Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Today is turkey day and this is the first time in years that we have went in our separate directions and the first time in 28 years that Tom and I have not spent it in the same place. Mom and I are going to Independence to have dinner with Larry and family. Tom, Kristi and Alayna are going to Granny & Grandpapa's house in Booneville. Brian is planning on going to his friends house, but I wonder if he will bail out and stay at home!

Mom and I will be staying at a hotel tonight because mom flies to Phoenix tomorrow afternoon to spend 2 weeks with Debbie and family. We are talking about being up early and going shopping a little for a few good deals while we are in Independence, but don't have a lot of money so it won't be a long time out there. It will probably be just me, but I will go to get a few items if I feel like it. Got my sale ad's and going to study them tonight and make my list. We will see how far I will get!!

I thought I would close this post on Thanksgiving Day with a partial listing of what I am thankful for...there is so much that I could never post it all.

• I am thankful for my family.
• I have the wonderful opportunity to see and talk to my mother on a daily basis. I know that I don't have a lot of Thanksgivings left with mom, so I want to enjoy each one I have.
• I also have a terrific husband who is very understanding and loving. He puts up with me on a daily (at work and at home) and still smiles about it - wonder what he is really thinking!
• I have 2 great kids who have grown into wonderful adults. They are both very loving and caring and show that daily to everyone they encounter. They are very close to both Tom and I and are a great support group for us.
• I am very thankful for a beautiful grand-daughter that lives with us and it allows us to see her daily, and see the changes that she goes through each day. She gives the best kisses and hugs and tells us that she loves us each day.
• I am thankful for a wonderful set of in-laws in Carl & Janice. They have been great to our family, helping out whenever we need it. Thankful for all the laughs, smiles, dinners, and just chatting not to mention the love they share.
• Something else that I am thankful for is siblings - all 4 of them. Gene, Larry, Kris, and Bob. Even though Gene is no longer with us, I am thankful for the opportunity to know him and have great memories of him. Larry is going through cancer treatment right now and I am thankful that he is enduring this treatment and so thankful that I can spend part of the day with him today. I am thankful to have a sister to talk to as well. I also have another brother by marriage and am thankful for the time we spend together and all of the great memories I have with him. He has provided a lot of laughs through the years.
• I am thankful for my extended family, Lauri, Jody, Steve, Beth, Rob, Scott, David, Jason, and all their families. There is nothing better then getting together as a family and hearing all the voices, laughter, and smiles that come from having a family gathering. I wish we could get together more often, it always leaves such great memories.
• I am thankful for friends. Great people who make you laugh, smile, and help you understand what is going on in your life. Like a cheap psychologist!!!
• I am thankful for my job - even if it is a pain sometimes. At least I am able to contribute to making sure we eat, have a home to gather, cars to drive, and a few luxuries in life. Also, the friends that I have there. Makes going to work worth while.
• The wonderful military folks - both active and retired. They have giving so much to make sure we stay safe and enjoy the life we have grown to love. If it wasn't for them, no telling where we would be. They have my admiration. Thank you so much for your sacrifices.

There is so much more that I am thankful for but I don't have time to list it all here. I hope that this gives you a glimpse of some of the things that I am thankful for and remember to give thanks today.

Have a great Turkey day!!! Be safe if you are traveling.