Things To Be Happy About and Grateful For

A Million Things To Be Happy About and Grateful For– The Original List

Now…before you say, “Sheesh! This is a lonnng list.” I want you to remember that we would like to get to a million. Do you know how many a MILLION is? Well, it a lot, that’s how many.

So if you’d like add to our list—be brave and scroll down to the bottom. Yes, yes, it may take a while to get there but you’ll manage. And maybe you’ll even read something along the way that reminds you of all that is good in your life. When you add to the “list” your addition will appear on the side bar—that changes about every 10 seconds—titled, “What Makes You Happy?” If you’re patient enough–you’ll see your own words there eventually. So cool!

1. The children
   

2. These perfect grandbabies

   

3. Missionary boy phone calls on Christmas day
4. Fleece slippers
5. A bag of Cheetoes–baked not fried      
6. Painted toenails
7. The smell of real Christmas trees
8. A well stocked bird feeder
9. Picking raspberries
10. Real Hot Chocolate with real whipped cream
11. Wearing pigtails
12. Striped socks
13. Bright pink mittens
14. A reading lamp
15. Men with Scottish accents    
16. Baby kittens
17. Stone cottages

    from “the Holiday“

18. Cherries from a roadside stand
19. A backyard full of autumn leaves

    

20. Thundery rainstorms
21. Cheerios
22. Snowed in with everyone home
23. Gas prices right this second
24. The power of prayer
25. Thatched roofs
26. “Baby First Step”
27. Indian corn
28. Music boxes where you can see the insides
29. Porch swings
30. A sister  
31. Baby kisses
32. Pecan logs without cherries
33. Pumpernickel bread with Swiss cheese   
34. The picture book, “The Relatives Came.”
35. Old photos of total strangers
36. Caramel apples
37. “Seabiscuit“
38. Metal crochet hooks with taped handles
39. Christmas lights in very tall trees
40. Canopy beds with curtains
41. PeeWee baby dolls
42. Football games
43. Very old houses with very old trees
44. Jack in the Box tacos
45. Border’s gift cards
46. Surfer hair

    Sunshine from “Remember the Titans”

47. Crocheted dust ruffles
48. Old buttons

49. “Little Lost Baby”

    

50. Lousia May Alcott books
51. Beloved crazy people with New Year’s fireworks 
52. Being read to
53. Flute music
54. Beany my love

55. Vlasic Kosher Dill Spears

56. Farm houses
57. A Brother  
58. Embroidery scissors
59. Rainbow Brite
60. The “Out of Africa” soundtrack
61. Summerfest
62. Peter Brinholt music
63. Cable tights
64. Light purple
65. Cinnamon pinecones
66. Mourning doves    
67. Creamers
68. Rootbeer floats in grama’s backyard
69. Christmas cards with photos inside

70. Letters with foreign stamps

    

71. Wind chimes
72. Gift baskets with really cool stuff
73. Jane Austen movies
74. Wool Felt
75. Kilts  
76. Pink malt balls
77. Babies born gently
78. Snapset pools
79. Maxfield Parrish paintings
80. Baby fingers and toes  
81. Cute boys with big feet
82. Freeze dried ice cream
83. Church steeples
84. Old friends that come back
85. Icicles 
86. Waterfalls
87. Free range giraffes
88. Button up sweaters
89. “Goose Girl“
90. Twelfth Night
91. Christmas Eve    
92. Stuffing
93. Kisses on the hand
94. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary
95. Pastry Blenders
96. Little girls in dresses and tights

    

    by Eloise Wilkin

97. Pink and purple petunias
98. Ballet Slippers

99. My sweet Mom

100. My cute daddy

     

From Tracy:

101.  Working Dishwasher

102.  More than 1 car

103.  First Kisses

104.  Baby Smiles

105.  Thick Curtains

From Susette:

106.  Letters from Missionary sons

107.  Music

108.  Flowers growing in the yard

109.  Fruit trees to pick from

110.  Eating sweet juicy fruit

111.  Having a quiet afternoon to myself

112.  Playing board games with friends or family

113.  Listening to people sing who have beautiful voices (something I’ll have in the next life)

114.  Reading friends blogs!!

From Sue:

115.  Webcam so I can see and talk to my loved ones that are far away

116.  Phone calls from a 3 year old grandbaby to say “I love you Grams!”

117.  Text messages from my kids that say they love me and to have a blessed day!

From Kathy:

118.  Mornings where your husband gets up and feeds the kids and dresses them without waking you up.

119.  Having money to pay for what you need and can do without the want.

120.  Soon to be 3 beautiful girls that love each other more than I did with my own siblings.

From Jodi:

121. My beautiful baby Avery and her heart melting smile122. A new cell phone – gotta love modern technology

123. A car that does well in the snow

124. A mother who I talk to daily

125. My wonderful calling in YW and the amazing girls I get to associate with.

From Tracy

126.  Healthy kids

127.  Fine tipped pens

128.  Working out

129.  Sees chocolates

130.  Time out

From Susette

131.  ♥Sleeping in till 10:00 makes me happy. (cuz I don’t get to very often-in fact rarely)

132.  ♥Leaving the Christmas tree up till way past the New Year

133.  ♥Flying on airplanes makes me giggle

134.  ♥Hot wassail on a cold Winter’s night with a good book

135.  ♥Having about 4 hours to myself so I can scrapbook

136.  ♥Scented Body Lotions

137. The snow coming down as I type. Our state always needs more water. So it’s a big deal to get all this new stuff. I just want to be snowed in at least once in my life.

138. Pink lights on a canopy bed. It’s very exotic and makes me feel particularly fancy somehow. Even if I’m just wearing a sweatshirt and jeans.

139. A baby girl who loves her monkey.

140. A baby boy who loves to laugh.

141. A baby “chomp” who could show up any day now. Maybe we’ll wake up one of these mornings and Lyndi will have a sweet, warm bundle all cuddled up with her. I suppose, in real life we’ll know when she decides that she’s truly coming. But since Lyndi is having a home birth–it could be a surprise for us–any time now.

142. A well attended puzzle on a wintery day.

143. Dear friends in a beautiful place.

144. A beautiful place

145. A pristine kitty

145. A letter from a happy boy in a very cold, faraway land.

From Lyndi

146. *sunshine that makes the snow sparkle

147. *rings

148. *hot chocolate or chocolate milk

149. *a camera full of happy memories

150. *sleeping baby all curled up like a snail

151. *The greenWinkle Etsy shop.

152. *My laptop that I thought might just be on its deathbed is out of rehab and working fabulously!

153. *Awesome brother-in-laws

154. *Rearranging my room in a way that just motivates me to do amazing things

155. *Graduating from college

156. *Getting an email that says my diploma is in the mail

157. *Knowing that there is another package coming for me from a friend in England

158. *Starting a new job

159. *Being in the Hill Cumorah Pageant cast

160. *Thinking about staying in New York for three weeks!

161. *Good friends

162. *Awesome music of sweetness on my iPod
*Pink iPod speakers

163. *A pink folding chair that holds my pink water bottle

164. *Okay, the color pink

165. *Watching others live their dreams

166. *Living my own dreams

167. *Snow that covers everything rather than just the grass

168. *JIF Peanut Butter (*sigh* we’ll meet again after the recall!)

169. *Reading good books

170. *Watching movies with my family

171. *Getting comments from good friends

172. *My nieces and nephew

173.  Baby secrets

174.  Bags to cut up to make more…ahhh…bags.

175.  Random things popping out of the ground

176.  A box of new bows

177.  Shiney hubcaps!

178.  An evening cloud burst

179.  Huge, strong, gentle hands

180.  A cute new book to read

181.  Our mountains

182.  A new daddy

Kathy says:

183. Seeing a new daddy with their new baby always makes me smile and laugh.

LyndiLou says:

184.  milk

185.  nilla wafers

186.  shoes

187. birds chirping in the morning

188. real letters in the mail

189.  thinking of walks when it’s warmer

190.  getting organized

191.  patterned paper

192.  frosted mini wheats

193.  50 cent pieces

Shannon says:

194.  The smile that spreads on your kids faces in the morning

195. The funny things that come out of kids mouths

196.  Being happy with my life as is

197.  Splurging on something you never thought you would get

198. Watching the moon rise.

Maddie says:

199. Viva paper towels

Beverly says:

200. PitaPat the Tabby Cat

Sheri says:

201. Pursuing your passion

Jodi says:

202. My little Squishy’s squishy squishies!

mia says:

203. The secret clubhouse my friends and i are building in a dried up old river, and even though we’re too old for it, imagination is the best thing ever!

Susette says:

204.  A testimony of eternal families

205. Listening to the sounds of people enjoying themselves in the park

206. Staying connected with loved ones through facebook

207. Hearing a bass guitar being played

208. Hugs from people who love you when you’re having a hard day

209. Dreams about loved ones you wish were here

210. The strength of a spouse

211. The scriptures

212. A 13 year old Sunday School class who makes me smile

213. Playing in the dirt so that someday a garden will grow

Cynthia says:

214. Sunshine after days of rain

215. Tall cedar trees

216.  A cozy fire on a cold day

217. Loving eyes

218. Constancy

219. The word YES

220. Laughing children

221. The purr of a cat

222. A loving man who keeps gas in my car

223. A sweet, funny chocolate lab

224. Friends who are far away and close iin heart

225. A Dad who never stops caring

226. Kindness

Morgana says:

227. Western Massachusetts (the Pioneer Valley and Hampshire College specifically)

228. Circus friends

229. My hat collection

230. Tea

231. Huge, long-lasting hugs

232. Stripes and polka-dots

233. Art supplies

234. Silent comedies

235. My good health

236. Giving the perfect gift

237. My very, very best friend

238. Endless possibilities

Natalie says:

239. Living in Rhode Island

240. Colts Park at sunset

241. Del’s Lemonaide on a hot day

242. Fireworks on a hot summers night

243. Meeting new friends

244. Thunderstorms

245. Candle light

Bruce says:

246. Nature

247. Food

248. Family

249. Books

250. Meditating

Dane says:

251. America

252. Freedom

253. Nieces and nephews

Michele B. says:

254. Meeting a good friend unexpectedly at church, and a husband who is kind enough to ignore us sitting and giggling like schoolgirls through the meeting (except through her wonderful son’s wonderful talk, of course!)

255. A temporarily empty house, and knowing that all my family is where they are supposed to be, doing what they are supposed to be doing.

256. A great outdoor pool within walking distance

257. Children who are old enough to allow me to swim laps in said pool unencumbered

258. Children who aren’t embarrassed- or at least hide it well- to go to the pool with their mom

259. The ability to swim, and the calming effect that it has.

260. Dinner waiting in the slow cooker

261. A food storage room with the food to fill the slow cooker, as well as the wonderful family members

262. That will gather around my table to enjoy the meal.

263. A family that likes, for the most part, my cooking

264. A daughter that takes all her siblings, one at a time, to visit her in California, because she values them and wants to build eternal relationships

265. A husband who loves me, appreciates me, and calls me “sexy” as a nickname

266. Friends and family who don’t faint when my husband of 20 years calls me “sexy” in front of them

267. A chance to ponder my blessings

Mary says:

268. Our “Drive Free Cars” account (I found the idea on Dave Ramsey’s website.)

269. Fall gardens…

Lori says:

270. Receiving a postcard

Lisa says:

271. Email jokes from my best friend from far away

272. A husband who loves me so much he finds it hard to say no to me!

273. A beautiful granddaughter to wake with hugs and kisses each morning, and a wonderful grandson to look forward to

274. Wonderful children who don’t mind lots of hugs

275. Our gorgeous, sunny Okanagan valley

276. A good, hot cup of tea at the end of a hard night at work

277. Sunsets and sunrises (I can never decide which I like best!)

278. A frozen storm rolling in from the north

279. Hot chocolate and grilled cheese sandwiches when the wind is howling outside

280. Having my whole family together for holiday meals

Emily says:

281. A baby who sleeps through the night!

282. Children who are old enough to clean up after themselves.

283. A husband who puts his family first.

Nikki says:

284. A Texas sunset

284. Giggles from my grandchildren

285. Letters or emails from my Marine

286. Sonic ice

287. The smell of babies out of the bath

288. Texts from my girls

289. Being blessed with 2 precious daughter-in-laws

290. Trout fishing with my husband on the river

Jessica says:

291.  My decision to not sign the “Do Not Resuscitate” order 10 years ago.

292. The 10-year-old, 12-inch-long scar on my Sternum; which declares: “SHE SURVIVED”.

293. Every moment with my only Son, every day since then, for the last 10 years.

Kathy says:

294. New jobs

295. Laughter

296. Quiet mornings

Shannon says:

297. The sweet words of “mama”. There are no better words in the English language.

298. The sweet smell of dew that lets you know that pretty soon, little bulbs will be poking their head out of the ground.

WeeKnit says:

299. Raspberry butter on fresh hot rolls.

300. The ability to recall the words to the Hokey Pokey (even after laying dormant in my brain for years) so that I can easily join in with the kindergarteners.

301. My 3-year old, who despite her speech delays, spontaneously blurts that she loves mom.

302. My 6-year old birthday girl who proclaims that she is going to take her mommy to Hawaii with her birthday money.

Jillian says:

303. A Mom who loves her children

Lyndi says:

304. A little girl who can talk a LOT!

305. Gift cards waiting to be used

306. Menus to help me stay on track

307. Having the means to get everything on the shopping list and then some

308. Coupon, Discount and Deal-a-Day sites that help me get great deals on places and things I love

309. Family that are Friends

310. Friends that are Family

311. A Husband who works hard, takes good care of us and never complains about it.

312. Movies coming to the theater to look forward to.

313. The Sun making an appearance after a really snowy day.

314. A bag of Sour Patch Kids making their way down the row to me at the theater.

315. Nachos

316. Facebook

317. Getting organized

318. Newly hung shelves

319. Scrapbook pages

320. Pirates

321. Redbox

322. Just Dance 2

323. Mario, Princess Peach, Koopas, Boo, Chomp and the whole gang!

Pattyann says:

324. For a husband who loves me, and lets me be myself

325. All my sweet children and for my beautiful grand-children.

April says:

326. 3-year-old learning to play hide-and seek

327. Letter-writing opportunities

328. Successful business

329. New art paper

330. Hard-working husbands

331. A great blog by my mom

332. All my beautiful grandbabies that aren’t actually babies anymore!!

333. Dane’s beautiful songs that he wrote the lyrics to.

334. This amazing, lovely, ridiculous Mother’s day gift that was bestowed on me by one of my kids.

335. A sweet, shy, tender little kitty that runs ahead of me to make sure the porch is completely safe before we venture out.

336. An open-faced egg salad sandwich…or two in the afternoon. Yum.

337. A rousing game of 5 Crowns with the family. It’s one of the few games they play that I actually…you know…get without too much hand holding.

338. A pretty little sign that gets to the point quite nicely. I mean…if you’re going to tell someone to scram, how cool is it if you can be polite about it?

339. A big sister and her baby brother.

340. Just the right card from one of my other kids. “Believe me.” Haha.

341. Family vollyball. Watching it…not playing it..as the sun goes down.

342. Ultra brave restaurant taste testers.

343. Deep thinking reading buddies.

344. Sweet, gentle pumpkin curls.

344. The magical ability to recover an ice cube before mama catches you.

345. Three little monkeys—NOT jumping on the bed.

346. Kathy says, “So fun! I am loving the cooler air and the leaves changing and falling to the ground.”

347. Girl talk under a parasol.

348. People who know what a properly devised New Year’s party should look like.

349. Kissy-face babies.

350. Having your very own magical broomstick–just in case.

351. Any recipe that says “top with Freetos.”

352. Incredible things to come (thanks, Kristen!).

353. Winning the jackpot.

354. What the fashionable fellows are wearing in Siberia these days…look out Bald Kid.

Kathy says,

355. “I am thankful for a good workout that reminds you that you are alive.”

Lynnette says,

356. “Cold mornings and blankets to wrap up in.

357. Fabric to turn into scripture bags.

358. Enough Symphony bars to still make one more batch of fudge.

359. Sweet daughters who practice nearly everyday and bring wonderful music into our home.”

Lyndi says,

360. “A safe, warm house on a cold winter day.

370. A sweet little girl who is getting good at saying “Ok Mom!”

371. A working dishwasher.

372. Storage tubs, shoe boxes and jars to organize with.

373. Coupons to my favorite store.

374. Gift cards to use instead of money.”

Becca says,

375. I’m grateful that I made the blog! (or that pics from my party did, but still, I’m counting it)

376. Finding a new, zero-calorie, donut shop in town.

377. Watching a friendly path beaten to our front door.

378. A stack to sort that was formerly…my closet.

379. My very first attempt at Steamed Chocolate Pudding–with Caramel Sauce…OooooOOOooh.

380. Third generation Good & Plenty lovers–such wise children.

381. Sorting through all the holiday goodie leftovers.

382. Being so magically close.

383. Sewing new winter Pixie Hats in case we see a pixie!

Kathy says,

384. A bunch of new craft ideas floating in my head waiting to get out!

Lyndi says,

385. Waking up and seeing that it’s earlier than I thought it was!

386. Cream cheese!

387. Hearing my little one learning lots of new words!

388. Seeing things from someone else’s perspective!

389. Finally feeling better!

Amy says,

390.  When my husband helps me clean the bathrooms!!

391. Snow in the South, because everything closes down, and we take life a bit slower!

Lynnette says,

392. Books and learning something new – like how to make chocolate pudding cake.
393. Creating something new and pretty or useful with my own hands.
394. Web cam and being able to play games with little boys thousands of miles away.
395. History and stories from it – imagining myself in a different place and time.

396. The covert, aspiring photographer we have at our place.

397. Reconnecting with my best friend- “Berni” after a few months.

398. The new love of my life at the Sweet Tooth Fairy. Holy smokes.

399. The latest pirate girl fashion.

400. Chompy’s new pals–Caillou and Gilbert.

401. My first taste of “Hoppin’ John,” a great New Year’s dish of black-eyed peas, rice and ham. Dang fine.

402. Finishing all the paperwork. Now please, please everyone pray that the new passport gets here in time for the Bald Kid to enter the MTC–or he’ll be set back about 6 weeks!

403. Beloved batter fingers–any day of the week.

Kathy says

404.  “Naps. We had a bad night last night with the littlest one not sleeping very well.”

Tracy says

405. “Chuck E Cheese tonight!!  Pictures to come… ”

Lyndi says

406. “A weekly menu… it’s really helping me pay attention to what we eat and make better choices! 

407. Just Dance 2… a fun way to dance off some baby weight!

408. Clear skies and the shining sun… even if they won’t last long because it’s January.”

409.  I’m pretty close to being in love with–and certainly grateful for– the UPS man…or maybe it’s just the truck.

410. Having a daughter that can machine quilt my sewing projects like some kind of magical pro.

411. My sweet kitties–Beany and Jiff–who utterly refuse to sleep somewhere other than my bed. ~sigh…

412. Homemade potato salad, made the right way. You know, with my mom’s recipe, only I added chopped pickles.

413. The greatest creation in the cookie decorating world since sugar sprinkles. I mean it.

413. A boy with a very new suit…who is leaving soon.

414. for a sweet, clever daughter that can add her own twist to a fashion statement.

415. For an “Uncle Dane” that can take a few simple props and turn them into a magic castle tent for Chompy.

416. that my hand is healing very nicely…thank you. Now where’s that crochet hook?

417. that a smile from this little dude can soothe an achy heart.

418. that a good book at bedtime is still a wonderful diversion.

419. that my sister is doing that “happily ever after” thing.

420. to come to this beautiful place with all 5 of my dear children…who aren’t actually children…anymore.

421. that someday…someday…I will take such a picture again.

Kathy says,

422. I am grateful for new jobs, laughter, and quiet mornings.

April says,

423. 3-year-old learning to play hide-and seek

424. Letter-writing opportunities

425. Successful business

426. New art paper

427. Hard-working husbands

428. A great blog by my mom  (keep it up, forget the other stuff)

Shannon says,

429. I am grateful for the sweet words of “mama”. There are no better words in the English language.

430. For the sweet smell of dew that lets you know that pretty soon, little bulbs will be poking their head out of the ground.

WeeKnit says,

431. Raspberry butter on fresh hot rolls.

432. The ability to recall the words to the Hokey Pokey (even after laying dormant in my brain for years) so that I can easily join in with the kindergarteners.

433. My 3-year old, who despite her speech delays, spontaneously blurts that she loves mom.

434. My 6-year old birthday girl who proclaims that she is going to take her mommy to Hawaii with her birthday money.

Jillian says,

435. For a Mom who loves her children 

Lyndi says,

436. A little girl who can talk a LOT!
437. Gift cards waiting to be used
438. Menus to help me stay on track
439. Having the means to get everything on the shopping list and then some
450. Coupon, Discount and Deal-a-Day sites that help me get great deals on places and things I love
451. Family that are Friends
452. Friends that are Family
453. A Husband who works hard, takes good care of us and never complains about it.
454. Movies coming to the theater to look forward to.
455. The Sun making an appearance after a really snowy day.
456. A bag of Sour Patch Kids making their way down the row to me at the theater.
457. Nachos
458. Facebook
459. Getting organized
460. Newly hung shelves
461. Scrapbook pages
462. Pirates
463. Redbox
464.Just Dance 2
465. Mario, Princess Peach, Koopas, Boo, Chomp and the whole gang!

Pattyann says,

466. For a husband who loves me, and lets me be myself,

467. For all my sweet children

468. For my beautiful grand-children.

469. Sparrows to share lunch breadcrumbs with…

470. Letting a toddler pick the movie…

471. A girl with discriminating taste…

472. A basket full of yarn…

473. Pretty things at a sidewalk sale…

474. The very idea…

475. Giant blue heads…

476. Shamrocks popping up everywhere.

Pattyann says,

477. Second chances

Kathy says,

478. That my friend’s dreams are coming true.

Lynnette says,

479. That my college girl is home for 5 whole days!

Jillian says,

480. That I got to work 4 minutes earlier than normal because that means there weren’t any accidents to slow us down!

LyndiLou says,

481. That there are finally flowers and plants perking up because it’s getting warmer.

482. That there’s more sunshine.

483. That sometimes a jacket will do instead of a big coat.

484. Your blog!

Teresa says,

485. for the sweet encouraging words on Gracious Rain!

486.  for ann voskamp and the way she tells of God’s love so faithfully.

487. for my husband and his Multiple Sclerosis…I don’t want to be thankful, but I am to be thankful in everything. there is a reason for his suffering. I just may not find out what it is on this earth.

Lynnette says,

488.  for enduring friendships – and for those that still love me, even though they know all about me.

489.  the blessing it is to run up and down the stairs several times to get sleepy girls up, because in a few hours a certain Dr and I will meet in the OR and after he’s through with my ankle I won’t be able to do that for awhile.

Kathy says,

490. for warm weather that is peeking it’s head around the corner.

491. for a warm and comfy house that keeps me safe from the outside world.

Carrol says,

492. for my family. They brighten me each and every day.

Marie says,

493. for my family. They keep my life interesting and make it meaningful.

Lyndi says,

494.  for events, activities, holidays and celebrations to look forward to!

Mrs. Mordecai says,

495. for my family’s good health and for modern medicine.

Lorie E says,

496. for good people like you who are willing to share their sad times and their happy times and their talents with all of us.

497.  for music that can touch the heart when nothing else can.

Tracy says,

498. for knowing my North South East and West. 

Jillian says,

499. for comfortable high heels. Some days you just need to get a little dressy, and it’s so much more fun when the shoes are cute AND comfy 

Pattyann says,

500.  for a loving Heavenly Father who believes in giving us second chances.

Lois K Parry says,

501. for all the blessings that Heavenly Father pours out upon me each day.

502. for a lot of kind and loving children, nieces and nephews for all their assistance in moving us not once, but twice! From our old home to storage, then from Storage to our new home.

503. for a loving husband who puts up with me.

504. for a sister who doesn’t know me well, but who does wonderful things for everyone around her. She brightens my day.

Christina says,

505. for my new daughter Elizabeth and the joy she brings into our lives.

Jan K says,

506. for HypnoBirthing…that introduced me to YOU!

507. for the zoo–we had a great and beautiful outing with the kids today!

508. for safe missionaries in Japan and Thailand and all over the world!

509. for the joy my kids find in “coloring rocks!”

510. for internet and the ability to reach corners of the world with a mere click.

511. snuggly babies and babies that suck their thumbs…it is so cute!

512. for yummy recipes that inspire me to cook and bake!

513.  for faithful visiting teachers!

514. for whoever invented the combination of chocolate, nuts and caramel!

515.  for beautiful music!

516. for bedtime stories and reading books to my kids!

Jo Taylor says,

517. for family and friends!

Pattyann says,

518. for the things my trials teach me.

Rich says,

519. for technology that makes my long-distance relationship with my wonderful Swedish wife possible (and actually DOable!).

Laura J says,

520. for my cute kids that keep me going :c)

521. for a vehicle to drive so that I don’t have to ride my bike in city traffic!

522. that I have a backyard to play in. Really, I could type ALL night.

Lisa says,

523. Unbelievable friends that rally with love in good times and hard times 

Kati says,

524. for dreams coming true… and always dreaming about something new

525. that you are one of my oldest friends. And yes, we are old. But we are marvelous!!!

WeeKnit says,

526. for my two girls that have brought my life a more meaningul existance.

Katrina A says,

527. for friends who stuck by me during the bad times!

Sandi C says,

528. When I see my spring daffodils smiling at me each time I walk out my front door, I am so grateful for the beauty of the world God created for us to enjoy!

Laurel says,

529. I’m thankful for paint. Whether it’s the HUGE variety of paints and textures one can put on the walls of their house (think back to when there was ONLY ‘white wash’, and then even before when there was nothing!!) or paint that is used to capture moments in time on canvas, paint reminds me of the beauty around us. I look at spring and the buds on the branches and flowers in their beds, or look at the sunsets every night and think of the beauty of the ‘painting’ God has given us–and every one is unique, just like we as individuals are. Paint sure goes a long way in my book! 

Kelly W says,

530. for the buds that are popping out once again on all the trees and the flowers pushing up through the ground.

531.  that my military son made it back safely from dangerous deployments.

532. Even though I may be too young to be a grandma, or at least that’s what I tell myself  I am SOOO totally thankful for my 3 super grandkids.

Teresa B says,

533.  for the weekend!

534. for my sweet nieces and nephews…does love get any sweeter?

535. for the sun shining outside my window, making sun light rays across the living room

536. for two cars that run and rarely ever break down!

537. for yard sales that make money for missions trips

538. for YOUR great recipes that YOU post on Gracious Rain!

539. for a GOD who meets the needs that I have before I even ask HIM!

Sarah G says,

540. for good friends, who see you through the bad times and share the happy times. A few years ago I met a very special lady who has since become a very special friend and will be forever. Since coming to my life she has been a great tower of strength and every day I am thankful for the blessing of her and my other friends.

Kelly W says,

541. for the ability to put food on the table

542. that there are leftovers and all I have to do today is warm ’em up and I don’t have to cook. 

Amy L says,

543. for my amazing husband who puts up with so much from me!!! Love him to bits 

544.  to have three healthy amazing kids that are so patient and forgiving of our mistakes! Spending time with them is the best!

545. to have a warm bed to climb into at night!

Kelly W says,

546.  that you have this blog that I can come to on a daily basis because I so enjoy it. I love the photos you post and the comments and/or quotes that you put with them.

Lynnette says,

547. for conference talks about being patient because laying on my back in pain and not being very good with crutches and not being able to take care of my family is no fun.

548. for good books to take our minds away from our own troubles and teach us to be more grateful.

Jan K says,

549.  for inspiring words!

550. for yummy cookbooks and recipes!

551. for fun crafts that make me want to get creative!

552. for family traditions!

553.  for cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings!

Teresa B says,

554. that no one was hurt in the storm that just passed through.

555. or husband’s good check-up with the MS doctor.

556. that God knows the answers even when I don’t.

557. that we have doctors who can diagnose “came on quickly” ear infections

558. for electricity being on after the storm

Lynnette says,

559. for sweet girls to pick up the slack of a mom who doesn’t move very fast right now. They bring joy into my life with beautiful practicing, piles of perfectly folded sweet smelling towels, happy attitudes even when they are under extra pressure, efforts to do their very best in school, and willingness to keep everything going.

560. for a sweet daughter and her girls who went out of their way for a visit, hugs, and cast signing!

Lyndi says,

561. to live in a home that keeps me safe and warm when it unexpectedly starts snowing! 

Rachael says,

562. for my parents inviting me back into their warm abode and starting life all over again in a new college, a new environment and learning how it’s like being home again after such a long time.

Teresa B says,

563. that the dishwasher has been fixed! two weeks without a dishwasher…bleh.

564.  for a ballet teacher who teaches my rascals – all four of them!

565. for precious baby eyelashes and tiny baby feet

566. that the bomb scare at my mother’s workplace did not hurt anyone.

567.  for a son with aspergers…I don’t understand him, but I know that God does.

568.  for a husband who wants to take me out for dinner after a really hard day

Kelly W says,

569. that God has let me continue to have my mom here with me. She’s lived longer than anyone in her family and I feel TOTALLY blessed for that.

570. for the years I was able to have my little brother in my life. This Friday marks the 2nd anniversary of his passing at the young age of 41 but in those years he touched many lives. Just shows we never know what God’s plan is, and I’m thankful that He gave us the time we had.

571. for the weather we had today, though it was raining……beacuse it was helping to sprout all the plants and flowers that are just waiting to burst through!! 

Teresa B says,

572. for all the blogs that I read and all the information that people are willing to share about themselves and their struggles!

573. for my flannel sheets and fluffy down comforter

574. for the “wealthy” lady who no longer smocks for her girls, but decided to pass along her STASH of FAB fabrics to someone else! SCORE!

575.  for the friend of the “wealthly” lady who thought of me when the unused fabric was offered!!!

576. for my son’s soccer practice

Kelly W says,

577. for being able to warm myself back up with a nice HOT shower. Now I can read all my favorite blogs without shivering. HURRY UP spring!!! 

Kim says,

578.  for my laptop so that I can visit all my favorite blogs. Like Gracious Rain!

Kristen says,

579. I’m so grateful for my husband!

580. I’m very grateful for my daughter!

581. I’m grateful for my house!

582. I’m grateful for giveaways!

583. I’m grateful for giveaways!

584. I’m grateful for friends!

585. for my family!

856.  for my beliefs!

587.  for all four seasons!

588.  for the mountains!

589.  for my talents!

590.  for good books!

591.  for cell phones!

592. Every time I take a hot shower, I am grateful for the hot, clean water running over my body and recognize my privileged life.

593.  for functional toilets.

594.  for a roof that doesn’t leak anymore and walls that keep out the worst of the wind and the cold.

595. that the most likely reason I might have to go hungry is my own indecisiveness.

596. for deliciously chubby baby legs.

597. Toothless baby grins.

598. for my baby who practically came out knowing how to smile.

599.  for a smart daughter who reads too quickly like her parents.

600.  to be able to buy my girls frivolous Easter dresses and gifts.

601.  for a husband who is hilarious, kind, rational, and my best friend.

Charles says,

602. for summersaults with my kids.

603. for the mornings that I wake up at 5 refreshed and ready to work out.

604. for the days when I sleep in WAAAAAY past reasonable and totally skip working out.

605.  for friends who probably still like me even though I’m a total homebody.

606. My beautiful, comfortable, easy-to-drive, Safety Top Pick car protects my little family all around town.

607. My jade plant cuttings from Arizona are thriving and even growing new leaves in spite of the dismal dark Utah days since they came home in February.

Charles says,

608. I’m glad that I have a wife who keeps me on the straight and narrow.

Kristen says,

609. My baby’s first-time-riding-in-the-swing-at-the-park-giggles.

610. Being able to afford adorable sneakers for a baby that will outgrow them all too soon.

611. Cactus. They just want to be loved!

612. Foot rubs from a long-suffering husband that are better than a professional massage.

613. Bernina 930’s. Enough said.

614. My sweet, soft, familiar bed.

615. Food that I didn’t have to make or plan.

616. My sweet, soft, familiar bed.

617. The eastern mountains that seem to cuddle up to me and keep me safe.

618. Reuniting with a brilliant old friend.

619. Re-imagined fairy tales that amuse and soothe me.

620. Red chickens hunting bugs in green grass.

621. Each night, just before falling asleep, the warm assurance that my babies are tucked safely in their beds.

622. Walking through Target alone.

623. to live near an excellent Indian food restaurant to appease my addiction.

624. Yarn to keep my hands busy. Blogs that show me how to use that yarn.

625.  to breathe clearly. Breathing is awesome!

626. Cats that deign to sit on my lap.

627. Finding the perfect fabric for my daughter’s (or niece’s) monthly/holiday pillowcase. On sale.

628. Libraries that allow you to temporarily revel in acquiring without the burden of perpetual storage.

629. The exquisite silkiness of my newborn’s neck against my arm.

630. Brand new makeup.

631.  how different my daughters are.

632. Messy baby curls.

633. Messy baby curls.

634. for a six-year-old who thinks I should have a prize for driving her to school and her extracurriculars.

Teresa B says,

635. for the mulch deliverers bringing LOTS of mulch today!

636. l that God alone knows whether or not my womb will ever hold another baby.

637.  that Easter is almost upon us!

638.  for all the homeschool materials and information that are so readily available.

639.   for heirloom sewing

640.  for minkydot fabric to make snuggly baby blankets out of.

641.  for my precious Saviour who has never forsaken me and has forgiven all my sin!

642.  for a patient, kind husband who puts up with and encourages me through all my fears.

Kristen says,

643. for entertainment!

644. for water!

645. for medicine!

646. for my computer!

647. for animals.

648. for you.

Lori E says,

649.  for an unselfish husband.

650.  to be a grandma to a sweet little boy.

Teresa B says,

651. I’m thankful for ALL the people who shared what they’re thankful for!! 

652. Grapefruit flavored…anything. I LOVE grapefruit!!!

653. This little kitty who just sits and watches me work at my computer…sweet little thing.

654. The beautiful flags that were giving out freely at the Summerfest parade.

655. Ridiculous stickers that honestly belong on my water bottle.

656.  Super lame earrings that can easily and quickly be turned into a perfect, patriotic necklace. So there.

657. Finding a hidden note in my sewing bag from a sneaky, adorable granddaugher.

658. Watching Project Hail Mary for the 2nd time and crying even harder than the first time. Oh, my gosh–I love this movie!

659. Finding mountains of yarn –one of my favorite things to sort.

660. Finding an actual shoebox full of embroidery floss–another one of my favorite things to sort. More on that later.

661. Having a no-time-frame crochet project in my To-Go bag, at all times.

662. A couple of local crazies with a set of brand new maracas.

663. New Springy headband colors coming to the Shop very soon. :}

664. The prettiest little clothespins you’ve ever laid eyes on.

665. A page of the absolutely coolest postage stamps I’ve ever-ever seen.

666. Easter egg candy at my fingertips…as it should be.

667. Another storm rolling in for the third time today–it’s pretty soggy around here!

668. Strawberry Jam Squares instead of Birthday cake. Good idea Jillian.

669. Buttons that just holler “Springtime!” Now…where to use them. Hmmmm…

670. The perfect grown-up “sippy.” Hee hee…

671. A bitty girl who sees the world from exactly the right perspective.

672. My very favorite “peeps.”

673. My silly boy immortalized in…cotton—so nobody forgets him. Isn’t he just so CUTE?

674. Pretty little barrettes on a pretty little ladybug.

675. The Springy-est colors on the face of earth.

676. A guy who can dance…anywhere…anytime…for any reason.

677. A table full of pure heaven. No, there aren’t any left. Sorry.

678. A girl with her priorities straightened out.

679. A sweet card from a boy down the road…who shall remain name-less. Ok, ok–it’s from the artist-formerly-known-as-the-bald-kid.

680. A tiny guy who is perfectly secure in his manliness–when he’s “bein’ the dad.”

Lynnette says,

681. Thunder clouds and a few more days of warm soup

682. knowing that spring really will come and a garden can be planted to enjoy incredible fresh vegetables with extra to fill the shelves again.

Kathy says,

683. A few hours of quiet during the day.

684. fabric to create.

685. a warm house.

Kelly W says,

686.  YOUR BLOG!

687. My 3 grandkids that can bring out smiles bigger than life itself…..just by being here but especially when they’re headed home and I get “an extra” hug as they go out the door.

688. watching my kids raising their kids.

689. The “new spring” landscapes God has been busy making for us!!!!

Lyndi says,

690. Baby Chomp and the DS. That’s too funny!

691. The Sun shining after it’s been gone for a LONG time.

691. Having fun events to look forward to.

692. Having awesome family and friends so close by.

693. Being able to easily stay in touch with faraway family and friends.

694. Leftover Easter candy.

Kathy says,

695. that in a couple of hours I get to take a nap.

696.  that it is the last day of school for my girls today. Bring on summer!

697. great family and friends that love my little one almost as much as I do! 

698.  a beautiful day full of sunshine yesterday, to help me get through more soggy days to come.

699. to have tickets to see Kid History’s new installment of goofiness.

700. the ridiculous brand new snow on the foothills–one day before June…

 

701. the people who matter most to me–the ones right here, and the ones just a breath away

 

702. the beautiful flowers…always, always–the beautiful flowers…

703. the ones who love this day along with me…

704. the sharing among friends…

 

705. the tender moments that help little ones know who they really are…

 

705. the rain that fell just as we were leaving…

 

706. the hail that fell just as the rain was leaving…

707. the beautiful idea that there is a day such as this, set aside…to remember.

708. Some of my very favorite bare feet.

709.   Our lovey mountains…covered with new snow…in June… Wow.

710. A tired boy with a grumpy old cat on his lap. Look fast because this scene won’t happen twice. :}

711. Sweet baby kisses for mommy.

712. The most comfy socks ever invented.

713. A couple of kids with a couple of juice pops.

714.  Knowing that he’s serving others…

while he’s far, far away from home.

715. Having the luxury of an afternoon nap…in a nice, quiet place.

716. The never-ending lists, and figures, and call backs, and to do’s that it takes…

to pull off an event like our Harry Potter Pre-show Party.

717. Seeing a pretty pink bow on a curly little head.

718. Stumbling upon a still loved, nearly ancient, baby monkey

719. Catching a couple of silly heads–pretending to be asleep.

720. At last, picking a handful of berries that the Robins didn’t find first.

721. Watching two little friends play for an hour with just a piece of ribbon.

722. Holding two tickets to a new play at the Hale Theater–woohooo!

723. Working on a new quilting project–that I’m determined to finish. No, no…I mean it this time.

724. Sharing retro wax drink bottles with a new generation of little people.

725. Finding out that pretend friends can actually be very real.

726. Peaches…again…and for as long as we can get them. Today may just be a jam day. We’ll see.

727. T-shirt yarn to make some lovely projects with–you’ll see…very soon!  :}

728. Pine cones…they’re everywhere! We gather them up and do our noble best to save them as fire-starters–but they just keep coming back. Do you suppose they grow up from the concrete?

729. Firewood—since that mighty wind came along and huffed and puffed and blew the fence down. Thank goodness for the strong and sturdy fellows that gathered and stacked it all.

730. Blueberries…by the busload, whipped into so many lovely things–stay tuned.

731. Pretty girls with watering cans to help our thirsty garden.

732. Finger puppets from WeeKnit–and we haven’t even gotten out our Halloween and Christmas ones yet!

733. The tail end of our gorgeous summer flowers–showing off, I suppose, one last time before they sleep for a while.

Lyndi says.

734.  an abundance of great family and friends! 

Kristen says,

735.  Books. Lots and lots of books.

736. A two year old who loves her kitty more than she fears getting an occasional reminder that sometimes pets wear an invisible “do not disturb” sign around their necks.

737. This gentle little lady who sits patiently till the blue guy leaves and then waits until all the little birds come back–before hopping down to join them. So sweet.

738. Yesterday’s pretty clouds that rained just enough to give us…

739. this beautiful rainbow.

740. That I was smart enough to take a picture of last season’s football donuts from Krispy Kreme, that the new guy behind the counter said he’d never heard of. Hmph.

741. That we have one of the biggest games of the year on Saturday–a sort of “Holy War,” if you will.

742.  Loyal fans