Thanksgiving

It's that time of year where people begin to reflect on their blessings.  Some of our friends on Facebook will begin the month of giving thanks challenge.  I did it a couple of years ago.  It can can be difficult to come up with a new thing to be thankful for every day for a month.  But it was a challenge worth taking on, and I love reading what other people post because it helps remind me to be thankful for all things big and small.

When I think back over the years, I really have so much to be thankful for.  I have a twin sister and an elementary school friend who are my best friends, even though we live nowhere close.  Those types of longtime friendships are hard to come by.  I have also made friends along the way.  Facebook has helped me keep in touch with some of them even though I have moved a lot.  Facebook has also led to new friendships, even if they are only online because of the distance.

I have never been homeless or gone hungry.  I have never lost a home and all my possesions to a fire.  I have never had my home broken into.  And while I had my car stolen from me and almost had my purse stolen, I have never been harmed by anyone in a violent way.  Even when we had our bank card compromised and had $300 stolen from us recently, the bank credited the money back within a few days and made it official  a couple of weeks ago that it was stolen.  Who would have thought it happening at the end of the month when our account was at its lowest would have also been a blessing...otherwise the criminal would have taken a lot more, and we would not have been able to pay bills.

We have had medical issues arise, but for the most part, we have stayed healthy and out of hospitals.  This may not always be the case, but for now it is.  My kids were healthy when they were born with no complications.  No cancer, no heart defects, no physical deformities, no learning disabilities.  Just bad baby teeth.  Thankfully, those get replaced naturally.

We have survived some tough times financially, but anytime one door closed, another opened, and we have always managed to keep a paycheck coming in.  And when times got really tough, we were able to take advantage of government programs during a transitional period. 

Most recently, we have been able to purchase a home with a beautiful view in the back and front yard.  We get to see beautiful New Mexico sunrises and sunsets.  And while it needs a lot of TLC, it 10 acres of dreams to come.  We have kind neighbors, and we have some family close by.

I am able to stay home with my kids, and I am able to homeschool them, something I have always wanted to do.  My husband has always made that possible through his work ethic and commitment to this family.  Even though we have our bad days, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I come from a family that has never betrayed me.  While it is not perfect, I know we love each other.

I have a vehicle that is reliable and spacious.  And it has a dvd player for the kids.  It is a big help when I travel alone since it is hard to manage kids while driving.  My kids love each other and for the most part like being around each other.

I found great deals on a used full size freezer and refrigerator, and I have lots of kitchen cabinets.  I have plenty of room to store food.  Even though I live rurally, I have access to decent internet and boosters so my cell phone works, at least part of the time.  My husband still has unlimited internet on his phone, which helps him when he has to work away from the office.  We even have Skype so we can see each other (and my baby niece from time to time).  We were able to find a used RV that he can use as a home while he is away a few days a week.  And we can use for long trips when we want to travel.

We got to have a dream wedding on a beach with our closest friends and family.  And after 11 years of marriage, we are still choosing to honor our commitment.  We are blessed to be two people that don't run when things get hard. 

My husband has been able to pursue his dream of teaching and getting a PhD.   I was able to obtain a Masters degree.  At the same time, we can both appreciate the fact that school at any level is not the only way to find success in a career.

Finally, I have a Kuerig that makes great coffee...especially on those mornings when I wake up way too early and know I am not going back to sleep (like this morning).

Life is good.