Before it's too late!!

So, after this long hiatus from the blogosphere, I wanted my comeback post to be one in relation to my favorite month. There are so many great things about the month of November, including the birthday celebrations for me and Maddie, as well as the incredibly fun Thanksgiving holiday. So in memory of that great day, here are all the things I am thankful for (in no particular order):

1. My Savior - I truly cannot imagine being our Heavenly Father and allowing one of my children to sacrifice themselves so that all of their brothers and sisters could return to live with me again. What Christ did for us is beyond expression. I am so grateful for Him and for his Atoning sacrifice and what it means to me. I am grateful that my sins can be forgiven.
2. My husband - I never thought such happiness existed. I never thought I could love so completely. I never realized someone could pull me out of a slump with one quick joke. I am so grateful to have such a good, hard working man at my side. And on top of it all, he is the best dad I could have possibly asked for.
3. Hallee - I don't know how, but I was blessed with a loving, sweet, protective, caring big sister. She also likes to be a little mom, which can either be looked at as annoying or endearing, and depending on the day, I do too. :) But it just means she notices everything that I do and wants to be like me, even though she is a daddy's girl through and through. I love that girl. She impresses me daily.
4. Maddie - My sensitive little soul. I love her tenderheartedness. And her passion. And her silly quirks, like "I have to have my blankets a certain way in order to go to sleep." She is a sweet little girl, who gets her feelings hurt so easily, and looks up to her big sister like a hero, and cares for her little brother like a puppy. :) She inspires me daily.
5. Connor - Oh that little boy brings me so much joy. He is a handful, but he is so incredibly sweet and cuddly, and in a strange way calms my soul. He came to our family at the perfect time. He loves his big sisters so much and makes our whole family a little happier all the time.
6. My friends - Whether they live close by or across the country, I have had many friends touch my life and I am grateful for them. Having someone to talk to the way girls do is something to cherish.
7. My parents - I am grateful that they have supported me and all the decisions in my life without question. They have been great examples of love and kindness, and have selflessly cared for their children and grandchildren in so many ways. I am grateful that I can talk to them anytime about anything and we always have great conversations. And I miss them.
8. My parents-in-law - I couldn't have asked for better people to join families with. I felt their love for me from day one, and I appreciated that warm welcome to their family. They are also great examples of love and charity, which I admire.
9. The rest of my family - from cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, siblings-in-law, I am grateful for the examples and feeling of love they give me. Even though I don't see most of them very much at all, I still feel the closeness that the name family gives. And it makes me so happy.
10. My home - I am so grateful that we were able to find this home. It has been a great place for my little family to live for the past year and a half. It always feels nice to be in a home you enjoy. And our landlords are the nicest ones we have ever had, which helps a lot!
11. My car - I love my car. It is nice, and functional, and makes me very happy. It costs a pretty penny, but every penny is worth it. I love it. I am so grateful to have it.
12. A working body - I am so grateful that me and my body get along. I have no physical problems, my past stomach issues are forever passed, and I enjoy working out my body and seeing what its limits are. I am impressed and happy with what I have been blessed with. And I have no problems birthing children, which is also a huge blessing.
13. Modern technology - I am grateful for things like skype and facetime, so I can see my family more than once a year.
14. The love of my Father in Heaven - I am grateful that no matter what I do, my Heavenly Father loves me. Through the spirit, it has brought me so much peace and comfort throughout my life. And I know that no matter what trials I face in my life, He is there ready to comfort me and help me to remember that He loves me.
15. Prayer - I am grateful that I can talk to Him anytime. I am grateful that I can feel close to Him through prayer. I am grateful for the guidance and comfort I can receive just by praying.
16. The scriptures - I am not good at reading them regularly, but regardless I am grateful for the word of God. The strength and wisdom that are in those words are truly a blessing. I know that if I read the scriptures daily, I can draw closer to my Heavenly Father and be blessed that much more.
17. My calling - I am grateful to be able to work with the teenage girls at church. This brings on a whole different responsibility and level of need. I am grateful for the challenges and opportunities to grow. I am grateful for what these girls have taught me.
18. This season - I am grateful for the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. Despite the fact that I hate the cold and the snow, the warm feeling of gratitude kindness swells in everyone, bringing a happier spirit everywhere I go. And I am grateful that we have thanksgiving to remember to be thankful, and then Christmas to remember the birth of the Savior and to be grateful for Him and all he did for us.

I am sure the list can go on forever, but those are all the big things I am grateful for. There are so many little things I am grateful for, like my Uggs, or my cheese grater, or my phone, but those are all quite trivial. Tis the season. Share the love. I know I am going to try harder to reach out to others.