Day of Thanks and Giving

Every year I choose a couple people who I am truly grateful that they are a part of my life. I called my doctor, who diagnosed me with diabetes, and who started me on the road to renewed health. My sugar level is normal without insulin or medication, I eat healthier, I bike and weight train, and enjoy Spinning classes once or twice a week, and have lost 37 pounds. This from an attitude at the end of last winter that made me donate all my skinny clothes!!
I called my online buddy Linda and thanked her for her Yahoo group invitation, her friendship and her support.
I called my girlfriend Sue who has had a rough year with a new divorce, angry teens and bitter ex. She has supported me through as much as I have been there for her.
I wrote my son, and thanked him for all the years of joy (and anguish) he has given me, and to tell him how proud I am of him. He is in Bootcamp, on his way to becoming an Army M.P. I can't wait until his Holiday Leave!
This year I have ruthlessly cleaned out my closets and drawers and yes, even my craft room, trying to put the concept of simplicity back into my life and my lifestyle. I have donated most of the largess. I have also given of my time, my talents and my treasure to needy causes, like Catholic Charities, my parish's Youth Group, the local Food Pantry, and supporting Awareness for Breast Cancer.
I keep a journal at my bed, in which I close out my nights with a short list of the things I am thankful for. Some days the list is very short, thanking him for basics like a home, a family, a job, heat and food. Sometimes it's longer and more frivilous, being thankful for purple nail polish, the Goodwill store, a steal of a deal at HobbyLobby and pistacchios!
Whatever my day, I end with my own silent song of gratitude. It helps when the "I Wants" creep up, like a replacement for my Canon camera, or my lost iPod with over a 1000 songs. When I look at the list of things I already have, it puts into perspective how badly (or not badly) I really NEED the iPod and camera.
So on this Thanksgiving Day, remember what you have, cherish it, be thankful for it, and laugh off some of the things on your Wish list.
As my father used to say, "Blessed are those who do not expect, for they shall not be disappointed".
Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you for your comments

And the winner is Lady J!!! There were very few comments, so my random generator was...Bella! I wrote the first initials from each of your names on a piece of paper and after reciting each letter, she chose one, J.
Expect a little something coming your way, Juanita!
Thank you everyone who participated. Check out my animated character--I'm more in sync with my son's attire at the moment.
Now off to dance class with Bella!

Hug A Veteran Today

I met and married my husband of 34 years while serving in the Army at Ft. Ord, CA, 54th MP Co. Now my son is in Basic Training, also going into the Army, but Reserves, and as an MP.Throughout our own and our son's experiences in the service, we have met some of the finest people, volunteers who defend our country and ...the freedom of people around the world. Every day I am thankful for the liberties we have in this country. Today I am doubly thankful to all our military comrades. Hoo-ah!!!

Post a comment and your name will be sent to a random generator and the winner will receive Blog Candy from me. Although your gratitude to veterans and those currently serving is ongoing, this contest ends tonight at midnight. Don't forget to post your email so I can contact you, besides posting the winner here tomorrow!

S'More Layouts

Whew, I finally created a couple pages!! This is a milestone, as I have only made cards for the last few months. Between time constraints, family and work stress, etc., I have had no inclination to scrap. Hopefully, I am crawling out of this funk. I did it by posting a challenge on Scrapbook place Yahoo Group. Everyone has this week to scrap some of their most recent photos NOW, not wait until "the time is right" or they're "more organized". I wanted them to get those pics onto their computer and printed out, whether it's of their kids Trick-or-Treating or the fall colors. Kind of like a LIFO--Last in, First out.
So of course I had to lead by example, and my rut is smaller than it was yesterday. I hope I'm on the road to recovery. I'm a tad behind on scrapping this year, and there's been a lot to scrap---Gram's 100th birthday, Bella's third, some Zoo trips, Halloween trick-or-treating, a nature walk and campfire. Well, the campfire is scrapped above. My daughter-in-law took the pics while Bella and Daddy enjoyed the walk, the campfire and the s-mores!!