50 Things I'm Thankful for v.2012

It's that time of year again (actually, it's almost past) when I list 50 of the things that really matter to me. This year the holiday has been busy. We have both ladybugs with us and though it's been really incredible, it hasn't left much time for me to focus on myself. That is definitely a good thing, as they are far more worthwhile to focus on.

Today we had Thanksgiving dinner with some friends and it was a serious blast. I can't imagine how I've ended up with so many awesome people in my life. There was an enormous feast to be had: Roast Turkey (of course), Caramelized Shallot Mashed Potatoes, Sausage and Pecan Stuffing, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Shallots and Prosciutto, Corn, Roasted Chestnuts, 12 layer Jello salad, Cranberry Sauce, my mom's Orange Rolls, Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake, Sour Cream Apple Pie, Chocolate Pumpkin cake, and MORE that I can't remember right now because I'm in consumption induced coma. It's really humbling, when I think of it. All week I've been worried about tablecloths, candles, and decor; kids table activities, finger puppets, and coloring books. Now as I think about how plentiful our food has been (and all the awesome leftovers) I'm feeling especially thankful that my family has never known hunger. I can't imagine how difficult it is to raise a family when you don't know where your next meal is coming from.

And so it begins:

50 Things I'm Thankful For

2012

1. The plethora of red orange leaves during an Oregon autumn
2. Having a husband whom I trust beyond description and love even more
3. Croaking frogs in the spring
4. The mornings I actually get out the door and run along Pre's trail
5. Finally finding a pair of casual boots I absolutely love
6. Dangly earrings
7. The sound of Ellie's laughter
8. Aeryn's innate compassion
9. High thread count sheets so soft I almost melt when I crawl in bed
10. The opportunity to begin anew each day
11. Our subscription to Bon Appetit
12. Crafty dates with girl friends
13. The USA and how incredibly fortunate we are to live here
14. Friends who offer to iron in order to ease my stress
15. The internet
16. Just Dance 4
17. Living in a place where I can have a drink of clean, icy water at any moment 
18. Nights clear enough to see the Moon
19. Misty drizzle between rainstorms
20. Evenings watching cheesy television with the Hubs
21. Awesome finds at thrift stores
22. Modern medicine 
23. Cute sweaters at Target
24. Successful new recipes
25. Being married to a worthy Priesthood holder
26. Having enough friends with new babies that I get to love on one almost anytime I want
27. Costco
28. A good haircut
29. Hot water heaters, perhaps my favorite invention of all time
30. The peace in my mind when the kitchen is clean
31. Little kid crushes
32. Visiting teaching
33. Teachers who care
34. Feeling connected to distant friends through social media
35. Puppy kisses
36. Neutral nail polish
37. Shallots
38. Method mint glass and surface cleaner
39. Digital photography
40. The sweet miracle of Indoor plumbing
41. Salted Caramel Ice Cream
42. National Park Junior Ranger programs
43. Everyday moments and remembering how good life really is
44. Pinterest - how did we ever live without it? 
45. A reliable vehicle
46. Bicycle lanes with traffic signals
47. Daffodils
48. The smell of fresh baked goods in the fall
49. Finishing a good book
50. Having faith in the future