Christmas time is right around the corner. I love the beauty of Christmas and its decorations. I adore watching the kids open their gifts, but my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. This year I have so much to be thankful for, and I wanted to take some time to share some of them with you.
My Family
It has been quite a year for my family. We have moved, gotten involved in new activities, and started our homesteading journey. My extended family has also been through a lot. Steve’s mother (my mother-in-law) had a brain bleed in three different areas of her brain. My side of the family has had a rough time this year too. Through it all, though, it has brought us closer. I am so thankful for that.
My Readers
You all mean the world to me. I started this blog in January of this year and while you always hope for the best, this year has really exceeded all expectations for me. You all are the reason for that. I’ve had many of you tell me that you’ve been blessed by my articles, but the truth is that you all are a blessing to me.
Our Fireplace 
Our Greatroom is my favorite room in our house, but in the winter it is SO COLD in there. Our fireplace makes it not only warm but toasty. If we were ever without power, our fireplace would keep us nice and warm! It’s also a blessing to be able to cook over the fire. Using our pie irons has been so fun too!
Our Clothesline
We purchased a new washer and dryer two and a half years ago, and our dryer has given us problem after problem after problem! This year, we installed a clothesline in our backyard, and it was a lifesaver! I am so thankful for it!
Our Storage Room
My husband and I sat in our bedroom a few days ago. I sat at the desk and my husband sat in the recliner in our bedroom. Together we watched as freezing rain started coating the trees in our front yard. I mentioned that even if the power went out that we’d still be plenty warm. My husband said, “Yep, and we’ll have plenty to eat without having to head to the store.” He was right. But it’s not just having food down there. We have drinks, personal care supplies, cleaning supplies and alternate ways of cooking food. What a blessing that room is!
Trees and Bushes
I am so thankful that this year, we planted three bushes – two raspberry and one blackberry. We also planted two apple trees which should start producing in two years time. What a blessing it is to know that we’ve started moving toward self-sufficiency in our own yard.
Our Back Porch and Porch Swing 
One of the things that attracted me to this house was the three-tiered back porch. I loved it then, and I’m so thankful for it now. We’ve had large gatherings out there and they were really fun to do. We also refinished a porch swing that was given to me by my mother about seven or eight years ago. Late this summer, my husband and I refinished our porch swing, and it has been so much fun to sit out there with either my husband or one of my kids as we talk.
A New Desk
Okay, I am horrible as a wife, and I took over my husband’s desk. In my defense, he rarely ever used it. It’s so much bigger than the desk in the kitchen is. I can stretch out and get some work done more easily. It is now organized and works really well for me. It allows me to see outside to the street. I can either watch the kids play or watch the squirrels and rabbits scamper by.
A Gift for Five Readers
For five of those of you who are signed up for my e-mail list, I have a gift. 
Respond to the e-mail that sent you the link for this article, give me your e-mail address, and I will send five recipients a FREE digital copy of A Year Without the Grocery Store’s Companion Workbook.
If you want to be in on the action the next time I give something away, make sure you sign up for my e-mail list either at the side or below this article.
What About You?
What are you thankful for this time of the year? I’d love to hear below in the comments.
Together lets Love, Learn, Practice, and Overcome
There are links in this post. Some of the links may be affiliate links. Some of the links may not be. My promise to you is that I will only recommend the most economical version of the best quality of items to serve you. These are the items that I have bought for my own family. You can feel free to use my affiliate links, of which I will get a small amount in compensation, or you can choose to search out your products on your own.
