#15. DJ.

This is DJ. If you want to know how he feels, take a peek into his eyes. His sincerity is transparent. Not an ounce of poker face. He loves to wrap up in layers of warm, fuzzy, soft things. This is how he makes you feel when you are around him. Warm, soft, and fuzzy. He is pleasant and comfortable. Our neighboor had a "moment of silence" the other day, in order to hear DJ's laugh. If you ever want some validation that your jokes are funny, tell DJ. His first word was "pi-der," and I once found him coddling, and having a conversation, to a spider in his hands. His intent for life is good and he is good to the core. When they put DJ into my arms the first time, I was filled with admiration. And I do. So much.

#14. Pumpkin.

Pumpkin is, in my opinion, the king of veggies. I love it in drinks. I love it when I ovulate. I love it in pie. I love it in a smoothie. I love it in a muffin. It is a squash, for heavens sake. And it really makes just about anything, better.

*13. Louis.

This is Lou. He received his fathers determination of sucking on two pacifiiers at once. This child is Curious George on fast forward, always exploring and creating. His wheels are always turning. I am coming to the bittersweet conclusion that he came first, because he had the fortitude and forgiveness to move past all of my "first time" woes. He is loyal friend for life. And has the most pleasant cackle of a laugh. Ayurvedic cultures believe that hair is life force energy. And this boy has two hairs growing from every follicle. The first word I thought when he came into the world was "amazed." And that, I believe, is how I'll feel forever.

#11. God is Good.

My heart is grateful.
I love God. My God is good.
My God is aware. My God is love.
My God has a presence that is in everything.
My God is my Father, thoughtful and wise.
When I experiment on His words-
I experience a hearty and eloquent feast.
His light chases out darkness, and frees my soul.
His generosity is out of my league.
And He gives my heart joy and life.

#10. Parents.

My folks are a textbook union of organized choas. Right and left brain makes the whole noggen'. Both sides are oh, so important. And oh, so different. And I am glad for both. Thank you for the life you created for me. Thank you for your commitment. And my homage to you, is that in my own home, all things have a drawer, and all drawers are happily cluttered. I love you both.

#9. Meditation.

Meditation is an art. The art of using time to sit, be, and listen. When I meditate, wonderful things happen. When I do it regularly, I hear, see, and connect much more clearly. It's fruits are juicy. It's lessons are profound. And it is fun. I am grateful for it.

*8. Parenthood!

The real deal is quite a ride. I am filled with gratitude that being a parent is part of my life. After a few years in, I realized that "the best thing that anyone could do for humanity, is to be a parent." At least for the humanity it puts into you.

#8. Parenthood!

http://www.nbc.com/parenthood/

I love this show! It is the one and only show, ( pathetic or admirable to admit...) I have watched faithfully every week since the beginning season, my entire life. It is our official date night. The Bravermans are so endearingly flawed, fiercely loyal, and absolutely clever.

#7. Running Water

The water pressure in our kitchen faucet is horribly low. It makes the reverse osmosis system looks like a fire hose. And the plumber isn't sure why. I know it will be a pretty penny to fix, and I would rather spend a pretty penny on many other things right now...so there it stays. It makes life at the sink much slower. Filling up a pot takes foorreevveerr. But lately, I have decided it is a good anecdote for my impatience. I am grateful for it. Running water sure beats hauling a bucket.

#6. Mom.

If you would like an example of perseverance, meet my mother. As the years go by, my gratitude multiplies for her. I see clearly what she has done, and what she has done is not for the lighthearted. I love you mom.

#5. The London Plane.

aint' she a beauty?!

#4. Tonight

I am thankful that I had the opportunity to put my boys to bed tonight. I attend school at night. I don't always get to do this. Tonight, I held each of them, and sang them a song. And heard their random, funny thoughts. The way that DJ makes a "jumping man out of his hands," and how Louis could have his back scratched all night. Benny whispers things I can't understand into my ear. I cherish this night.

#3. Grandpa's Garden.

I have fond memories of Grandpa in his garden that fuel my passion for gardens and edible landscapes. Raspberries. Apples and salt. Blackberries. Husking corn. Rhubarb. Peaches. Squash. Like a mini, health food grocery store produce isle. I would have never known how much that would mean to me now. Sharing Grandpa and his gifts with our our family is a delight.

#2. Brandon.

the best person i know. my love.

#1. Bed.

I am grateful for my bed.
Brandon and I joke that all the best things in life happen in bed.
But, it's no joke.
And not just for the obvious....