Gratitude

In 2011, I am grateful for:

1. Brooke Ritz: for showing me how to use a basic pizza dough recipe to make delicious cinnamon rolls.  You have no idea the monster you created.
2. Grandparents: for spoiling my children.
3. Avocados.
4. My Dentists: for always making my visits pleasant.
5. Safe Traveling Choices: If my husband had to travel so much for work this year, I am grateful that he was reasonably safe, even during the London riots.
6. Good Employment.
7. Library Bookstore: Life is always more exciting when you can get a good book for a couple of quarters.
8. My Delightful Friend, Rena: who introduced me to a whole group of regency-era writers because she found a great book at the library bookstore for a couple of quarters. 
9. The Lending Libraries: that allow me ready access to such old and forgotten adventures.
10. Clare Darcy, Jacqueline Diamond, Donna Hatch, and Georgette Heyer: for writing so many bold, madcap tales. 
11. My Four Unbelievable Children: They are wild but I love them!
12. Our Friends and Family: for accepting our new children so readily.  I know it's a brash and daring adventure, but so is life.  We took this road and we appreciate the support.
13. Our Amazing Social Workers, Stephanie and Sharri: who are so supportive and helpful!
14. My Handsome and Multi-Talented Husband: who always remembers to flirt with me over Christmas tags.
15. Chocolate Kisses.
16. Real Kisses.
17. Our Nursery Children: who always keep us hopping and often make us laugh.  
18. Mike McBride, Shaunie Cluff, Kirsten Trefflich and Others: for helping out in nursery when we are short on hands.
19. Red Hair Dye: I never use you as often as I ought, but I love having you there.  I am convinced I was born to be a redhead.  
20. The Stinchies and their (Naturally) Redheaded Children.
21. My Favorite Red Skirt: I wear you all the time and you handle it like a real trooper.  We've been together for years.  Here's to many more!
22. Sprouts: You helped me get on the path to health and keep me there.
23. The guard who gave a cold girl a blanket. 
24. My Friend, Lenna: who is the most excellent playdate companion.  Where would I be without our playdates? 
25. My Friend, Chelsea: who keeps me well stocked on supplies for my glass pendant addiction and always treats my children as if they were the most special people in the world.  
26. Sarah Eden: My favorite author this year.  How enjoyable was life without her novels?  It's a good thing I don't have to go back to that world.  My scent would be something citrusy, like satsuma or lemon peel.  
27. My Dad and Irene: who always graciously spoil us over Thanksgiving.
28. All My Sisters: It is great always having a sister to talk to.  I cannot fathom how 'only' children get along in life without siblings.  They seem to manage but I think they get the short end of the stick in the sibling department.  
29. 70 Degree Days in December: I know that I like to think that I am a 'bloom where you are planted' kind of a girl.  But, who am I kidding?  This weather is paradise.
30. Prayer: How many times have I utilized you this year?
31. Catan on the Computer: Strategy games are so addicting!  Thanks, babe, for loading it on twice for me this week.  You are the best!
32. Monica: for her clever sassiness and her poetical streak.  I love the way you express yourself in written form. 
33. Christopher: for his compassion and energy.  You are always ready for adventure and you are letting us try to be your parents.  I know it's not easy but I am grateful to be in the game.
34. Alexander: for his sweetness and creativity.  You are always building or creating and I love you for it.
35. Andrew: for his wild and tender heart and unrepentant desire for dominance.  Someday you may rule the world - or at least your own home. 
36. Our Ghost, Steve: For always taking the fall for Andrew's misadventures.  I know it isn't always you, Steve.
37. Duke Special: My favorite artist.  So much emotion.  So many stories. 
38. Kate Rusby, Travis, Laura Marling, Mumford and Sons, Chris Isaak, Johnny Boyd, and Others: You've made the mundane far more enjoyable with your music.  
39. Wednesday Cleaning Night: Chad's brilliant invention.  It makes such a difference!
40. My Savior.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!