Giving Thanks

Here's a quick (we'll see how quick since it's not yet written) free thought:

I'm thankful for (in no particular order) . . . . .

. . . my husband and little girl. They are delivering a pie to our neighbor who is expecting lots of visitors this Thanksgiving. (Before we leave town we will also loan her three chairs to increase the seating at her house.)

. . . my sewing machine. Even though projects are often slow, I love to sew.

. . . all my other crafty hobbies, such as cross stitching, quilting, crocheting, and my attempts to learn knitting. It's nice to have things to keep you busy, especially when you live in a small, isolated town.

. . . the gospel of Jesus Christ. It brings me happiness.

. . . Brien's job. We're not rich, but we do okay for ourselves and I'm able to stay home.

. . . crying. It's such a great emotional release for me. I cry a lot more since I've had Zarina. I guess pregnancy permanently played with my emotions. Or maybe I would be just as emotional if we had adopted her. Maybe it's just being a mom has made me more emotional.

. . . books. Actually, good books. I love to read. I realized that reading keeps my imagination going. I'm definitely less creative when I don't read books.

. . . friends who keep blogging. I love peering into your lives, even though I don't always take the time to comment.

. . . my little house. It's so small, but it's place we can afford on one income. It allows me to dream; one day I will be able to move my laundry room out of my kitchen.

. . . friends. I have great memories from college, and after college. Here in Ely I've found some great people. I can see a difference in my friends for the different stages in my life. I've always had the right people close by.

. . . my immediate family. I love my parents and siblings. I miss being closer to them.

. . . my wonderful in-laws. A plus about living in Ely is that we have visited Brien's family often. Sometimes I still feel insecure and self-conscious around them. They'll think it's silly, but it's true.

. . . opportunities to help others. I love doing things for other people. I like sharing the cookies I bake, or making things to give away.

Now I need stop and go pack. It's time to leave for a Thanksgiving visit.