other day I was in the temple and going through a session. Have you ever had the most obnoxious and tiny tickle that no matter how hard you try to squelch, nothing will do the trick? Not a cup of water or even vomiting? But a lady handed me a cough drop and voila! 5 min. of continuous coughing (however a small amount that seems) cured and soothed. *Awhhhh*-cough drops ;-)
2. Oregon water- I'm a huge water drinker. It is what I prefer. When I order water at a restaurant, I'm not ordering it because I'm cheap and can't afford another beverage, I'm ordering it because I prefer it. This summer when we visited Utah, I realized how grateful I am for Oregon water specifically because it tastes great STRAIGHT from the tap. No purifier necessary. Yumm!
3. Clothes Washer- In Mexico I had to wash clothes by hand for awhile, trust me, it isn't like doing dishes by hand. It takes all. day. long. Literally! and that was just with a family of four...I've never been more grateful for an appliance in all my life than when we purchased a washer down there. 
4. Kleenex-I had a cold last week. *nuff said.
5. Dove Chocolate- Although the messages inside are often rather lacking, nothing can calm my stress levels faster than a slowly melting Dove can. I need these more just after a baby is born during that adjustment period than any other time. They also are a great treat when I'm feeling like rewarding myself. All I need is one. I let it melt slowly and enjoy every moment....
6. Rubber Soled slippers- I have around 3-5 pairs of these. I like them all year round because one: they keep me from feeling how dirty the floor is and two: they keep my socks dry. Unnoticed spills happen in the oddest places. I'm telling you!
7. Terro- For anyone that doesn't know what that is. It is the heaven sent answer to our uncontrollable ant dilema! When we first moved into this house, we had to use the Laundry room downstairs as a kitchenette. The Ant situation became so uncontrollable that we understood pestilence as described in the Bible in a way we never wanted to. They were even in our cream of tarter! *YUCK!!!
8. Point and Shoot Cameras- I'm obviously ignorant enough with all the terrible pictures I take, what would I do if it was more complicated?!
9. Dandelions- I know they are a weed. But when you experience the love of a child handing one to you, they become the most beautiful flowers on earth.
10. baby giggles- Nothing is sweeter or can brighten the day faster. Nothing.
11. Ouchless hair bands- Many a mornings doing Alyssa's hair, I am ever grateful for these!
12. Glitter- I don't know why this makes me so happy, maybe because it brings out the girl in me, but I love glitter. I like seeing it sparkle somewhere on someones face because they were just around somebody or something that has been touched with it. I Love it!
13. My Bedroom- My mother bought me a bedroom set in ninth grade. It was my understanding that this would be the bedroom set I left home with. And I did. We had it until I finally got a paper route (while I was pregnant with Alyssa) and earned the most lovely bedroom set! Now my room is the sanctuary I always wanted it to be. Masculine for Steve, yet feminine for me, in the color combination that is most soothing to both of us. I love to sit (or lay) and read, sleep, pray in secret, and cuddle my honey or children in my room. IT's peaceful and by far my favorite room in the house.
(closest picture I could find like ours. I'll get around to taking actual pix of ours someday)
14. Popcorn- The best "munchy" snack ever discovered. It can be flavored to liking and satisfies my desire to munch, (even when I needn't be eating), and is really fun to share with others.
15. wet dry vac- Can't TELL you all the terrible messes we have been able to conquer with our trusty vaccum.
16. spray bottles- Couple spuirts, the kids look like I care. Makes my profession so much easier. Very convenient.
17. music by Adrew Lloyd Webber- no matter what, I love his music. It makes me feel free. It makes me feel good. I enjoy it no matter how much I listen to it.
18. DVD players- I love a good movie. I love chick flicks. I don't get to do it very often, but I love to sit and work on something while I enjoy a wonderful, uplifting, sweet and thouroughly enjoyable movie. Something I could live without, but am glad I don't have to.
19. Redbox- I'm in love. What can I say? A movie night for a buck. Why didn't I invent this?!
20. Trampoline- where we have experienced little or no injuries, this is by far one of the BEST investments we have ever made. Regardless of all the terrifying stories we've been told. (don't try).
21. Running Shoes- My healing drug (click here)
22. Forever 21- My favorite fun and funky clothing store. Some things are outrageous, but all in all, it's fun to shop there and the prices are so affordable.
23. Prayer- with all it's simpilicity in uttering one, it is oh so POWERFUL!
testimony of prayer
24. styling products- after having the last 3 children my hair has become quite curly bringing along with it much frizz. Definately not a great thing living in a wet climate. I have finally found a cream that helps keep these issues under control!
25. Double strollers- Because my children have come in "pairs", many a miles has been put on our double strollers. One of them was so well used that it literally fell apart on me one day at the mall. I had to hold it together to get to the car. Which, by the way, was still better than hefting the toddlers in my arms.
26. Hooded jackets- living in an often rainy climate, you become really grateful for these because the reality is; As nice as an umbrella is, it's a pain to carry one everywhere. Hooded jackets are made in many different fabrics, styles and textures. How helpful!
27. Pie- Any kind at Marie Calendars and it's a win/win situation. Great for date night with my honey, dessert with the gals, special treat after an event with the kids, you name it. It's Great with most beverages. Like hot cocoa, OR water AND it's the perfect remedy to treat dilema, soothe the sole, comfort the troubled and provokes great heartfelt conversation. (Didn't you ever watch Golden Girls?!)
28. Storage Containers- They make me feel organized...even when I might not be.
29. Band-aids- have you ever noticed that no matter what the ache or pain a child has, a bandaid can cure it?
30. Boots- They're stylish. I love wearing them. I love seeing people wear them. AND they are hands down Alyssa's favorite article of attire, which, if something makes her happy...we're all happy!
