Today is Thanksgiving.  I have so much to be thankful for: where do I start?
It is also a day to reflect on those that have hardships and trouble. Everyone deserves Gods blessings and sometimes it can be difficult to see through the pain, sorrow, worry, or just plain bad luck that can affect all of us at some point. We have to do our best to appreciate even the smallest victories and simplest joys.  And we have to reach out:  pick up the phone to check on a friend, visit a lonely neighbor, share your personal stories.  Any demonstration of genuine kindness can really go a long way to help someone. 
We have some friends that have gone through huge trials.  Yet they somehow manage to see the gifts and blessings in their lives every day.  They continue to hope, pray, and laugh through it all.  It keeps them humble, and they show strength and faith in everything they do.  
Last night we got some bad news about our gym that could put us out of business in a very short time.  We are so sad that all our hard work could be erased so quickly and easily.  But we aren't going down without a fight.  And if we do have to shut our doors, then we have been so fortunate to have had this last year of an incredible adventure.  Brad, Cassie, and Ryan have worked so hard to make a success of our place.  And the memories, loyal customers, and new friends have made it a really special time in our lives.  

So here is my list for today:

I am grateful that we have more blessings than hardships
I am grateful that our Thanksgiving is going to be one with a full house
I am grateful to my husband for everything he does to keep CFE on it's feet
I am grateful that my girls seem happy and healthy
I am grateful to the Blass family for welcoming Jessica this week
I am grateful to Kelly, Beth, and Lynn for making me laugh harder than I have in a very long time
I am grateful to Trevor and his lovely grandmother for helping me out in a pinch
I am grateful for Zach and our new pool system
I am grateful for Dee, her recipes, and long distance help
I am grateful for my life that I get to live every day.  I have family and friends that love me.  I have a warm, beautiful house.  I have daughters that are becoming remarkable young women. I have a husband that works hard every day to take care of his family.  I have too much, and I am grateful.  

My prayer for today:

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for food and remember the hungry
We thank you for health and remember the sick
We thank you for freedom and remember the enslaved
May these remembrances stir us to service, that your gifts 
to us be used for others.
Amen

I am grateful for a perfect day to work in the yard

I am grateful for hot chili on a cold night

Got to spend the weekend with Em.  Both of the girls seem so grown up when I visit them.  When they are home, it's nice to have them just act like kids around the house.  They are moving too fast for this old lady. I know they are both strong, capable, young women, but I secretly love it when they "need" me.  Mom is what I do best.

Anyway... had a great time with Em.  Got to meet the boyfriend.  Nice, but will reserve further comment until we get to know him better.  Sorry, Trevor, you have to pass the Dork family test - game night!!  We will see how it goes over Thanksgiving break.

I am grateful for safe travels for me and Brad.

I am grateful that Em seems so happy.

I am grateful that I don't have to sleep alone tonight.

It has been a long, lonely week around the house. Brad is out of town, and with both girls gone, it is SO darn quiet!  I start feeling a little sorry for myself and the dog is really tired of our one-way conversations.  He looks at me like I've lost my mind, patiently waits while I ramble on, then quietly hides in another room - hoping I don't find him and start up again.
But in many ways it has also been a really great week.  I have spent time catching up with friends, working on some projects around the house, and I get to eat carbs. 

I am grateful to my friends for hanging with me this week.
I am grateful for a clean closet.
I am grateful the dog has not packed up and left.

I am grateful to Karol for an evening out - good food, good company!

I am grateful for my new hobby - hopefully will turn in to some $$$$

I am grateful for my right to vote - so awesome.

I am grateful that there were no lines at the poll!!

I am grateful for Theresa's company and a successful first day of creativity.

I am grateful for a busy, productive day

I am grateful for a really good nights sleep - those damn hot flashes can keep you up all night

I am grateful for a day spent with Emily

Too many days have passed without a post.  Shame on me.  

I am grateful that I get to see my daughters two weekends in a row.

I am grateful that Jess got the big brass ring!  Siggie Sing Song will never be the same!  

I am grateful for Theresa and her enthusiasm!  

I am grateful for heating pads.