Counting my blessings

1. Having a husband who will take care of me when I'm not feeling well... which, with my bad back, is more often than I would care to admit- or experience personally.
2. Having Justin as an oldest child. He is so responsible. Even when he gets in trouble (because let's face it, what tween doesn't get in trouble occasionally), he's usually pretty quick to calm down, apologize and try to make things right.
3. Having Trevor as my second child. This child will be the death of me, but he's so insightful, sensitive and kind-hearted... most of the time! He can approach anyone, introduce himself and talk to them. There was a time when I didn't think this would happen. (Those of you who knew him before he was 4 can testify to this.)
4. Having Natalie for a daughter. She loves to wrestle with the boys, but still LOVES to do the girly-girl thing with Mom. It warms my heart. I don't know what I'd do if she was a total tomboy.
5. Having Drew for my baby. He's the cutest thing. I just love that kid. He is so funny. He is a total momma's boy, which is just fine with me! (So is Trevor... and Natalie... and Justin too... I hope none of them outgrow it!)
6. Having been born in America, and having the freedom to worship how I deem fit.
7. Having the ability to go to church, talk about my beliefs and knowing that I have the true gospel in my life.
8. Having trials. The scriptures say that the Lord won't give you more than you can handle. I sometimes think He trusts me a little (or a lot) too much. But then I remember the scriptures and the promises that are in them, and then I close my eyes and say a prayer. Then I seem to find the strength to deal with my trials... whether it be inner strength, help from a friend or a loved one, help from a stranger... finding the answers is always so much easier when I know that I have the Lord on my side.
9. Having blessings. Sometimes my trials can turn into blessings quicker than I could have ever imagined. I think that the Lord gives us trials to strengthen us for other things that will happen in our lives. Sometimes He just gives us blessings because he loves us, and we don't need to overcome a trial to earn it.
10. Having talents. I have been able to enjoy the talents of so many friends and family members. I am constantly amazed that some people don't realize how talented they are. Some people have the talent of being a good friend, and sometimes that's more than any other talent. I love being able to listen to music that others perform, read stories they have written, see things they have created, and especially just being able to learn from them.
11. Having a supply of chocolate. Okay, seriously. There are times when a good piece of chocolate hits the spot and can brighten my day. There. I said it. I KNOW I'm not the only one who feels this way...
12. Having a good pillow. Kent surprised me and filed our taxes several weeks ago, and we already got our tax refund. Yay! Then he surprised me again by taking me to the bedroom store to order a sleep number bed. While we were there I got a new pillow and a new body pillow. I don't have the bed yet, but those pillows are already helping me sleep better. I am thrilled beyond belief that these things help.

I'm sure there are many things I'm forgetting to add... I'll try to add more later. But while I had the time I wanted to express my gratitude for these blessings.