counting blessings, instead of sheep

I think its just third trimester woes, but I have lots of sleepless nights. (It seems like a cruel way to prepare you for the sleep deprevation that comes with caring for a newborn.) Gratefully, some words of a song I heard the MOTAB (mormon tablernacle choir) sing came to mind (the post title) and I have taken up my restless nights thinking of all of my blessings large and small. With Thanksgiving just past, and Christmas just around the bend, it seems like the appropriate time to share a little of my list.
good health
music
kind strangers
exceeding expectations
a clean house
green lights
freedom
making a good choice
watching your child make a good choice
getting to stay home with the kids
noah and clara playing together
homemade food
watching horses from my window
a backrub from Josh
feeling the baby kick
singing Christmas carols
twinkly lights
family "shows" on the hearth in the evenings
modern medicine
a warm home
my testimony of Christ
an eternal family
friends/family that love you as you are
a good night sleep
being happy in the moment

thanksgiving 2009

We were so grateful to be able to drive to California to spend Thanksgiving with some of my family. The weather was perfect for traveling. Noah kept us on schedule (he didn't want to stop at all until we got to Grandma's house). We had stocked up on dvd's from the library but also made sure we turned everything off for some quality family time singing, I spy, and storytelling.

We all nestled in easily at my parents house. Clara Jane loved running the halls chasing Kjell, being doted by her aunt b. and g-ma, taking rides on the bush hog with daddy, and finding mommy's old pound puppy to drag around. Noah (who quite timely transferred his obsessions of garbage trucks to trains) was sleeping with, playing with, could not be pryed away from Grandpa Jon's electric trains. Ad, Darce, Beck, G-Ma, G-Pa, and Daddy patiently helped assemble, reassemble, and replace and attach tracks and cars hours each day. He sat on Santa's lap for the first time and even talked to him (I usually just position him close for a picture and call it good). Josh enjoyed quality reading time, leaf racking along side his bff, licorice and boys night at the Kings game (they even won...call it a thanksgiving miracle). I loved cooking along side family, having my kids entertained without me or PBS, our day at Empire mine, the family walk, the a rain/ leaf and acorn shower, and the familiarity and love you feel being in the home/area you grow up in.

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