What Are You Thankful For?

Since Thanksgiving is now less than a week away, I thought on this final day of my Blog Blitz we’d talk about what we’re thankful for. First of all I’m thankful for all of you faithful bloggers who have taken the time to stop by this past week. Thank you. I appreciate your support.

This past year has been a rough one. After losing both of my parents in a ten-month time span, I’ve come to realize even more how precious life is. But as difficult as this loss is, I’m thankful I was blessed to have two such wonderful and caring people for parents. My mom and dad were firm but fair, and taught me to respect others and to lend a helping hand. They didn’t just give us kids everything we wanted, but instead taught us that working hard and being patient can reap great rewards. That in turn taught us four kids valuable lessons in respect and appreciation. I am forever grateful. And I miss them both terribly. My life is forever changed by their passing, but I am who I am today because of them.

I am also thankful for my wonderful, supportive husband. And yes he has many of the hero qualities we talked about yesterday—including a bit of the domestic side. He’s a great cook and if I had my way, he’d be doing the cooking seven days a week! I’m also thankful for my two beautiful children, my health, my wonderful in-laws, my brothers, and their families. I’m also thankful I live in a country where we are free, and thankful for the men and women who put on uniforms every day to keep us that way. Thank You! And God Bless You! If you have a family member or friend who has ties to the military, past or present, please also extend my thanks to them and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving.

As Mama Bear in the Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin so aptly put it, “Thanksgiving isn’t about contests or prizes. It’s about giving thanks. And it seems to me we have a lot to be thankful for.” And yes we do. Even in this turbulant economic time, we still do.

So, tell me what you’re thankful for, and remember, every time you post a comment to any of my Thanksgiving posts for the week your name will go into the drawing for an autographed copy of Studs for Hire: Woman on Top. Chances to win close at midnight tonight and I will draw the winner some time this weekend. Good Luck!

Here's an old recipe my family brought over from Germany. It's a little bit of work to prepare, but it's delicious and was always a family tradition at holidays.

Big Dumpling
½ Cup of Lard or Shortening
½ Cup Sugar
1 Tsp. Salt
3 Eggs Beaten
1 Cup Milk
3 Cups Flour
2 Tsp. Baking Powder

Cream together lard, salt & sugar. Add beaten eggs. Sift flour with baking powder. Add to first mixture alternately with milk. Mix well. Pour into well greased coffee tin and cover with foil. Set tin into a larger kettle of boiling water. Cover with lid. Steam for 2 hours. Tooth pick should come out clean when tested. Serve with a fruit sauce of raisins, prunes, apricots, or cranberries.