1. my health and much more.
This sounds so cheesy, I know but it's definitely forefront in my mind as I make my Thanksgiving meal today for my family. You see, one of our family friends is really ill and my heart is just broken for his wife and my sister. When I was a kid, we struggled a lot and we had an especially dark time and there were a few people in our lives who were there for us. They didn't ask us for anything, they were there for us. They opened their homes up to us and became more than friends. They became our family and over the years even became second parents to my older sister. This Thanksgiving, I'm thinking of them and my sister. Not only do we need to appreciate what we have, we need to be more cognizant of our health and what life we have left to give. And I'm only saying this because I need to constantly remind myself of this. Of what's important.
**Less than an hour of publishing this, my sister told me that Keith passed away. Rest in peace, Keith. We love you so much.
2. my husband.
He's completely crazy but so am I. He puts up with my impatience. He's wonderfully supportive and he keeps me grounded. I don't show him my appreciation enough. Seriously, I don't and I need to change that. (And please don't tell Curtis I posted a picture of him on the blog! He would kill me! He hates getting his picture taken, this one is from this summer.)
3. my doggies.
If you know me, you know that my dogs are like my kids. They are crazy and one of them is in serious need of puppy class, as our vet tells us. But we love them and can't imagine our lives without our dogs and our cats. I'm thankful for the joy and love they bring into our lives.
4. my job.
Not sure if you read, this past summer, I mentioned that I got laid off. Even though I knew what I wanted to do when it happened, I was scared. And today, I'm still a little scared but am doing what I want to do. I'm thankful for my supportive family and friends, who believe in me. I'm having a blast doing my job, I get to set my own schedule and even better I have had the opportunity to travel and meet the most amazing people, whether it's the brands I'm working with or a farmer or the person I'm sitting next to on a plane…it has truly been inspiring and invigorating.
5. you and you know why.
I would love to hear what you're thankful for this holiday season.
Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving and if you're getting together with family, try not to sweat the small stuff, I will definitely try not to.
Read my other five things posts.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
I’m so sorry to hear about Keith. He looked like a fun guy.
And #1 isn’t cheesy at all. You never realize how lucky you are to be healthy until you’re in pain, sick, etc.
I think it’s great you took the time to think about this! More people should do that.
Julie Deily says
Hi Erin, he was a fun guy and an amazing friend. Thank you for your kind words.
Carlas Confections says
It is so good to find the things that you are thankful for even when there are tough times on the horizon. It is so great to see your positive outlook Julie! I am so thankful for this blogging job and all the amazing people I have “met” through it! Thanks for your kindness Julie, and I really hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving 馃檪
Julie Deily says
Carla, you’re so sweet, thank you so much.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
What a great list of simple but super important things to be thankful for, i’m sad to hear about Keith. It’s never easy to see someone leave us…
Take care,
Julie Deily says
Hi Gerry, thank you so much. I hope you and your family had a nice Thanksgiving.
Linda | The Urban Mrs says
Happy Thanksgiving, Julie. I’m so sorry to hear about Keith passing away, I pray for strengths over his family. I thank you for being so wonderful – you’ve been an inspiration for me (really!!). I’m so glad you enjoy what you do and can’t wait to hear more of your success stories.
Julie Deily says
Hi Linda, thank you so much. xoxo
Laura (GotChocolate) says
Another great “five things” post, Julie. I’m so sorry to hear about your family friend, Keith. I’m so happy to hear you’re having a blast with your new job.
I’m so thankful for my health, my family and having you as my friend.
Happy Holidays, Julie! 馃榾
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Laura. You’re such a sweet friend, thanks for that.
sippitysup says
Sorry to be so cheeky. I can’t resist. Here’s my 10 Things I’m NOT Thankful for! GREG
http://www.sippitysup.com/we-gather-together-10-things-im-not-thankful
Diana says
I am Sorry for your loss. Certain events in our lives have a way of reminding us what we need and should be greatful for!
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Diana. I’m thankful for kind people like you.
Alice Choi says
What a beautiful post! I, too, am thankful for my family and health and for the little things. . roof over our heads, food on the table etc. . Also, I’m so sorry to hear about Keith passing away .. so many sad things have happened to people I know today. . praying for strength and peace for everyone.
Julie Deily says
Alice, thank you so much for your kind words. Even through loss, we still have so much to be thankful for. Hope you and your family had a nice Thanksgiving.
addie | culicurious says
Sorry about the passing of your family friend, Julie. Will keep your family and his in our thoughts and prayers.
I am very thankful for my life, husband and job too. Very close to your list too!
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Addie. It was so nice to meet you this past summer and glad we’re keeping in touch.
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
This is a beautiful post, Julie — and I think what Thanksgiving is about. Finding thankfulness even in sad, dark and scary times. .. reminding ourselves of blessings even if they are a bit obscure.
So incredibly sorry for your family’s loss.
Julie Deily says
Thank you so much, Rachel. It sure hasn’t been easy but it’s been good to spend time with family. Hope you and yours had a nice Thanksgiving.
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Julie. You’re right, sometimes we get so busy and caught up in what we don’t have that we forget to be thankful for all that we’ve been given.
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Kiersten. xoxo
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Happy Thanksgiving, Julie. So sorry for the loss of such a good friend.
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Lauren. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving with your family. I enjoy following your instagrams. 馃檪
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, Julie! And I’m sorry for your loss – thoughts are prayers are with you.
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Chung-Ah. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
Paula says
What a beautiful post Julie. My sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved Keith.
We all get so busy with our daily lives that it is so easy to forget to show and to tell those that mean the most us just why they do. This post is a gentle reminder to all of us to not take our time or our loved ones for granted.
Happy Thanksgiving.
P.S. So happy you are enjoying your job. It is true, when a door closes, God opens a window 馃槈
Julie Deily says
Paula, thank you so much for your kind thoughts and words. It is really easy to get so busy and not take certain things for granted.
Lindsay says
Happy Thanksgiving, Julie! So thankful to have you as a friend. 馃檪
Julie Deily says
Me too, Lindsay! xoxo
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas says
Oh no. I’m sorry about Keith. We all have so much to be thankful for, and this is a great reminder for all to stop and think about how blessed we are.
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Joanne. He was so special to us. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
So sorry to hear about Keith’s passing, and yes, I remember your job/laidoff post like it was yesterday and I am happy to hear you feeling optimistic and finding your stride, Julie!
Julie Deily says
Thank you so much, Averie. xoxo
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
Happy Thanksgiving, Julie. I’m so glad we’ve become friends in this space. 馃檪
Julie Deily says
Me too, Liz! You’re so sweet & awesome! Hoping we finally get to meet in person in 2013!
Kathryn says
Happy Thanksgiving Julie!
Julie Deily says
Thank you, Kathryn.