Reasons to be thankful

It is that time of year when we all should sit down (if time allows it, with the rush, rush of holiday preparations) to reflect on what we are thankful for.

Because I don't have to get the turkey in the oven for another couple days, I am sitting down and doing just that - although if my husband and son had had it their way, we would have eaten the turkey already and the traditional truck load of Chex mix.

* God. He has given me my existence and keeps me and my family, out of harm's way. He answers my prayers and provides what is needed.

* My husband. He has put up with my moods; my different hair styles; my weight gains, losses and gains again; and my snoring. He continues to make me laugh with his silly sense of humor after 23 years of marriage. Me or anyone else seem to give him much credit for his own feats.

* My kids. Yes, even though they have outgrown me and continue to make me nervous now that they are out on their own. they have made me very proud - they have great morals and respect for people. (Even old people, like me.)

* My sister. Ten years older, she has always been there for me as a sister and a mother. (Because it is the time of year to be thankful, I won't hold anything against her for the time we got in a huge fight when we were growing up and divided our bedroom in half with a rope, leaving me without a door to exit the room. Thankfully - we made up or I would still be in that room.)

* My nieces and nephews - and now even the great-nieces and -nephew.

* My cats. (The one thing that some people in the house wish I didn't have). I enjoy talking to them and trying to figure out what they are thinking.

* My friends. While schedules have drawn me away from seeing many of them, I still am thankful for their existence, that our paths crossed and the memories we have made together.

* Chocolate. Oh, yeah! Especially on those stressful days when a little calming is needed.

* Turkey. Yes, I am one of those that will eat my fill in turkey and than fight with my kids over who gets the wishbone! It never hurts to pray about your wish AND dream it will come true with the snap of a dried out turkey bone.

Whoever you are thankful for, make sure you let them know this Thanksgiving. And whatever you are thankful for, enjoy it even a little more.