I am the Editorial Assistant for The Fort Scott Tribune, where I have been employed since March of 2008. I live in the country near Mapleton, Kan., with my husband and our two children. I graduated from Uniontown High School, Uniontown, Kan., but before attending Uniontown, I moved around several times during my childhood. I love to take photos, write, read and spend time with my family. I am also a member of our local fire department and enjoy attending church with my family and appreciate everything a small town has to offer. I look forward to watching my children grow and spending time with my husband and family while living in the country.

Taking a moment to be thankful..

Posted Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at 7:12 PM

Today, as I was making my plans for Thanksgiving, I began to think about my past Thanksgivings and what I had to be thankful for. I must admit, with the economy and financial woes and my busy schedule, I haven't taken the time to think about all the wonderful gifts I have in my life. I am so blessed and too often I let a day go by without showing thanks for all I have. Though my life is not perfect or simple in many ways, it is my life and I have so many wonderful people and things to be thankful for. I often get caught up in my every day routine and forget to be thankful for everything that I hold dear in my life.

I just wanted to share a list of the things I am thankful for this year.

* My family including my husband and my two beautiful, healthy children. They bring such joy to my life and lots of laughter! If I didn't have them, my life would truly be empty.

* My parents, who have always been loving and supporting, no matter what I do and the big part they play in my children's lives. I'm also blessed that I can live so close to them and have such an amazing relationship with them both. They support me, believe in me and have always been there for me.

* My sister and her children, who I love unconditionally.

* We have a home, food, clothing... all the necessities that are often taken for granted.

* Everyone else in my big family: countless aunts, uncles, cousins, my grandmother, in-laws etc., who love me and who have helped my family and I countless times.

* My job: I work with a group of wonderful people, I like my work and it allows me to support my children.

* The Good USA: where I can wear what I want, say what I want and believe in God and attend church freely. So often our basic rights are taken for granted, but with out them our lives would be nothing like they are. If it weren't for our government (which I am not always so happy with -- which I can say without fear) and the precious men and women who are so courageously defending this county, I would have nothing.

On Thanksgiving Day, while I eat and spend time with my family, so many men and women will be away from home and away from their loved ones, protecting us and keeping us safe as we celebrate the holiday.

* & countless other things I haven't already mentioned.

As we draw near another Thanksgiving Day, I hope everyone takes a moment to remember the true purpose of the holiday (besides eating all the wonderful, delicious food!) and be thankful for whatever you hold dear.

P.S. to my cousin Travis, fighting bravely overseas, wherever he may be: I am so proud of you, thank you for defending this amazing country.

~ Happy early Thanksgiving to everyone ~