Gratitude List

A lot of my friends on Facebook have been posting something each day that they are thankful for. I thought instead of doing that, I would put my whole list in one place and write it down now in case I don't have a chance to later. Some are more serious, others not so much, but am nonetheless grateful for.


30 Things I am grateful for:

1. First and foremost: A Heavenly Father who loves me, a Savior who atoned for me, and the Holy Ghost who guides me and protects me.

2. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having a knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, being led by a modern-day prophet and his apostles and other leaders, having the scriptures to go to...and all the other blessings that come from the Gospel.

3. My husband who never ceases to amaze me. He is one of the most patient people I know, he always makes me laugh, he serves me so willingly and tirelessly and puts up with me, his devotion to the Lord is inspiring, and I just keep falling more in love with him the longer we are married. And let's be honest, he is going to make one adorable daddy. I can hardly wait to see him and our little boy together.

4. Parents who have supported and loved me my whole life, and have lead great examples to me in so many ways.

5. My baby. Feeling him move inside me and seeing him on an ultrasound have been some of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The closer I get to D-day, the more amazed I am at the miracle that life is.

6. Modern medicine that keeps me alive and comfortable--inhalers for my asthma, antacids and Zofran for my pregnancy, antidepressants, Nyquil/Dayquil, dramamine....you name it.

7. My home. Seriously, snagging this apartment was meant to be. The carpet is brand new, it has a washer/dryer (yay for no more coin op!!!!), a dishwasher, and so much space. I even have an art room AND a nursery. Did I mention utilities are included in the rent? I love our landlady.

8. The opportunity to serve a mission. By far the hardest thing I've ever done, and it pushed me to limits I didn't even know I had. Totally worth it.

9. Talents, both my own and those of others. Seriously, I'm glad there are people that know how to computer program so that I don't have to figure it out.

10. Opportunities to travel. Travel is one of the best teachers. Also, that New York wind-blown look is lookin' pretty smokin' if I do say so my list. Places I've been to: NYC, Washington D.C., Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Italy, England, Wales, Paraguay. Places I'd like to go to: France, Czech Republic, Austria, Canada, Alaska, Egypt, China, Macchu Pichu (sp?), Iguazu Falls, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, I could go on....

11. My siblings and their children. Look at these goobers. How could you not love them? And their parents are pretty cool too.

12. My education. So grateful I got to go to college! Also grateful though that I finally graduated. I am especially grateful as I see bleary-eyed, backback laden students trudge their way to and from campus. Suckers. (Just kidding.)

13. Nature. It's gorgeous. 

14. The temple. Isn't it beautiful?

15. Teachers. Seriously, where would be without them? 

16. Oreos. Heaven bless the individual that invented them.

17. Technology. And the people that understand it more than I do.

18. Good books. Some favorites: Les Miserables, The Count of Monte Cristo, Harry Potter, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Influencer, Cheaper by the Dozen (not even on the same bar as the movie. Don't be fooled), the Poisonwood Bible and anything by Roald Dahl

19. The ocean. Or as my husband's family calls it, the Lotion. Never do I miss it more than in the middle of a frigid Utah winter.

20. My grandparents. Seriously the two coolest people over the age of 60 you'll ever meet. Your argument is invalid.

21. Food. Please tell me there is food in heaven, because it just wouldn't be the same.

22. Friends. Friends that make me pee my pants from laughing so hard, friends that listen when I need to vent, friends that offer a shoulder when I need to cry, friends that just "get me." Friends that no matter how long it's been since we've talked, I can instantly connect with again and it's like no time has passed.

23. Chocolate. I know this is a food. But it deserved its own number. I think you'll agree.

24. Music.  

25. Humor. Because laughing is good for you.

26. The fact that mistakes aren't the end of the world, and that I can learn from them and become better.

27. Etch-a-sketches. So much entertainment.

28. My body pillow. One of the many dear friends of a pregnant woman.

29. Holidays and traditions. Particularly Christmas and the 4th of July. I love all the smells, sights, colors, music, and memories associated with them.

30. Paint, paintbrushes, fancy paper....putting me in an art store is like Belle in a library. I'm just nerdy like that. But we all have our thing.

What are you grateful for?