Finding Reason to Give Thanks This Year... Despite Everything Going on Around Us

This is a wonderful idea!! I am thankful for my family and for the ability to open my own business. Times are slow and it's been really tough getting new customers in here, but I'm having a ball even though I'm working so much. My sig other has been wonderful about it and comes to help when he's not working himself. Kids are all grown, so my kids are now my dogs and I'm happy everyone (including the dogs) is healthy and happy!!

Thank you E. for a wonderful and thought provoking post!

I am thankful for my family and friends....lately I am so grateful for my women friends...they keep me laughing and crying...I'm thankful for my husband and children...I'm thankful to have a home and a job. Happy Holidays!

D.

I am thankful for many BASIC things.
That I have a job.
That my husband has a job.
That we have a home (rented, but still!) so I always have a roof over my children's head.
I can always put food on the table.
My children are clothed and warm
That we were able to buy presents for Christmas this year
We are healthy
That my family is close by so my children know and love them
For my kid's smiles, laughter, hugs, kisses, cuddles, and all around fabulousness!
That my husband loves me.

I am thankful for moments like these:

Autumn Light

ah,

the golden light of autumn
pulling shadows of dusky purple
and mysterious olive green
from guardians of standing
poplars and cotton woods
with their last leaves
bits of golden flecks
standing before
rain water lakes
still as glass
reflecting
lives
past and future

By W.

I have learned that life is too short. I have learned to be thankful for the little things in life and not to take anything for granted. My husband has had terminal cancer for 5 years now. There have been times I did not know if he would make it through the night, but he is stable at this time.

I am thankful for many things.
#1 God is in control
#2 My daughters adoption is final. She is finally ours!
#3 although my husband has been fighting terminal cancer, he is prepared and remains stable at this moment.
#4 I have a wonderful network of family and friends who I call my prayer warriors
#5 I have a secret santa/ angel who seems to know what my family needs and when we need it who surprises us with a lift at just the right time.
#6. My husband and I still have full time jobs
#7 My daughter loves God
#8 My daughter is doing well in school. she is happy and healthy and brings such joy to our lives.
#9 Our pets who bring great distraction and laughter
#10 My husband and I both have GREAT bosses who have been supportive through all of our ups and downs.
#11 We own our home
#12 We have dependable vehicles
#13 Although we have health issues we are still able to work
#14 I am thankful for modern technology which helps make my life so much easier.
My list continues there is no certain order.

I also think this is a wonderful idea. I am thankful for my husband and children and our health as well. I am thankful especially for my husband who as made alot of strides to help work on our marriage, and because he works hard everyday to also keep a roof over our heads. I am thankful that my body is healing well from surgery and i can go back to work on the 5th. I am thankful for My father who is still here in my life, in spite of his health problems, everyday i am thankful for him that he is in my life one more day. I am thankful for all my friends (angels as i would call them). I only have a few but they are the greatest and besides its not the quanity its the quality of friends that count. The most wonderful thing i have to be thankful for his GOD, without him and his blessings i don't think i would have made it this far in life. Always remember GOD doesn't give us anything we can't handle. One last thing is that i am thankful for is, for being able to reach out with questions or problems to other moms and get there side to it. Hope you and your family have a wonderful christmas and a happy new years

I am grateful for love in my life through my daughters, my grandchildren, my friends. I am grateful to have shelter, food, good health in myself and in my family, clothes to wear and shoes for my feet and jewelry to adorn myself, a dog who is a good companion, a cat who is friends with my dog, neighbors who have taken the time to know me and have become good friends. I am very grateful for having been born in the USA where I am blessed to have enough to give to others, even if by American standards I am considered rather poor, rather than being born in an impoverished country where famine and lack of food and healthcare causes so much suffering. I am most grateful for having God who loves me no matter what stupid things I've done and who is my constant companion and friend, and to whom I can turn for comfort during hard times, and just knowing that He will never abandon me or leave me alone and will take the bad things that happen in my life and cause good to come from them. I am grateful I have somewhere to go for Christmas and family waiting for me there who will share with me their joy on such a special day. I am about to lose my house, but I am doing my best to be grateful for that, as well, and trust that my future is not going to be bleak, but just different and by God's grace, better. I am grateful for this website where we share with one another wisdom that has been granted to us individually and are able to help one another to solve everyday problems. I am grateful for each one of you!

I missed this original post and LOVE this topic. This is something I need a daily reminder of. Our daughter has been hospitalized for over a month now, as well as the entire month of October. She has schizophrenia and a great medication just stopped working for her. I AM GRATEFUL for her wonderful doctor and hospital staff that take such good care of her. I am grateful that despite this horrible illness, her true self does shine through at times- each time I visit her I am told by a staff member or even another patient what a sweet daughter I have. I am grateful for the many neighbors, friends, relatives, and even strangers who pray for us and our precious daughter. Most of all, I am grateful for God who carries us through the rough times, blesses the doctor with wisdom, teaches us to cherish every moment with loved ones, and every time brings us back to a point where we can laugh and smile again. God IS good!

I have alot to be thankful for. On 7/7/07 my home caught fire and we lost everything. I am thankful that me, my husband and children got out of the fire without any harm. Praise God. I am thankful for the family that took us in for three months and for the fifth wheel that we lived in for eleven months. I am thanful for the home I now have and for every room in it.
I am thankful for each day I have with my husband of thirty-seven years. In July of 2008 he was told he had advanced prostate cancer and each day is a blessing that I see him better and in no pain. I am thankful for the grace of God and seeing him improve each day even though the doctors say otherwise.
I am thankful for being able to feel joy and have peace in days of such turmoil. I have much to be thankful for and much praise to be sung. I am thankful for each piece of furniture that someone brings me they have found, for I no longer set upon the floor. Yes, I have much to be thankful for.

i am thankful to be able to write this post!
I am thankful for life.
I am thankful to be home for the holiday with my family.
I am thankful to have my 3 year old daugher sleeping peacefully next to me.
I am grateful she will recieve her second ( and hopefully final ) open heart srgery and that she survived the first to bring and experiece the incredible joy that she is .
i am in awe, in love ,in gratitude for life.
thank you !

1. nobody can fire me from my art and writing
2. somehow I'm getting a free and appropriate education for my four year old daughter, who is on the autistic spectrum
3. treatment for her at one of the best pediatric development centers in the area
4. a handy, optimistic husband who is probably more benevolent than I deserve
5. my thrifty, frugal lifestyle means that I didn't have far to fall when the bottom fell out of the economy

probably others...i need more coffee first:^)

great idea for a post, BTW.

Wow...I'm so glad this was posted! I saw it yesterday but wanted to put some thought into it. We've been going through a tough time so it's nice to think about what I'm really thankful for! So glad I don't have to put this in most important first order...lol!

My husband has a job, we have a roof over our heads (even if the household does get crazy at times), food on the table, our daughter always has a smile for us, my husband gets up at night to care for the baby, our daughter is healthy, my parents live close and are mostly healthy, being able to stay at home with our daugher, great friends, and of course our troops!

I'm so glad this was posted. It's funny, I lost my job just after Thanksgiving - but yet, I'm thankful for that. It has given me time to know my daughters better. To get to see those little personalities, and learn their little quirks. They are a delight, and a frustration, all at the same time.

I'm thankful that I've had the time with my husband (who stays home with the girls). To be able to reconnect with my husband of almost 6 years.

I'm thankful for our parents and our siblings for wanting to make this the best Christmas possible for the girls, because we can't afford to buy any gifts. They have more than made up for it. I'm also thankful for those same family members who have stood by us during this difficult time and have offered support in more than one way. Because of family we are not in danger of loosing our house, car, electric, gas or anything else. We will be okay!!

I have re-learned that I don't have to do it all myself, that others are there to help. I've also re-learned that family is the most important thing on Earth. Presents aren't important, as long as you have the love of family near by.

I think I'm mostly thankful for God, and for Him making the time with me to learn these lessons. I think that sometimes I loose the focus and He just brought it all home for me.

I'm thankful for E. for posting this question. During this very tough time for my family, it has gotten sad and depressing at times, and the last two days have been that way. This reminded me of the good feelings that I have had over the last 3 weeks. THANK YOU!!!

As everyone has mentioned, there is alot to be thankful for this year! I lost my lovely mother two days after her 86th birthday, on Nov. 13, and it has been a difficult time for my family, but, we were very thankful at Thanksgiving to have eachother and we even had a place set for my mother at the dinner table. We are trying to go about our lives as much as we can, sad at times, but trying to continue the traditions my mother did for us. Last night, we baked cookies like we always have with my mother, and she was truly missed. We all loved my mother dearly and we are so thankful that she led a long wonderful life, but I am most thankful that she passed away peacefully with no pain. Christmas will not be the same this year without her, but I'm sure she's up

Thanks, E., for letting me share!

About me: I am a single mom of two great young ladies, 18 and 19 years of age, both in college.

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that me and my husband were able to work things out and get back togther. Also thankful for my new job working at a church where I feel welcomed for who I am. I am thankful my husband has accepted Shawn as his own, even if they are not related by blood. I am thankful for the roo over our heads, the food on the tables, and the love in the hearts of each of us. I am thankful to be alive and healthy as well as having a wonderful family that is healthy as well.

I am thankful for my Husband for working his rear end off every day and some nights when he's on call, to make sure we have a roof over our head and food in our tummies. I am thankful to have the choice to stay home and raise our four beautiful children. Of course these are mostly the things I am always thankful for daily, although this year is especially different because thing changed financially in our lives for the better.

I am thankful for the money we came into, and I'm tickled that hubby and I bought each other a motorcycle for each other for Christmas this year, and even though the stock market is in the toilet right now it won't stay that way, so I am very thankful that for the first time in our lives we actually have a stock portfolio. Before now we didn't even know what that was, because it wasn't even a possibility.

I am mostly thankful that our family is healthy, happy, and vibrant, and full of life! I am thankful to see my childrens eyes gleem and shine when they are excited about seeing a squirrel run up a tree, or see a rainbow, or watch them lay down and roll down a hill giggling. It's the little things we all take for granted daily that I'm grateful for. I am so thankful that I still have my Mom, and that she is full of life.

I am thankful that I wake each morning and God has allowed me to open my eyes and kiss my Husband and Children every morning, that he has allowed me such a great life, even
the days that you have to choose to pay the gas bill or buy groceries, or the days where everything is perfectly in sync. This year has been a wonderful year, and I know next year is going to be great too.

A.

In no particular order:

I am thankful that E. posted this question, and for the moms on these boards! :-)

I am grateful for this past week-and-a-half of nearly-sleepless nights, because it means we have a healthy newborn son.

I am grateful for my other three bickering, entertaining, picky, smart, goofy, beautiful children, too. Especially that they are so helpful and sweet with their baby brother.

I am grateful for our house payment and bills, because it means we have a roof over our heads, and I am very, very thankful that we can afford to pay those bills.

I am thankful for the alarm clock and income taxes, because they mean that my husband has a job--with good pay that allows me to stay home with our children, and decent hours that allow HIM to spend time with our children, as well (a luxury we have not always had).

I am so, so grateful for family and friends and neighbors who are generous and thoughtful--even when they themselves are struggling to make ends meet. These trying times give us so many opportunities to do nice things for others, and I am grateful for the difficulties, too.

I am grateful for my generous, frustrating, loving, all-too-honest, handy husband, who didn't stay with me in the hospital after I had the baby because he was hurriedly putting in a new furnace, so that when I got home, I wouldn't have to worry about our little ones and the space heaters this winter. And I am thankful for the man from whom he got the furnace!

I am grateful to God for Jesus and the celebration of His birthday.

I am grateful that I am capable and able to buy and/or make gifts for everyone on my list, and able to be with family this year to celebrate that wondrous birthday!

I am sure there are plenty more things, but I need to get off of here and go make lunch for my kids! So I am thankful that we have plenty to eat, as well! :-)

Blessings to all this Christmas and throughout the new year,
--A.

I am thankful that my husband an I both still have our jobs. (knock on wood). I am thankful for all the time we get to spend with our kids. I am thankful that my parents are still with us this holiday season. I enjoy the little moment with my two kids as well as the big ones like my sons piano recital last weekend.

Thanks for posting this!! What a great and very well written post.

I love this idea. Gets me thinking of the good instead of dwelling on the problems.

I am thankful for:
Getting a job after losing one earlier this year. (Pay isn't great but it's money for bills, etc.)
My husband having a job despite layoffs at his company.
2 boys who are wonderful even though they fight.
Having our parents nearby and (mostly) healthy.
Owning our home.
Being able to love, and be in love with, my husband despite normal marriage problems.

P.

This year, I want to be thankful for my God and my family. I have lost my mother and one of my children this year. It is very tough. I am 44 years old and have two grown children and a two year old special needs child, and a child that her adoption will be final next month, also two with special needs. With the loss of close ones, I am thankful that my family is close and that we are there for each other. My grown children call me all the time, and my little ones are needing me all the time. I know that none of this would be possible without God. I just give him thanks.

E. and All:
Thank you so much for your words of inspiration. Christmas is such a joyous time, it is so great to see so many people focusing on the real meaning of Christmas! The celebration of the birth of the Savior. A much needed Savior for we are all in need.

I am thankful for this website.
I am thankful for prayer because I can pray for those of you who have sick ones, and abusive husbands, and mentally ill children. And I will pray for all of these.
I am thankful for my own family with all it's quirks and problems.
I am thankful that God doesn't give up on me when I am unthankful, negative, or
doubting.
I am thankful for God giving my husband a good job (for now) so he is able to provide
well for us.
I am thankful that we know that everything is borrowed, we don't own anything it is all God's. I am grateful that He allows us to borrow so much.
I am thankful that it seems that each of you are looking for the presence of Christmas and not just the presents.
I am thankful for love.
I am thankful God cares even when we feel lonely and deserted.
I am very grateful for our troops also. They fight for our freedom so we can enjoy life
every single day. And for their families who suffer when their loved ones are away.

God doesn't care about the gifts under the tree, the gift He would like us to share is His love. He also wants to have fellowship and time with us. Let's celebrate Christmas living a life that shows God is love.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
K.

I am thankful to God for giving me the strength each day to meet the challenges of this past year and the serenity to accept, and move on when needed, things and the wisdom to know in my mind & heart when & what to do.
I am also thankful for my kids really coming around and pulling it together after some really difficult years, and tears. We are so blessed.

What a wonderful idea for a post, E.!

I am thankful for my wonderful husband/best friend, who I am still in love with after 16 years, our two beautiful, brilliant, caring, wonderful boys, our extended family who despite our differences are always there when you need them, and great friends who never fail to leave me walking away from a gathering with my cheeks hurting from laughing and smiling so much! Even in a tough year financially, these are the things that get you through.

i am tahnkful this year that my family is well. because back in april my youngest son almost died. to have him makes this chrismas very special. i am also thankful i have my oldest son to help me with his brother who cerbal palsy. and my dad who is 67 yrs. but he is sick. so that is why i am thankful for this year. this was a wonderful idea,thats why i love this site.

E.,This is great because sometimes we forget how blessed we are. I am thank for all that God has done for me and my family and the many blessings that he has bestowed upon us. I would also like to ask God to bless and protect those who are going through a rough time now and give them guidance.

E., Thanks for getting us to focus on what is important.

I am thankful for my beautiful home in a nice neighborhood with neighbors I know and actually talk to.

I am thankful for my husband and the huge extended family we have together and that we see them regularly.

I am thankful that for now I can stay home with my son, whom I am most thankful for.

After a long period of time he came into our lives through adoption, so above all I am most grateful to the sacrifice his birth mother made to allow him the chance a different life--one that is with us.

Hi! I am thankful for this opportunity to focus on the wonderful things surrounding me right now instead of what is "wrong." I am thankful for my husband - truly the love of my life and my best friend - for all he does for me and our family. I am thankful for my two little monsters who - when I am not ready to throw them in the snowbank (teehee) make my laugh until my cheeks hurt! I am thankful for my German Shepherd, even with all the dog hair that stuck to the tape as we wrapped our gifts last night. I am thankful for finding a child care provider for my son and daughter who is willing to work with us and help my son be successful. And I am thankful to live near my wonderful in-laws who are such a large part of our family. Happy Holidays everyone!

Hello to all the beatiful moms out there. I am thankful to have you as wonderful friends. Also, I am thankful to God for giving me my health, food, a place to live and when times are hard and I feel that there is no solution, I thank God and all of you my dear friends moms for been there writting and giving all these great messages of hope. But most of all, I am thankful for the greates gift of all... MY SON DIEGO who has bring me joy, happines and hope into my life. I pray for him and all the children in the world so they are happy, healthy and they grow up fisically and mentally strong to become good professionals for their own good.

A little bit about me. I am a single mother, and I live with my little boy Diego (2yrs 7mths) in an small apartment in S.I., NY. Since little Diego does not have a room for himself I made the living room his play grown, and It really is a very fun an exciting place for him to play even the neighboors like it a lot, we sing, we dance and now that it's Chistmas we decorated the Christmas Tree and bake cookies which we like to eat while we watch a Disney movie. It is a wonderful time.. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you and your families. God Bless you all !!!!!

What a great idea!
There are so many things to be thankful for. Even in the rough times!
I am thankful for:
-my children: they remind me everyday why we work so hard. They understand times are tough and don't complain (much), they keep me laughing, keep me on my toes & keep me young (or old, whichever way you look at it!)
-my husband: he is my best friend and I don't know where we would be w/o him. He works 2 jobs to keep us going and doesn't complain (much!). He loves me no matter.
-my family: they have been there for us through everything with undenying support. They are always there when we need them!
-having jobs: we are both so blessed to still be working (a lot) and being able to support our family.
-our landlords: who have been just like family to us and have helped us just as much!
-friends: without our circle, we would be so alone! I am so grateful for friends who are always there, good and bad!
-we are healthy, we have reliable transportation, we are still able to go to the grocery every week and pay our bills on time. Some weeks are rough, but we always make it through.
-MOST importantly: FAITH; we always have faith in eachother and faith in our Creator. We have a saying in our house 'We make the Impossible Possible-ALWAYS' Somehow we always manage to do the impossible. And we keep unwavering faith in our family, in our friends and in our Creator- that our plan will always work out and what is to be, will be. I am so grateful that not only do my husband and I have faith in eachother but we've installed that same faith in our children.

Happy Holidays Moms!
God Bless!
D.

I am so very thankful for my loving supportive family, safe and healthy.

So glad to be a mommy as I tell my boys that the lucky women get to be mommies.

I am so glad for my own emotional well-being that I am excited and cannot wait for our christmas tree at work to be put up so we can choose a family to give christmas presents to, despite our own situation we can give to others to make their lives, memories & situation brighter.

See, my oldest (4) was upset that he wasn't helping others like mommy when I happened to have a plate of goodies from a party and gave them up to a hungry man at the freeway exit. So we talked and he's going to help pick out their presents.

That's mainly what's on the top of my mind - happy to give to others in need.

Great suggestion - thanks to you E.!

S.

E., Not sure what to say except thank you and thank you to all who wrote as well. What a wonderful way to remind us all just how much we have to be thankful for. God's richest blessings to you and your family! Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas E.!

Your family is so very lucky to have you in their lives and be someone that teaches those around them the real meaning of happiness and thankfulness.

I am thankful for the love and comfort of my family and close friends. I am so very thankful the Lord saw me fit enough to grant me 3 beautiful angels to call my children and then shower me with the love of 6 awesome grandchildren. I am also thankful that the Lord blessed me with our 6th grandchild who has mild Autism ... through him I have been granted the ability to see life through different eyes and to expand my heart twice it's size. All my grandchildren have given me unconditional love and that has enabled me to perfect the art of patience.

Without the love of the Lord and the love of my children, grandchildren and husband ... I'm not sure what kind of person I would have become. It's through them that I continue to believe in miracles and have faith that my life is on the right path and when my time comes, I will be granted eternal life in heaven.

Blessings to all,
D.

I am thankful to have the life that I live. Thankful for being able to bring 4 healthy, vibrant children into this world. Thankful for all the places I've been able to live and visit. Thankful for the opportunities to continue learning more about our world and selves every day. Thankful for the military benefits *healthcare, not a big risk of losing a job*. Because of that, even though we don't have much, we still have enough to help out others in need. I'm thankful that I have a home and vehicles that work. Thankful for my Pampered Chef business. It has allowed me to express myself and meet new friends who will be dear to me for years to come.
Thankful that my body is healing from surgery and I can continue my life with better health. Thankful that I have clothes to wear, even though only one pair of pants fit sort of right. :o)
Thankful for my husband who always thinks of me and the little things that would make our family happier. Thankful for technology that allows me to keep in touch with the many friends I've met in the different places we've been stationed who I've had to leave behind.
Thankful for every day I am able to live and hopeful for the future! Hope you all enjoy the coming days!

I am thankful that even though my only child has no children or stepchildren God has blessed me with grandchildren. You parents out there that have adopted or raised children not given birth to know how much they are apart of you. A few yrs ago (the last time Christmas fell on Sunday I spent Christmas with two families (Twin sisters their husbands and children) At this time there were 12 children and now there are 14
Morgan and Meagon were babies (twins) and Abbey had just turned 1 yr old. Where while the adult ladies set the table I played with the little ones and rocked the babies. I seek out each personality and personal interest and pray dayly for them Shortly after the 12 started calling me Grandma or Nanny M. I met and bonded with an eight yr old and we decided I could be her grandma also. Her mother is now my special daughter and instead of getting one more grandchild I gained 4 because this precious little girl had 3 older siblings. I am now soon to be a great grandma.

Then Kathy and later Patrick were born to the first set.

Plus about 8 months ago another 6 yr old boy with a younger brother came up to me and said I need a grandma will you be mine also. When you have 14 to 18 grandchildren what are two more to show love to.

So you see I am very bless with wonderful grandchildren and responbility to live a life that will guide them to Christ. I pray and thank God each day for each one of them. Of course some I see more of because we not only live closer but attend the same church. The others are miles away but I try to call or send notes to them

I email and hope the messages get thru

So this christmas I am thankful for all the blessing God has given to me. So from Skylar to Sydney, Jeffrey to Patrick, Jessica to Kathy, and Joshua to Jeremiah I thank God May the rest of you be blessed in the special blessings Gopd has for you be it children, grandchildren, other love ones, gifts talents or whatever God Bless and Merry Christmas M.

I am thankful that I have a wonderful husband that works awful hours to keep a roof over our heads, food on our table, a car in our driveway, clothes on our backs, cable on the tv's, phones in our pockets, and even a few extra dollars so we can do extras.

I am thankful that we had another baby. Although unplanned, she is a beautiful new life. She has a great sense of humor and has to be the best baby ever to be born.

I am thankful that our 11 year old is mature enough to realize that we can't buy everything. She is doing well in school. She is even on a new medication that has stopped the "manic" part of her bipolar disorder. I am thankful that she thinks her baby sister is the world.

Merry Christmas E.!

I am thankful that it is finally Christmas! I am thankful for all my wonderful friends and family members that have helped keep things in perspective this very scary year. I am thankful that my children and my husband and I have our health. I am thankful that I was able to get a job (however temporary) just before Christmas. I am thankful that it is raining! I am thankful for the opportunity to share these things this evening :)

I also want to add a hopeful paragraph as well because it doesn't hurt to put these things out there as well.

I am hopeful that my husband finds a good job (or just a job) sometime very soon. I am hopeful that my sister gets better (second round of chemo for breast cancer, after being cancer free for 2 years). I am hopeful that our economy turns around soon. I am hopeful that my daughter goes to sleep soon (anticipation kills her :) ) so Santa can come!

I am also hopeful that everyone reading this has a wonderful holiday tomorrow (or later today as the case may be)

Merry Christmas Ladies!!

~V

In fact we just had our Thanksgiving early this year because my siblings are not all going to be here on the actual day....but I am thankful that:
Having good health
Awesome Family
I have my jobs to make ends meet
wonderful insurance benefits and not pay for them
roof over our head
food
did I say awesome Family?

Even though we are not going to have a great Christmas with all of the enjoyment of shopping (which I love to do) for others and giving....atleast we are going to be able to be together for the holidays -which a few of my close friends have lost either one of their parents or son.

Oh and by the way GOOOO PANTHERS and VIKINGS!!!!! LOL

I am thankful for my life, my health, my strength and my moral values. I am thankful for God loving me so much He sent His only begotten Son to die in my place on the cross. I am thankful that His grace is new every morning. I am thankful for my 4 blessings from the handiwork of the Lord called my children. I am thankful that even though I am a single Mom I am still not raising my children alone, for He is with me always. I am thankful for the individualness of my kids. For Seani's laughter, Serenity's poems, hugs and encouragement, Elijah showing me how to have childlike faith and see that autistic children are important too, and Josiah and his still wanting to know where I am even though he is almost six. I am thankful God delivered us from a domestic violence situation and kept a roof over our heads. I am thankful for Nicole and her family who was there for me when I was in the shelter. I am thankful for my parents still being alive and although they are divorced have remained friends. I am thankful I have sight as I am blind in one eye. I am thankful we are no longer homeless. I am thankful for my house. I am thankful for my kids saying I love you for no reason. I am thankful for smiles, laughter and play. I am thankful for pizza too! I am also thankful for the internet so I could be online and meet some great new people. I am thankful that I am accepted in the beloved. I am thankful for the telephone and fax machines. I am thankful for music that honors God and the ability to sing, pray and praise the Lord!

I am thankful that God loves us and hears our prayers. I am so thankful that after 2 daughters he gave me a son in the way of a grandson to love and care for and through prayer allowed me and my husband to be a committed family to him through adoption on Dec. 2nd of this year. This may not have been the way I expected him to answer but I truely believe it was God's plan.I am also so thankful for a mother and dad that are still with us , a granddaughter and grandson, daughtes and in-laws, sisters, brother and many nieces, nephews, great neices and nephews, aunts, uncles,good health, a great school system, a great country and county to live in, great home, retirement!!!!

Wow, I have read all the ones before for me and DIDO to all of yours:
Families, God, Friends, Jobs, Homes, Food, Health, Happiness, loved ones still with us, able to give to those with less.

But I want to add that I'm greatful my husband and daughter made it back for Christmas. They left Friday for a grandmothers funeral in Idaho, on Sunday they were do back but the airlines said they wouldn't be going anywhere because of the storm in Washington. That it would be after Christmas. They made it back yesterday.

Also greatful for The Beautiful Sunshine that keeps me warm in California. (I hate being cold, and have been too cold this winter already) But I'm Greatful for the white mountains they look wonderful and Christmasy.

And I'm greatful for all the wonderful things I've learned from the trials I have been given. (I'm a book of knowledge now). I'm greatful that God has allowed me to but the problems down and look past all the awful things to see the real reasons that things happen, and turn them around and make my life better. Sometimes it's about simple thinking of what have I done to make things this way, and sometimes it's Please God I'm not getting what I need to learn here, Please Write it on a Wall for Me so I can fix it.

I'm also greatful for the true knowledge of Christmas, I have given my kids the things they want but told them to keep there lists small this year, and have given gifts to those less fortunate. I couldn't think of anything I wanted except that I wanted every child to have a gift on Christmas morning. Because so many have lost their homes, jobs, and family members, many that thought they were ok with keeping their homes, have lost them in fires, mud-slides,and other things.

My Prayers go out to all of you. May God watch over us all, and help us with our individual needs. I'm so thankful for so many things & you all are on that list.
Merry Christmas to all, and Happy New Year!

Little about me: Married to a man that I'm constantly trying to teach to be nice to me. (he doesn't hit or drink) he just is verbale abusive and I constantly have to remind him to be nice. He does great then falls back into it because things aren't his way in life, and he needs someone to take it out on. I have 2 girls and 1 boy, that bring happiness to my life and support me one hundred percent. I'm greatful to have both sexes they are so diffrent in the things that they do. I love watching them grow and learn. J.

What a great msg/sentiment, E.! I, too, am thankful every day... for waking up next to a wonderful husband who loves me & our 16 mo old son. I am thankful for my little Logan, my family, friends, our health, a roof over our heads, food on our plates, & heat in our home. I love knowing that no matter what our future holds, I will always have my beautiful baby boy & a wonderful husband & father by my side. I think love CAN make the world go 'round, at least mine!

Wow, what great responses! Thank you E., what a great idea!!!
I'm Thankful for my wonderful husband of 17 years whom I still love, like, and would marry all over again. I am Thankful for my two children. My almost 13 year old daughter is a huge handful and she pushes my buttons, but we have gone through a lot with her and I'm glad that she is here and in my life. She truly has a wonderful spirit, writes like the future J.K. Rowlings, and I look forward to watching and sharing her successes in life. I'm thankful for my 9 year old son who thinks his mama is wonderful. He has a wonderful personality and is good for my ego! I'm also thankful that soccer season is over! :-)! I am Thankful that I have found a wonderful woman's group and am in a safe place that I can continue to heal and work on my demons. I am Thankful that I have a wonderful sister, wonderful in-laws, and am working on my relationship with my other sister. I am Thankful that I am healthy, and Happy. And I also am Happy that the Charger's are in the hunt for the playoffs. Go CHARGERS!!

I am thankful for God and Family. I am also in financial trouble but God will continue to give me no more than I am able to deal with. My children have been very healthy and come to think of it, understanding at this time. I am thankful that my husband has been a true rock (sometimes I want to throw a rock in the river in the worst way, he can be a VERY LARGE PILL)
But at the end of the day that crabby, un-romantic,PIll loves his family in the ways he can and snuggles next to me in bed even after 20 something years together I can even get him to hold my hand sometimes. I am truly thankful for a place to call home and the support of all of you here who share your hearts and family's with us. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND A VERY MERRY CHRISTAMS...MAY WE ALL HAVE A MUCH NEEDED BREATH OF FREST AIR in 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, E.. This is nice, thanks! I am thankful that no matter how rough this year has been, God has provided. I am so thankful that He reminds me, sometimes in the strangest ways, how He is always in control and at the helm. I am so thankful that, even though we wondered at times how we were going to provide a good Christmas for our own kids, we were also able to help provide a Christmas for a couple other families who wouldn't have had one at all. I am thankful for my children who have asked to give up gifts so that others could have something special. Finally, I am thankful for a website of women who encourage each other and share troubles, questions and blessings. Merry Christmas!
PS - My husband would be thankful for someone else who is a loyal Seahawks fan. :-)

Hi E. and Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours;

This year is especially hard year for us as well as many around the world and America. My husband, 69 who has alzheimer's, is a remarkable man, husband, father and papa to our many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We live with our son whose three young children were kidnapped by his wife along with the help and support of DHHS caseworkers who 'think' they are doing the right thing. My granddaughter and her two boys also live with us and our recently divorced daughter has moved in until she can get straightened out. I could sit and say, "oh me oh my", however I choose to continue holding on to an "All knowing, All seeing" God who knows me by name and calls me His child. I intend to continue to trust HIM. I happen to 'know that I know' that God loves us, and keeps us and all things will work to our good because HIS WORD says it and that settles it for me. I know God will bless you and yours as you trust HIM for your needs, and because you choose to give thanks. God bless you.
C. Mills
Sanford, Maine

I am thankful for my church family- they have watched my babies grow to adults- and have kept me company - laughed with me and cried with me - and still love me when I'm cranky, mean and rotten!. I'm thankful for my dog- he listens, cares, and knows that I am right!. I am so thankful for my brother - who knows all the songs we sang so long ago - he remembers the same stories I do- and loves to hear them again- and I'm so thankful for the new ones- ( grandchildren- now THERE's something to give thanks for)

-- and for all you wonderful Moms

Blessings,
J.

This holiday season I'm grateful for gratitude! What easier way is there to take your worries off of your own life and bring some joy into the world:)

If you're missing sleep due to stress: do the ABC's of gratitute- you won't make it through the whole alphabet three times.

This is late, but I wanted to give THANKS to my husband coming home safe from Iraq last April and to all the hard work he does.Thanks to having an awesome son who is the best. Thanks to having such a wonderful healthy family. Thanks to all the wonderful friends I have. Thanks to having a wonderful supporting family from far away. Thanks to getting through this past year w/out any hardships. Finally, thanks to having all you moms to ask advice from. Hope everyone has a healthy and great year. Happy New Years!

Merry Christmas Ladies!

I could not be more thankful this year! My daughter is 3 and filled with all the innocence and magic of the season. I feel like a love struck teenager when my husband walks into the room. I'm so excited to be expecting our second child in a matter of weeks, and so thankful to have had such an easy pregnancy this time. To top it off, my big brother & wife, who live in Texas, suprised us all by showing up on my doorstep for Christmas. My heart is overflowing!

Hello E.,

Thank you for being so thoughtful and helping us to be aware that despite the tough times we have something to be grateful for.

I'm grateful for a sound mind that wants to do the will of my father in heaven. I'm grateful for his son being born to give us all a chance to get to know him (GOD). I'm grateful for my home, food we eat, and the clothes on our backs. I'm grateful for a husband that wants to keep his family together. I'm grateful that this year it doesn't hurt so bad with Ma(grandma) being gone. I'm grateful for Kaya(11) as she is turning into a great pre-teen, Kamoni(5)even though he makes me crazy has a heart of gold, Kaziah(4)where would I be without your helpfulness and Koda(2)his smile would bring light to any dark space. I'm grateful for my family & friends near and far whom have made an impact in my life. Thank you God for allowing me another year.

T.