grat * i * tude \grat'i tood', -tyood\

n: the quality or feeling of being thankful < She showed her gratitude for her husband's romantic gesture by letting him watch ESPN all afternoon. > The quality of being thankful or grateful - Syn. Thanks, Thankfulness, Appreciation, Gratefulness.

For some reason, this word really hits a cord with me today. Yesterday, I was reading my November issue of Real Simple. Usually, I like to get comfortable on the sofa with a glass of water to my side (so I don't have to get up while reading) and crack the spine like a newly released Harry Potter book.

As I was snuggling in on the sofa, the editors note really got my attention. Kristin, gave me an assignment.

If you read Real Simple, you know that in each issue there is a bookmark included for the month. A nice card stock tear out with a beautiful picture of the season (or the theme of the magazine), along with a calendar for the month.  I never tear them out, but I did this month...

She asked the reader to write down five things on the bookmark that we are grateful for, and post it on a bulletin board as a reminder. Side note: there is an entire article on Gratitude in this issue too, don't miss it!

It's the season of gratitude!

Oprah talks frequently of living a life of gratitude and that not enough people do it. We get so wrapped up in our own drama or chaos that we forget about being grateful or thankful for all that we have. America is of course the the land of excess...

As I made my way though the RS issue, I came across yet another article that carried a common thread, it was Life Lessons: When you can't take it with you - choosing what matters. I had to laugh at one of the authors quotes in the article, she says "One of my flaws - though I like to think of it as an endearing trait - is saving worthless things solely because I find them funny."  How hilarious is that! I can sure relate to that... especially after the 300 boxes I have just unpacked.

How does it happen that we loose track of our priorities? Getting back to what really is important is what I have feel this time of year is all about. Knowing what defines you and what you can truly express gratitude for!

Food for thought, right? Here is my list that I will look at each day for the next 45 days:

I am grateful for....

...Gods grace and the many blessings we have had this past year.

... Our new home and how much I love it and can't believe is really mine.

... Our family and especially for my husband and all that he has done for our us!

... Our good health and how the kids have managed to dodge a few cold bullets recently.

And finally... Our freedom, that each day I can make choices for myself and my children. That I have the opportunity to experience all these things that I am grateful for!

What are you grateful for?

*image was taken this past Sunday at Lost Lake below Mt. Hood with my family. Yet, one more thing I am grateful for... the beauty of this mountain!