Thankfulness

It's a day late, but after spending a day cleaning and cooking for the family, I'm just glad I still got up this morning. :) One of the military wives I've met online issued a challenge/suggestion on November 1st: take time each day to think of what you're thankful for, and list it for everyone else to see. Here is the list I made day by day this month:

Day 1: I'm thankful to live in this beautiful area.
Day 2: I'm thankful for wonderful family who are so supportive.
Day 3: I'm thankful to live in a country where we are free to say what we think, and responsible to respect that right in others.
Day 4: I'm thankful for wonderful friends and great memories together.
Day 5: I'm thankful for my adorable children. ♥
Day 6: I'm thankful Lil'est Bro got us a Thanksgiving turkey (especially after seeing what the store-bought ones are like, from raisin' to carvin').
Day 7: I'm thankful for the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, the smell of the leaves in the air, and the roar of the motorcycle under me...and for the heat of the stove when I'm back inside, lol. Last ride of the season!
Day 8: I'm thankful for all the little luxuries we have, and that all our true needs are met. We may not be rich, but we're blessed.
Day 9: I'm thankful for good health. My headache is *only* a headache, not a brain tumor. My children are healthy and happy. My husband only needed readjustment, not treatment for PTSD when he redeployed.
Day 10: I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who has supported me in everything, including watching a sick little boy while I attend class, presentations, and meetings. ♥
Day 11: I'm thankful for all the veterans who stepped up to be counted. Thank you to the veterans reading this!
Day 12: I'm thankful for wonderful neighbors who make this a cheerful and welcoming place to live. I love living in a small town!
Day 13: I'm thankful for the change of seasons in these beautiful mountains.
Day 14: I'm thankful for great memories of childhood that come back when the old-time country is on the radio...and that I can share them with the kids when they do.
Day 15: I'm thankful that *normally* I am able to have coffee at home, with a real, tasty creamer. Even if that's not today.
Day 16: I'm thankful for the warmth of the stove and rain boots on this cool, wet morning.
Day 17: I'm thankful for my sweet puppies (even when they get themselves into trouble, Rustle!).
Day 18: I'm thankful for the big yellow bus that takes the bickering away most mornings.
Day 19: I'm thankful for THANKSGIVING BREAK! (Except that I'll be spending it writing papers, but ya know. ;)
Day 20: I'm thankful for schedules and kids that allow me to sleep in (0730, finally!)
Day 21: I'm thankful for a healthy body to get all the clean up and work done to prep to have family over on Thanksgiving.
Day 22: I am thankful for perspective and compassion. No matter how long a loved one is gone, be it a weekend or a year, separation is hard. Thank you to everyone who helped support me when I needed it...I hope I have given that in return. *hugs*
Day 23: I'm thankful for living in a country where we are free to read what we wish, say what we think, and enjoy a little magic to cheer up our days.
Day 24: I'm thankful for time spent with my dad, even when it's difficult. ♥


Day 25: Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for every one of my friends and family...that's y'all!


I hope everyone had a good holiday, whether you were traveling or at home. Please keep those who have been separated over this holiday weekend in your thoughts and prayers. If you're getting ready to travel home, stay safe! Happy Thanksgiving.