Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, but the weekend may still hold more gatherings for some of us. This year, we went to my husband's side of the family and spent the day with them. It was nice to see everyone again. We don't get together the way we should. Andy's Grandma will be 91 in January and I am thankful to have been able to spend the holiday with her.

On Saturday, our friends hold a Thanksgiving dinner. Each year it is at someone else's home. I hosted it last year. I am so excited that we have started this ritual. We have been doing it for many years now and we always walk away with great photos and memories. Our group has been together now for almost 17 years and it continues to grow with new little additions. I am glad that our children are getting to know each other also.

This year has started of a little different for my husband and I. We both found ourselves unemployed. I was the first one to find work and my husband did a very good job of playing Mr. Mom. If he had a wounded pride at the role reversal, he never showed it. He is a good man and I am thankful to have him in my life and so proud of him for sticking it out. He did find a job 2 months later. In September, we both got promotions on the same day. Things have completely turned around and the end of the year is looking a lot better then it had began.

This was hard on my children of course. Kids are always wanting something or needing something. I am thankful that my kids walked away with a better understanding of how the world works and learning from it. All of my kids found different ways to earn money and then used that money for the things they wanted or needed. The saw our stress and became more understanding; doing more things in the house to help out, sitting by me and holding my hand when we would watch TV. Things like that make me so proud of them! Through it all we kept our sanity, our health, and our love!

The last big change for me this year is in my writing career. I have joined RWA, CHRW, became PRO, and made many friends. I have entered contests, a critique group, and taken classes. Then there is also my blogging. I have my own blog, Heart of Romance, and I guest spot here and at The Celtic Rose. I am very thankful to all of the people who have helped me in one way or another, for my groups, and for all of the people who pop in and read the blogs!

I hope that this finds you all recovering from a Happy Thanksgiving! I wish safe travels home for you and your loved ones! And those of you who shopped today.......we are a breed among ourselves and I hope you found some great deals! I love Black Friday and after I put the Christmas tree up, I am going to drop!!!!!!( it was worth it though!)