Thankful Thursday

It’s Thankful Thursday hosted by Brian of Brian’s Home. He wants us to post what we’re thankful for.

I think it’s a good thing to do each week. Focus on the positive things in our lives.

Make sure you link up to the Blog Hop at Brian’s Home and get the code to put on your blog. Then visit all the participants.

I’m thankful that recently I’ve been thinking about past Christmas years when my son was little. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we found lots of things to do together that were fun. We strung popcorn and made paper chains to decorate the tree. I can remember him being so proud that he helped decorate the tree.

I’m thankful that my son loved to help make Christmas cookies and other Christmas treats. We had a great time doing this.

We would visit Christmas Tree Lane (often more than once) and enjoy seeing all the beautiful Christmas decorations. We’d then come home and make hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie. It was just the two of us for many years. I’m thankful for these wonderful memories.

What are you thankful for today?


1. Brian’s Home
2. Messymimi
3. Animal Shelter Life
4. Purrseidon
5. Grimoirely Adventures
6. Celestial Kitties
7. Zoolatry
8. Dash Kitten
9. My GBGV Life
10. Little Binky
11. My Minds Eye
12. FriendsFurEver
13. A Shutterbug
14. Coletta’s Kitchen
15. 15andMeowing
16. Comedy Plus
17. Milo Moments
18. LouLou
19. Catscue
20. Eastside Cats
21. Create with Joy
22. Indulged Furries
23. XmasDolly
24. The LLB Gang
25. Kitties Blue
26. Comfort Sprial
27. O Dani Girl
28. Layla’s Woof
29. A Green Ridge

What is a blog hop?
Get the code here…

73 thoughts on “Thankful Thursday

  1. Memories of Eric and Flynn – I started this blog to show my holiday photos but haven't added to it for so long, but you can see my other holiday photos at https://allatseawithme.blogspot.com My main blog is my cat blog at https://twodevoncats.blogspot.com
    Memories of Eric and Flynn says:

    Those are nice memories to be thankful for. Christmases in the past seemed so different from the money orientated ones of today. I remember waking up in the morning and being excited to find a stocking on my bed. It usually contained an orange, chocolate coins and various other small stocking fillers. Kids today would be very disappointed, but we loved it.

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      He knew it too. He looked forward to our holidays every single year. Such a blessing. 🙂

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      We had such fun. We shopped for our meals and baked cookies and other goodies. Such fun. 🙂

  2. Cathy Kennedy says:

    Sandee,

    What sweet memories! I find myself thinking often of Christmases past with our three once wee ones. Those were precious times. I so can relate to not having a lot of money but we always managed to make the little things look and feel grand. 🙂

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      Yes and they were far better holidays then some in later years. Big hug. 🙂

  3. Nancy Chan says:

    Beautiful memories of how you spent your time with your son. I am also thankful for the time we spent together with our sons when they were growing up with us. Now that they are both living away from home, busy with their work, we don’t get to see them as much as we wish to.

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      It’s the way of things. We raise them and they they go off and make their own lives. As it should be. 🙂

  4. My GBGV Life – Minnesota, USA – I am a GBGV, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeén - enjoying my life and sharing my experiences.
    My GBGV Life says:

    Those times are so special and ones you will never forget. You are lucky to have him! Mom remembers so many fun things from the holidays as a kid with her parents, grandparents, and great aunt. They are always special.

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      You’re right about that. A special memory for me. Yes they are always special. 🙂

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      Yes indeed, my friend. Family is a precious gift. You have a wonderful day too. 🙂

  5. Eugi – Atlanta Ga – A Pushcart Prize nominee in 2025, my poetry appears in twelve anthologies, and my work is published across six platforms, inclusive of WordPress, PoetrySoup, Spillwords, BlueSky, Mastodon, and Tumblr. I am among those who received Socialite of the Year (Honorary Award) for the Year 2025 by Spillwords Press. I’m thrilled in be in the company of such a talented group of kindred souls. Now retired, I enjoyed a dedicated career in the insurance industry for over 40 years being rewarded professionally and personally.
    Eugi says:

    What beautiful memories, Sandee. The best Christmas gifts are being able to spend time with family. Happy Thursday. ❤️

  6. Kathe W. – Married to my best pal, mother of three grown children, retired and wouldn't be able to fit work in now-too busy having fun and learning new things every day.
    Kathe W. says:

    Lovely memories- making memories can be just simple things as you described- hugs and love

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      Yes indeed. We didn’t have money for the big things, but the little things were far better. Hugs and love back. 🙂

  7. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
    Tails Around the Ranch says:

    Those simply celebrations are often the most enjoyed and appreciated, aren’t they?

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      They sure were for me and for my son as well. He’s mentioned it many times. 🙂

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      I was a single mom so I worked hard to make sure he knew he was loved. Hugs. 🙂

  8. The Canadian Cats – Prince George, BC, Canada – I have been married for like AGES and AGES according to Shoko. A whole 47 years. Shoko is my only young'un. Bill and I have lived in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada for 34 years. Gardening is my passion and also Shoko's passion. Bill's passion is being included as a member of Shoko's family.
    The Canadian Cats says:

    Doing things together is part of Christmas. It doesn’t realy matter what you do but the being together means everything.

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      So simple and so memorable. Thank you for hosting the Thankful Thursday Bog Hop. 🙂

  9. Eastside Cats Blog – Metro Detroit, Michigan USA – Follow my three cat families and other cat antics at https://eastsidecats.blogspot.com/
    Eastside Cats says:

    The holidays bring us lovely memories, and we always hope to create new ones!

  10. Marie aka Dolly! – USA – Trying to be a really good blogger. I love having friends all over the world. It's so cool & very interesting. I love hugs... they're good for the soul & the heart! So HUGS to all & they'll stay all over my blog for sure. As for as long as you want them!! You need a hug??? COME ON DOWN!!! Stay safe, healthy & happy. God bless you all! Be safe & be healthy & spending more time with loved ones could be trying, so watch your temper & this too I promise you in accordance to my heart you will be rewarded for it! If something bugs you just say you need time out & excuse yourself. Things will be fine after that. I promise. Hugs!..... I promise things will be fine now! Let us pray..... LORD! CAN YOU HEAR ME LORD? I'm sending up a small request. In the name of JESUS..... GOD bless you all from the bottom of my heart!!!! Being disabled wasn't any fun in the beginning, but now that I'm getting all my friends back from all over the world too & new ones too, I wear a smile on my face & I am content & happy once again! God bless you all! Amen... Thanks for the smile! Thanks for hubby's smile too! Now that I have friends I tell him your names and then he looks at me funny & says, "Oh yeah, sure! Riiiiiiiiiight!!!! So what I'm happy with? All of you! I'm just trying to figure out my blog again and Wordpress hates me! It keeps stealing my blog & putting me where it wants me to go & I don't wanna go there~ :( This is my real link: https://newxmasdolly.wordpress.com/?p=140&preview_id=140&preview_nonce=81ba38f99f&preview=true
    XmasDolly aka Marie says:

    I liked your Post today and my icon came up like this ohhhhhhh crap I can’t even copy it for you… look at my comment you’ll see it there. How do I change that honey and oh my gosh stop making me cry. I read this story of yours about you and yours son doing Christmas when he was little. Oh my gosh I guess we all have stories to tell but yours and mine are just about the same. One Christmas though my eldest son was 12 and it was just me & the four kids and we struggled big time. If it wasn’t for my wonderful dear mother we wouldn’t have never of made it, but one Christmas my son went and walked to this Dunkin Donuts in the cold and snow and asked the owner there if there was anything there he could do, take out the garbage, sweep whatever and he’d work for donuts for his sisters and brother and mom of course as a Christmas present and the man actually gave him a job working for cash, but he made him call first in case there was nothing, but every day the man had something. What a good man. My son was so proud of himself that he brought home donuts mostly every day, but he also made some money. He bought everyone presents that year and he also tried to give me money. I saved every penny he gave me and when he graduated high-school I gave it all back to him. That was the year my son “Tony” entered the marines. So proud of my little guy and to think I use to call him “Cuddles” when he was a baby! Just swapping baby stories with you. I cannot believe we’ve lived similar lives. Luv U my sista… All the way around your heart! HUGS

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      I sent you an email on that. You can also go into your wordpress blog and redirect to the blogspot blog. Love you. 🙂

      • Marie aka Dolly! – USA – Trying to be a really good blogger. I love having friends all over the world. It's so cool & very interesting. I love hugs... they're good for the soul & the heart! So HUGS to all & they'll stay all over my blog for sure. As for as long as you want them!! You need a hug??? COME ON DOWN!!! Stay safe, healthy & happy. God bless you all! Be safe & be healthy & spending more time with loved ones could be trying, so watch your temper & this too I promise you in accordance to my heart you will be rewarded for it! If something bugs you just say you need time out & excuse yourself. Things will be fine after that. I promise. Hugs!..... I promise things will be fine now! Let us pray..... LORD! CAN YOU HEAR ME LORD? I'm sending up a small request. In the name of JESUS..... GOD bless you all from the bottom of my heart!!!! Being disabled wasn't any fun in the beginning, but now that I'm getting all my friends back from all over the world too & new ones too, I wear a smile on my face & I am content & happy once again! God bless you all! Amen... Thanks for the smile! Thanks for hubby's smile too! Now that I have friends I tell him your names and then he looks at me funny & says, "Oh yeah, sure! Riiiiiiiiiight!!!! So what I'm happy with? All of you! I'm just trying to figure out my blog again and Wordpress hates me! It keeps stealing my blog & putting me where it wants me to go & I don't wanna go there~ :( This is my real link: https://newxmasdolly.wordpress.com/?p=140&preview_id=140&preview_nonce=81ba38f99f&preview=true
        XmasDolly aka Marie says:

        THANK YOU SO MUCH & I’LL CHECK OUT THAT EMAIL… Woo Hoo you’ll trust me to do it? TANKS MY SISTA… I’LL TRY!!!!!!!! WOO HOO LOVE YOU…. AND THANKS FOR STOPPING BY MY NEW LINK I’M FOLLOWING – I LOVE CHRISTMAS… FINGERS CROSSED I CAN FIND MY WINDOW LIGHTS 🙁 THEY’RE MISSING IN ACTION EVERY YEAR… SO IT’S REALLY NOTHING NEW… BUMMER, BUT FIRST MY WALK with Dave and Charlie… trying to get some excercise in before the real cold begins it’s kind of a nice day. Love you.

        • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
          Sandee says:

          I walk in the house in the winter. It works for me. I don’t like the cold. Love you, Sweetie. 🙂

  11. Dakota/Caren/Cody – Michigan – Freelance writer, pet blogging professional, product influencer, half of the writing team behind Dakota's Den and "Cat Chat With Cody & Caren" Most importantly, I am a "pet mom" to Dakota, (Shetland Sheepdog) and Cody (my silver gray tabby!)
    Caren says:

    I’m thankful for Canine College, they keep my crazy Sheltie occupied one day a week! (sometimes more if I can swing it!)

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      That’s a wonderful thankful. Have a great day. Scritches to the boys. 🙂

  12. Bette A. Stevens – Central Maine, USA – "I'm a writer inspired by nature and human nature!" ~ Bette A. Stevens Bette A. Stevens is a retired teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of five. Stevens lives in Central Maine with her husband on their 37-acre farmstead where she enjoys writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. She advocates for children and childhood literacy and for monarch butterflies, an endangered species. Stevens’s children’s activity book, THE TANGRAM ZOO and WORD PUZZLES TOO! was first published in 1997 by Windswept House Publishing, Mt. Desert, ME; a second edition was self-published by the author in 2012. AMAZING MATILDA , Stevens's second children's book, self-published in 2012, won a 2013 Purple Dragonfly Book Award (Honorable Mention for Excellence in Children's Literature - Ages 6 and older category) and placed #9 on The 2013 Gittle List TOP 10for Self-published Children’s Picture Books. Stevens has written articles for ECHOES, The Northern Maine Journal of Rural Culture based in Caribou, Maine. In 2013, the author published her first book for the YA/Adult audience: PURE TRASH, a short story of a boy growing up in rural New England in a family whose poverty and alcoholism mark him as a target for bullying by young and old alike. This short story is a prequel to Stevens's debut novel, DOG BONE SOUP, A Boomer’s Journey released in January of 2015.
    Bette A. Stevens says:

    Wonderful Christmas memories, Sandee! 💞 They remind me of the Christmases when my girls were young… Making ornaments together and baking goodies–all gifts for family and friends and one from each of us for our tree too! 🎄 Wonderfull memories! Wishing you and your family the happiest of hoidays! xoxoxo

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      It was a wonderful time wasn’t it? Wonderful memories. Wishing you and your family the happiest of holidays too. 🙂

  13. Marie aka Dolly! – USA – Trying to be a really good blogger. I love having friends all over the world. It's so cool & very interesting. I love hugs... they're good for the soul & the heart! So HUGS to all & they'll stay all over my blog for sure. As for as long as you want them!! You need a hug??? COME ON DOWN!!! Stay safe, healthy & happy. God bless you all! Be safe & be healthy & spending more time with loved ones could be trying, so watch your temper & this too I promise you in accordance to my heart you will be rewarded for it! If something bugs you just say you need time out & excuse yourself. Things will be fine after that. I promise. Hugs!..... I promise things will be fine now! Let us pray..... LORD! CAN YOU HEAR ME LORD? I'm sending up a small request. In the name of JESUS..... GOD bless you all from the bottom of my heart!!!! Being disabled wasn't any fun in the beginning, but now that I'm getting all my friends back from all over the world too & new ones too, I wear a smile on my face & I am content & happy once again! God bless you all! Amen... Thanks for the smile! Thanks for hubby's smile too! Now that I have friends I tell him your names and then he looks at me funny & says, "Oh yeah, sure! Riiiiiiiiiight!!!! So what I'm happy with? All of you! I'm just trying to figure out my blog again and Wordpress hates me! It keeps stealing my blog & putting me where it wants me to go & I don't wanna go there~ :( This is my real link: https://newxmasdolly.wordpress.com/?p=140&preview_id=140&preview_nonce=81ba38f99f&preview=true
    XmasDolly aka Marie says:

    This icon next to my name I would like to change I have a pic & everything already… can you help??? Luv U, Meeeeeeeeeee Is your Mom still here or is she in heaven with mine? I pray she is still here… mine is, but in my heart only. Also, I posted today under Christmas Music Marathon Day 7 2021, I found out from Cathy that our friend Driller. https://newxmasdolly.blogspot.com/2021/12/2021-christmas-music-marathon-day-7.html

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      Send me the picture and I will change it for you. Can you get into your wordpress blog? Love you. 🙂

      • Marie aka Dolly! – USA – Trying to be a really good blogger. I love having friends all over the world. It's so cool & very interesting. I love hugs... they're good for the soul & the heart! So HUGS to all & they'll stay all over my blog for sure. As for as long as you want them!! You need a hug??? COME ON DOWN!!! Stay safe, healthy & happy. God bless you all! Be safe & be healthy & spending more time with loved ones could be trying, so watch your temper & this too I promise you in accordance to my heart you will be rewarded for it! If something bugs you just say you need time out & excuse yourself. Things will be fine after that. I promise. Hugs!..... I promise things will be fine now! Let us pray..... LORD! CAN YOU HEAR ME LORD? I'm sending up a small request. In the name of JESUS..... GOD bless you all from the bottom of my heart!!!! Being disabled wasn't any fun in the beginning, but now that I'm getting all my friends back from all over the world too & new ones too, I wear a smile on my face & I am content & happy once again! God bless you all! Amen... Thanks for the smile! Thanks for hubby's smile too! Now that I have friends I tell him your names and then he looks at me funny & says, "Oh yeah, sure! Riiiiiiiiiight!!!! So what I'm happy with? All of you! I'm just trying to figure out my blog again and Wordpress hates me! It keeps stealing my blog & putting me where it wants me to go & I don't wanna go there~ :( This is my real link: https://newxmasdolly.wordpress.com/?p=140&preview_id=140&preview_nonce=81ba38f99f&preview=true
        XmasDolly aka Marie says:

        oKIE DOKIE – Yes… I just haven’t had time. I was in the hospital yesterday getting my shot and I should be in bed now, but I got bored so here I am… Love you

      • Marie aka Dolly! – USA – Trying to be a really good blogger. I love having friends all over the world. It's so cool & very interesting. I love hugs... they're good for the soul & the heart! So HUGS to all & they'll stay all over my blog for sure. As for as long as you want them!! You need a hug??? COME ON DOWN!!! Stay safe, healthy & happy. God bless you all! Be safe & be healthy & spending more time with loved ones could be trying, so watch your temper & this too I promise you in accordance to my heart you will be rewarded for it! If something bugs you just say you need time out & excuse yourself. Things will be fine after that. I promise. Hugs!..... I promise things will be fine now! Let us pray..... LORD! CAN YOU HEAR ME LORD? I'm sending up a small request. In the name of JESUS..... GOD bless you all from the bottom of my heart!!!! Being disabled wasn't any fun in the beginning, but now that I'm getting all my friends back from all over the world too & new ones too, I wear a smile on my face & I am content & happy once again! God bless you all! Amen... Thanks for the smile! Thanks for hubby's smile too! Now that I have friends I tell him your names and then he looks at me funny & says, "Oh yeah, sure! Riiiiiiiiiight!!!! So what I'm happy with? All of you! I'm just trying to figure out my blog again and Wordpress hates me! It keeps stealing my blog & putting me where it wants me to go & I don't wanna go there~ :( This is my real link: https://newxmasdolly.wordpress.com/?p=140&preview_id=140&preview_nonce=81ba38f99f&preview=true
        XmasDolly aka Marie says:

        So you want me to send you a picture? I’ve been laying down most of the day. I have a HUGE headache. Probably from yesterday. I want Dave to take me to Menards for some lights for the tree & just get out of the house. Going to send you a picture as you said and if you want me to try to do it I will let me know, but for now sending it to you. Love you my Sista… it’s like oh my goodness I HAVE A SISTA EVERYONE! I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH I can’t beging to tell you! You are the best Sista in the whole wide world and I don’t care who knows it! HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

        • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
          Sandee says:

          Yes send me the picture you want on your blogger account. Love you, Marie. 🙂

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      It’s nice here too. We washed the car and then dried it in the parking lot. Beautiful day. 🙂

  14. messymimi's meanderings – In south Louisiana\'s beautiful swamps.
    messymimi's meanderings says:

    Those are some of the best of times, something no one can ever take away, the beautiful memories.

    Big hugs to you, i hope you and Mr. Zane have a fabulous time this month making new Christmas memories, too.

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      Yes they are and they will always be near and dear to my heart. Hugs to you too. You and Mr. Sweetie have a fabulous Christmas season too. 🙂

  15. A ShutterBug Explores says:

    Oh those are such lovely memories ~ loving ~ filled with love ~ Xo

    Lots of love and hugs to you from me and Angel ~ Xo’s

    Happy Days to you,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ps. My only son, Sean’s Dad died when Sean was 2 1/2 and I didn’t remarry until Sean was 9 ~ so remember being a single parent ~ fond memories ~ I am alone again and this year seems difficult more than ever with the holidays ~ guess it is because my health and the country’s in not that great ~sigh ~ Be safe, Be well

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      I love you, Carol and you’re always in my prayers. Wish I were near to visit and be there for you. Love and hugs to you and Angel. 🙂

  16. Marv, Kozmo, Jo Jo & Nutmeg – Midway, BC – This is our Wordpress login. We also create the badges for the Cat Blogosphere. The Cat Blogosphere is INCLUSIVE! Although it is a US based, we accept all pets from around the world! (Including Canadians and Dogs). Each month you can find badges for special events at the Cat Blogosphere. If you need a smaller size, each Month we upload smaller versions of the badges to our blog (cats-astrophic-events . blogspot . com extra spaces around the .) BTW, we ARE CANADIAN! Elbows Up!
    Marv, Jo Jo, Kozmo, Cinnamon and Barb says:

    Sandee! Terrific Thankfuls! I too am thankful for my son. I never expected that he would be living with me as as adult though! I am so glad that he is here and loves living here in the middle of nowhere. Christmas will be fun this year!

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      I’m glad your son is with you and you’re going to have the best Christmas ever. Scritches all around, a smooch to Marv and a big hug to you. 🙂

  17. kittiesblue – Roanoke, VA – Tandem bike rider with the best husband ever (married 47 years), gardener, blogger and kitty addict and caregiver. My license plate is PRRFCT and I have a tattoo of my blog logo on my calf.
    kittiesblue says:

    Those are some great memories, Sandee. I remember Christmas was always my favorite time of year, as my grandpa’s birthday fell on Christmas Eve. Hugs and love, Janet and purrs from Coop and Sawyer.

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      It wasn’t a big deal when I was growing up. My parents weren’t into Christmas. I made up for it in my later years. Hugs and love to all, Janet. :_

  18. Xena, Lucy and Chia – Soddy Daisy, TN USA
    Xena and Lucy says:

    I also spent a lot of years with just my younger, teenage son. This year he gave me an early gift: my husband and I decided to not go to the big trouble of carrying in our big 9 ft. tree and putting it up and decorating it. My son was here and did that for us, and my older son was also here and helped me decorate it. We almost lost my older son in October, so Thanksgiving here was extra special!

    • Sandee – California – Home of Awww Mondays, Happy Tuesday, and Wordless Wednesday.
      Sandee says:

      Extra special indeed. This comment made me smile. I love a happy ending. 🙂

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