Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  Yes, I know, it may not seem like ther’s much to be thankful for these days but I think that if you look around, you will discover that you have much to be thankful for.  This year will be the first that I do not go celebrate the holiday with my extended family.  In fact, I will be camping this year. Yes, camping.  Last year we moved away from most of my relatives and it is now about a five hour drive to see them.  I will miss them all but know that they will have a great time.

Times have been tough on everyone and we are no exception.  Even so, I know that I will always be okay, no matter what happens.  I want to share my list of things that I am thankful for and would love to know what you are thankful for.

My list of Thanksgiving happiness

My family.  I am lucky to have been married to a wonderful man forthe past fourteen years and I see many, many, more years to come with him.  I am also proud of my two sons.  They are growing up so fast and while I miss their baby days, I am enjoying watching them grow to be the men they will one day be.

My Grandmother.  She has been such an inspiration for me.  At 82 years old, she still works three days a week for something to do, travels with her sister, gets together with friends, and enjoys life to its fullest.  I love you grandma! She went through a rough time when my grandpa passed ten years ago, but knowing that she had great-grandbabies to meet and enjoy helped her get through the rough spots.

My friends.  While not many, I appreciate my friends for being there for me when I need to talk, and need a laugh.  Yes, that includes my friends at Triond! Thank you for being there!

Laughter.  I love a good joke and being able to laugh freely and often is a wonderful thing.  From the giggles tothe great big belly laughs, they help me through even the toughest times.

The tough times.  These times help me realize what I have and who I am.  I know in my heart that even if I lost everything material I would be okay because I would still have everything in numbers 1 through 4.  I have always said that if I had no where to live but I still had my family I would be okay.  They are all I really need and being with them is the best thing that could ever happen to me.  Even in the darkest of times, know there is always a light on the other side. 

Love.  Without love, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  I fell in love with my husband when I was 15 years old.  We married when I was eighteen and that love has grown stronger in the years since.  Now I have the love of and for my kids as well.

Smiles.  No matter what is going on someone always has a smile.  That is the bright spot in the dark days.

Imagination.  I love imagination for the simple reason that it lets you go somewhere you might never have gone otherwise.  The most amazing imagination comes from kids and I love to listen to their wonderful ideas.

My pets.  I have three dogs and a cat and they add to the laughter and smiles in my day.

Just being.  Being me, being alive, being loved, being a friend, being caring…..

So to all of you who celebrate the holiday, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  HAPPY TURKEY DAY, as my grandma calls it. To everyone, Thank you for being you.  Go ahead, share what you are thannkful for! I dare you :0)!