Thanksgiving 2010

On this Thanksgiving Eve evening I am sitting at home alone thinking about all of the things that I am thankful for.

• God - thankful that he has shown me what my faith and belief in him can do.
• Jesus because of him we are forgiven of our sins.
• My husband - I am so thankful that he came into my life.  Can't imagine what it would be like without you.
• My children - I am so thankful that I was chosen to be your mother. 
• My family - I am thankful for those that have chosen to be a part my life.  Family is so important to me and I love you all so much.
• My friends -  I am thankful for the many friends that I have made throughout my 42 years.  Even if I don't see or talk to you often, please know that I am grateful that I can consider you a friend.
• A job - I  am thankful that I have a job and have been with the same company for 22 years.
• Health - So thankful that my immediate family is in good health.  I send daily prayers for those that aren't so fortunate - My Dad, Aunt Jo, Aunt Vi, Aunt Beulah and the many many more that I can't name.
• My baby Sampson - Not sure what I would do without him.  He is always waiting on me at the front door when I come home and keeps me company during my many evenings alone.  How I love this little dog.
• Forgiveness - Thankful that I have found peace with many things in my life.  I have forgiven many that have hurt me and no longer dwell on the past.

Thanksgiving is a difficult holiday for me and it is becoming more so with each passing year.  Since my Mother's passing, my siblings and I don't get together as one big family anymore.  I truly miss those wonderful times together.  Since Rob goes to VA every year to hunt for Thanksgiving me and the kids have always went to a family members for this holiday.  I thank each and everyone of those that have included us, I am so grateful to you for sharing your home with us.  This year will be the most difficult one for one.  For the first time in 22 1/2 years I will not be with either of my children on Thanksgiving day.  Jessica will be working part of the day and then going to her Granny Carolyn's for dinner.  Justin will go hunting in the morning, go eat with his girlfriend's family and then go to his Granny Carolyn's at some point.  My wonderful brother in law, Mike, is coming from Rock Hill to join me in picking up my Dad and driving to my brother Ricky's & adopted sister Francine's home near Charleston for dinner.  I appreciate Ricky and Francine for inviting us, I am grateful to you both for sharing your day with us. 

May each and everyone of you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.   Remember to be thankful for everything that you have been blessed with no matter how small it may seem.  There is always someone that does not have it as good as you.

Love,

T-

Christmas Card / Letter

Every year since I have been on my own I have mailed out Christmas Cards every year. About 13 years ago I started doing a Christmas letter to include in the card. It would take me forever to find the perfect card to go that year and to write the past year happenings of all 4 of us. In the beginning they were the cheapest cards I could find because that is all I could afford. Then as things in life got better I started buying ones that I actually liked myself. It was always my tradition to sit down Thanksgiving weekend and start addressing the envelopes and then writing personal notes in each and every card. Last year I think I mailed out about 90 cards.

Not only do I enjoy sending this yearly ritual but I also loved receiving them from friends & family. However, in the past most people have stopped sending them or some have never sent a card. This makes me kind of sad. During the holiday season I have always looked forward to reaching into my mail box to see whose card I would receive, opening them up and reading the card. Truly hate that this holiday tradition is going by the wayside like so many other things.

Now that my kids are grown and have their own lives, I think it is time to end the Christmas letter. Not sure yet because I have already started on this year’s Just not sure if I will actually send it out. Have even thought about stopping the Christmas card tradition that I have been doing for 20+ years. I know this is wrong but why should I go through the time and expense of it when some many can't make the same effort.

So I will end this by saying that if you do not receive a Christmas card or letter from me this year, don't take it personal but it just seems to be a waste anymore. May each and every one that reads my blog have a Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love,

T

Pictures

For as long as I can remember I have loved to take pictures.  I have 1000's of them.  If you really know me, you know that I always have a camera with me.   I take pictures of everything.  Taking pictures are a way for me to capture a memory.  One day I hope to take a photography class so I can learn how to take professional pictures. 

Every time a box comes in the mail, Rob asks what kind of camera, scanner or thingy did you buy now.   He knows me so well.   A new camera to me is like getting a present on Christmas morning.  I can't wait to open it and try it out. 

About a year ago I started scanning all of my photos, my mother's old photos, & her slides.  Just this past weekend I scanned over 500 photos.  It is allot of work but I am really enjoying it.  Are you like most people and take pictures, put them on the computer and forget about them?  Not me, I am always pulling out my photo albums and my digital photos.  

I even took lots of pictures when 35mm film was popular and have 1000's of 35mm pictures.  This project is giving me a chance to look back at some wonderful events in my life.  There is the wonderful memories of my Mom, Christmas mornings, weddings, my family when we actually use to be one, my children at many different stages of their life, and I could go on & on.  

Hoping my project will one day be able to be shared with my family members so they to can go back and remember the wonderful times in their lives.

Tearesa