My family had our official Thanksgiving dinner last Sunday because my sister-in-law has to work today, so today I'm sitting at home alone and feeling rather sad...and guilty for feeling sad. I'm feeling sad for many reasons. I'm sad and scared because my husband and I have been out of work for quite some time now and our bank account is just about gone. We both cashed out our 401K's to survive this year and we both thought for sure we'd both be employed by now. We send out resumes continuously but it seems we're either over-qualified or they want a degree which neither of us have. I'm sure something will come through soon. We have three kids ages 12, 13, & 17, who are very understanding, but who also have friends that have never had to budget or had to feel bad that their asking to go meet friends at a movie would be financially hard for their parents. And for that I feel extremely sad for them. With Christmas around the corner I've been asking them what it is they would like and my son said, "don't worry about it mom we don't have the money" and that sincerity and acknowledgment of our financial status brings me to tears. There are so many families in this situation and some even worse that I am always praying for answers and help to a very sad situation...not just for us but for anyone like us.

Things I am very thankful for...

Being alive and healthy, I spent 2 days in the hospital last May after fainting and having a seizure and not knowing if I had had a stroke or had some other condition. All tests came back good...just one of those fluke things.

My husband Robert. He's the step-father to my three children and anyone who meets him think they are his because he speaks of them like they are...I am so very blessed in having him in my life.

My kids. Without them I'm not sure who'd I would be today. And seeing what good people they are becoming helps me to believe that I have done a good job at being their Mom.

My faith. With the faith that things will get better and that every day is a day to live and learn and it directs you to where it is God wants you to be.

Ok, I've babbled on long enough and cried through all this so maybe I can get up and get on with my day. Thanks for listening.

Happy Thanksgiving!