My last gratitude post before Thanksgiving and I am most thankful for my wonderful kids and husband! What a blessing they are in my life. They give me purpose, love, support and humility. They let me know God is real, because each one is a true blessing to me.

So Happy Thanksgiving all and may God bless you abundantly!

Reconciliation! That's what I am grateful for today. Not just in the Sacrament of Confession, but reconciliation between friends and family members who have been hurt and separated from each other by that hurt.

Holding a grudge has been likened to drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. Forgiveness and reconciliation can heal broken hearts in a broken world.

Traditions, especially holiday traditions are very important to me. Today, I was blessed to have one return...Eggnog Milkshakes! I just love 'em. Last year, for whatever reason, McDonalds in our area decided to forgo the yummy, cold, holiday treat.

Today, they were back. In all their delicious, rich frostiness. It made me grateful for something that felt so sweet and familiar. Thanks, Mickey Ds!

It is the Feast of Christ the King. I am thankful that no matter who holds political office, Jesus is my King and He rules all!

I have a friend that always reminds her kids, "You don't have to go to Mass, you get to go to Mass!" I love this. Today I am grateful that I get to go to Mass as frequently as I desire. Growing up, my parents used to remind me that we were blessed to live in a country where we could worship freely. They would explain, "There are places in the world where church bells don't ring." I am very grateful to live in a country where religious liberty still exists. Let us never take this for granted.

Joy! Our priest challenged us today to be filled with joy in the face of all the scary things happening in the world. Jesus is the cause of our joy. He is our hope and we should rest in the promise He gave us to live with Him forever in heaven. I'm grateful for God's promise and the joy that loving Him brings!!

Today is my nephew's birthday. I was pondering how much my nieces and nephews mean to me. I'm truly grateful for them.

Today is the Feast of the dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul. It is also the Feast of St. Rose. My sweet mom is named after St. Peter (Petronilla) and her middle name (family nickname) is Rose! She had been my greatest inspiration and example. I am so very grateful for her. I am blessed to attend daily Mass with her and I love her to distraction! Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of my mom!

I am so grateful for those people who work with special needs children. This includes wonderful teachers (including my coworker, Mrs. Diehl)! My own special needs daughter has had teachers who have helped her understand and navigate a world that was difficult to understand. There are not words to express my gratitude.

These professionals also include my daughters who run a photography business that specializes in photographing special needs children.      Check out their gallery at www.puzzlepiecesphotography.weebly.com and read their story in their "About" section.

I am so grateful for my RCIA class and my former student who bravely shared his testimony tonight. Wow!!