Life is good...Thanksgiving is better...

I realize that it's several days past Thanksgiving, but it's never to late to write down all of the things that I'm thankful for.  I realize that I have a whole lot of things that I'm grateful, sometimes probably more than I deserve. 

The most important things in my life are my kids.  For all the goofy things that they do and even though they're going through this stage where they can't help NOT poking and prodding each other to get a reaction.  One would think that it would get old after a while, but apparently not.  So even though they drive me crazy, I love them with all of my heart.

I'm also grateful to my mom and sister.  When my life came crashing down last year and I had absolutely nothing and no place to go, they took me and my kids in and helped get us back on our feet.  I know that we don't always see eye to eye about things, but I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without their love and support.

I'm grateful for the country that I live in, the United States.  So many people complain about all the things that are wrong with it, and I know that there are things that I get frustrated with, but my kids sleep in warm beds, have full tummies and don't have to worry about waking up to an air raid siren.  Even as a kid, I was always patriotic, but now more than ever, I truly appreciate all I have, especially because I see the world through the eyes of my children.

I have wonderful friends that make my life so much fuller and richer and who teach me all kinds of wonderful things and help me step outside of my comfort zone.

I have my own apartment, a functioning car (with AC and a heater-what a concept), three of the cutest turtles I've ever seen and a job with benefits.  

There are so many other things that I'm grateful for, and this blog could go on and on for pages as I try and list everything, but it really just comes down to the fact that my life is blessed.  While I've had my share of struggles, some that nearly destroyed me, they have made me a much better person.  I know that I have so much more to learn, but at least I'm on the right track. 

As I go through the rest of this holiday season, I just really need to keep a prayer of Thanksgiving in my heart.  There really is so much that is good in the world and if all you do is focus on the negative, you're going to miss it all.