Z

I'm grateful for Zion.  Zion is the pure in heart, which is hopefully where we're all headed.  I'm at least grateful for something to aspire to, even if I have a long way to go.

Y

I am thankful for Years.  For the ones I have been given on earth, for the ones I have been given with my children, and for nearly 6 years with my man.  I am grateful for the passage of years, which bring growth, knowledge, and understanding.  It is funny to me when people say they are so sad that their kids are growing up because for me, each new phase brings new adventures and happiness.  I love watching them get bigger and learn and love.  I know maybe one day I'll look back and be sad that they're not little, but for now I'm happy to see the years pass and to enjoy the moments I have been given.

X

"It's not even November anymore!"   I know what you're thinking. :o) But, as Monica/Monana would say"at least I'm doin it!"

So X....... Dear sweet X. I sort of hate this letter now.  Here's what I came up with, lame as it is. X-men.  I'm grateful for the x men movies, particularly the 3rd one, The Last Stand.  It came out in 2006, the summer after mike and I were married.  I couldn't have cared less about it, but my cute hubbs really wanted to go.  I guess I've just loved it since then because it gave me my first glimpse of Mikes love for all things comic book/ nerdy/ sci-fi.  I'd never seen it before because he's also fun, socially adept, and somewhat athletic. But its true: He's a dork.  And I loved him more for it.  And I still do.

W

I am thankful for Water.  It seems like a stupid thing to list on a blog, but I am grateful for it for more than just it's life giving power.  First, I'm grateful because I think it's something we take for granted in our day.  Millions of people have died, or are still dying due to contaminated water, or lack of water.  I am so lucky to be able to turn on a faucet to drink and wash and live.  It's amazing.
Second, and less important, is that my son LOVES playing in water.  I can stand him up at the bathroom sink and he will play for hours.  It gives me a momentary pause in my day, and keeps him happy and occupied.  It honestly has been my saving grace on more than one day.   He also loves baths, and I am grateful that I can throw him in there and wash the gunk off him easily.
Third, (again, really not important) I L.O.V.E. baths.  With bubbles or without, I don't care.  I just love being warm and cozy and weightless.  I am oh, so grateful for this luxury. 

V

I know............ I'm late.  Oops!  I got so cautght up in having my amazing parents here for Turkey day that the grateful blog was neglected. 

V! I am so thankful for my Vincent family!  I have loved getting to know Mike's family over the past 6 years and I'm thankful for thier influence in my life.  They are tons of fun!  I love camping at the beach every summer.  I love the chocolate line at Christmas.  I love having grandparents again, since mine passed away when I was young.  Mostly, I just love knowing them and getting to be part of thier family.

U

I'm thankful for Understanding.  I'm grateful for empathy, sympathy, understanding, and compassion.  I'm grateful I have been able to have some understanding of what other people are dealing with, but mostly I'm grateful for other peoples understanding and forgiveness of my shortcomings.  God was so good to give us the advice to "mourn with those who mourn" because it is truly a necessity for me while going through a trial.  I need someone there to listen.  I'm grateful for those people in my family and my friends who have helped me (and forgiven me) when I needed it. 

T

I'm so grateful for Thanksgiving! I love the Thanksgiving holiday and I love how much it makes me think about my blessings.  One of the greatest things about thanksgiving is the excuse I have to party with my family.  My parents are coming to our house this year, so it will be a small celebration, but oh, so cozy and fun.  I am thankful for this holiday because it is a wonderful reason every year to stop, count my blessings, be with family, and eat fantastic food.  What more could you want?