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Thankful, Grateful and Joyous

Filed Under: Personal Ramblings

Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving! I hope you were able to sit and celebrate the season with your families yesterday, away from the traditional and normal hustle and bustle of our every day lives.

Thanksgiving

My folks arrived mid-morning, my brother Erik, sister-in-law Cheriss and new baby Alise arrived shortly thereafter and then the chaos started in earnest. We ended up having so many things in the oven that it took double the time to cook everything! It was such a joyful occasion to have baby Alise join our Faiola family clan. We have many things to be thankful for. This year, I’m especially thankful for:

1. My family – It takes a village to raise a family and it takes a supportive family to run a small business. My husband and parents are especially flexible with my ever changing work schedule.

2. Health – I fully recognize that one bad health event can change the course trajectory of a family or a life and feel blessed that our family is in vibrant health.

3. Air Travel – I have been on more business trips than I choose to remember this year – and none of it would have been possible in the short amount of time I do my surgical in-and-out meetings without the amazing convenience of giant tubes that can fly through the sky.

4. Social Media – As others bemoan the lack of connection that social media brings, I think it’s expanded and broadened my relationships, both with friends and customers. I love following Soap Queen’ers on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter and my old high school friends? It’s great to know their updates more than once every 10 years at reunion time.

5. Clean(er) Eating – This year, I really embraced Whole30 and Clean & Clear (they did a Holiday Helper you can find here) and (knock on wood), think I may have kicked the sugar habit. Having consistent energy has been a huge help when trying to manage two teeeeensy children and a growing business.

Speaking of teensy weensy children, it’s hard to believe it was only three years ago that Jamisen was celebrating his first Thanksgiving. It’s amazing how much our family has grown with the addition of Lily and Alise. More kiddos means more love and fun!

Jamisen’s first Thanksgiving!

I’d love to know what you’re thankful for! Inspire me, inspire yourself (!!!) and tell me below. As an added bonus, I’ll choose 2 commenters to receive a free month of Handmade Beauty Box!  Studies show that being grateful DOES increase your happiness so let me know what you are most thankful for this holiday season.

 

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142 Comments

  1. I am thankful that the wee little life growing inside me is STILL inside at 31 weeks and counting…its unsure how long he will be safe and sound in there, but I am grateful for every day that he is. And I look forward to the joyous day when he will get to meet his family awaiting his arrival!

  2. Dear Anne-Marie!
    I love to see you so blessed because you have blessed so many! I am one of those & have been blessed with so many friends & family too, especially my wonderful husband! He knows what an inspiration you have been to me & knows you are speaking at the Central Soapers Conference & surprised me with tickets to go so I could meet you & be inspired of fulfilling my dream of creating a soap business where ALL profits will benefit another love of my life…Animals! What a blessed Thanksgiving! Thank you for you & all that you do to help people like me fulfill a passionate dream! Looking so forward to meeting you! Thank you! Sincerely, Debbie Miller

  3. I am so thankful for so many reason, the first thing i am thankful for is having god in my life, the second for the past year and half i have been fighting with a demon call breast cancer. Between being on chemo and in and out of the hospital i thought i will never get better with the help of god, doctors and family. I got through it. Family is everything i am so bless.

    • Hi Valerie!

      You are in our thoughts. Thank you so much for sharing!

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  4. I have so many things to be thankful for. I am most thankful for my family, and the time that I have been able to spend with them over the past few years. I am thankful that even though our financial situation has change drastically over the past few years, we still have enough. I am grateful for the fact that I am still here, despite the fact that I have been fighting cancer since April 2011. I am thankful for so much, that I don’t think I can list it all here.

  5. There are so many things I am thankful for this year and every year. I am thankful to be a homeschooling mother where I can learn from my children as they learn from me each day. I am thankful that we live in a rural area where we can raise and hunt our own food. I am thankful that I am able to grow good healthy food to share with others. I am thankful that while living far from my own family I have found friends who have made us a part of their extended family.

  6. Greetings and thank you all for posting what you are thankful for this season. I enjoyed the read.
    I am most thankful for the life of my oldest son who was diagnosed with a rare artery collapsing disease at the age of 36.He is full of stents and has survived a stroke and triple heart bypass among many other life saving procedures . Today December 1st,he is at the hospital again but this time he is awaiting the birth of his first grand child and he has made it to age 44 .! Hallelujah he has lived to see this wonderful, joyous occasion!! I am also so very Thankful that I still have both of my wonderful parents , my husband and 4 other children and 11 grandchildren. Great grandchild number 1 is on her way today 🙂 !

    • Hi Susan!

      That is so amazing, I’m glad your son is OK! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  7. I’m very thankful for my husband. I truly don’t know where I would be without him. I’m also thankful that we both have jobs and the house. And that my husband supports my crazy animal projects.

  8. there,s so many things to be greatfull for I don’t know where to begin. First off my wife and kids are healthy and doing well. I’m greatfull to be spending thanks giving with my sister in New Mexico this year. In the last thirty years this is probally the first one. My brother in law spent 27 years on the front line defending this country with special ops going to places know one else was willing to go. I’m especially greatfull for face time since we were able to talk to my nephew who is presently flying combat operations to protect our freedom like his father did. I’m also greatfull for all the other service men I don’t know who are not able to be with there families this holiday season so that I can spend time with mine. I’m also greatfull for having a great job working with awesome people everyday. I only hope that I can make a difference in there lives. I’m greatfull for bramble berry and soap queen tv ( ann Marie) for teaching me how to make soap. I am greatfull that my shoulder surgery went well so I can get back on my mountain bike soon. I greatfull for 2 great 2 week vactions this year. I got to drive from Southern California all the way to Alaska with my daughter I’m greatfull for the two weeks spent traveling around the north east with my awesome wife checking out the fall colors. There’s just not enough space to express the attitude of gratitude I have everyday when I get out of bed.

    • Hi Ray!

      Thank you so much for sharing Ray! Also, I agree, I am so thankful for our service men and women. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  9. I raised my children as a single Mom and now they have all flown the coop and I couldn’t be prouder. One of my identical twin boys is married and I burst with pride when I observe him interact with his wife, who even thanked me for raising him. His brother took another path and like me, he joined the Air Force and recently tested and ranked up. My daughter went to college and has been working at a tough job in a private residential care treatment. Her and her husband are expecting a daughter for Christmas, so I am very grateful for such a wonderful Christmas gift. Though it was difficult and times were tough, I am grateful that I was able to send three wonderful people out into the world. I continue to be grateful for good health, good friends, and the bounties of this great Nation that I live in. Blessings to all!

  10. I am thankful that I managed through communication with my parents medical insurance company to keep my parents at home instead of placing them in a nursing home. my parents are in their nineties and the medical insurance company was threatening to take away twenty hours total of their combined visiting homecare help. I am so grateful to the Lord that they will stay home where they belong and where they are happy with me and the help they get.

    • Hi Ana!

      That’s awesome that you’re able to spend time with your parents. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  11. I’m thankful for life, health and strength. I recently found out that a friend of mine who I hadn’t seen in more than twenty years had a third diagnosis of cancer after twice beating the other diagnoses, and the doctors have given her only a few months to live. I’m notoriously busy, constantly on the go, but I had to slow down to find the time to visit her, and I was so blessed with her positive attitude despite the poor prognosis and extreme pain. I’m grateful the time that I was able to spend with her and lift her up as much as she lifted me up.

    • Hi Jackie!

      That’s great you were able to spend time with her! She sounds very inspirational. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  12. I am thankful for my wonderful husband, who is an amazing dad! I am also thankful for my beautiful kids and my friends who are like family to me. My home, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything. 🙂

    • Hi Rachel!

      I’m with you, I’m so thankful for my family and friends!

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  13. I spent Thanksgiving in Zion National Park, camping and hiking. I’m thankful for wide open spaces, the spectacular canyons and a comfy bed at night!

  14. I am so grateful for the privilege we have to celebrate our faith and family!!! We have so much more than we really need and I want to be more willing to share with those who simply don’t have enough! My faith is very important to me; its a big part of how and why the Thanksgiving Day celebration became a part of US culture! Let’s now lose it now!

  15. I am greatful for my children who constantly keep me on my toes. No matter how bad my day may get they can always make it better just by smiling and telling me about how their day was. I am greatful to have the most wonderful husband in the entire world. He puts up with me no matter what my mood may be. He supports every insane idea of new hobby I choose to try out. I am forever thankful for my parents who have helped me move mountains to make things happen. Who have always been there to help me back up on my feet when I fall down and who are always there to help me get what ever needs doing done. They are always there to help me when I volunteer to help with my kids’ plays, or cheer or karate or whatver they are into at the moment. If something needs doing I can always count on my family to make sure it gets done. I am thankful to have had them all by my side through years of pain, surgeries and finally the implants that have made it almost go away. I couldn’t have asked for a better family. I know I don’t tell them enough but I know that my family is the only thing on this earth that I couldn’t live with out. Thankfully for now I don’t have to hand for that I am most greaful.

  16. Well, I’m thankful for my health, and for the fact that I have the time to do my hobbies, and for having a stable family where we support each other. It’s pretty great.

  17. I am thankful to wake up this morning and enjoy another day my Lord has create for my family and I to see. Although it doesn’t always show, as I reflect, I am grateful for my obstacles, and those trying moments of disappointment. They help me fight for the goals and desires of my (not so) little ones, and in turn, are examples for them to follow. I am thankful for my endless energy and persistence to be creative and productive when the moment calls for a pity-party. I am also thankful for the days filled with success and accomplishment, and to share those moments with the best people this Earth has to offer, my friends and family that ALWAYS put a smile on my face, no matter the occasion! Life is beautiful!

  18. I’m very thankful for our brand new grand baby boy! Only 6 days old today! Our first. After a tramatic birth, and consequent meningitis diagnosis, he’s doing well. He’s still in NICU but doing well. Such a sweet baby boy! And yesterday, My daughter in law was finally released from the hospital, and now pain free!

    I’m thankful my daughter is doing well in her new courses at school.

    And last but not least I’m very thankful for a wonderful husband of 30 years! Who knew!

    • Hi Valerie!

      Congratulations on your grandson, and I’m glad he and your daughter in law are doing OK! 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  19. I’m thankful for the priceless heritage that my grandmother left behind.. not only was she a wonderful cook she was very talented and creative. She passed on her talents to my mom… and my mom to me…and me to my own daughter who is now 26. Passing down such simple but wonderful things from generation to generation really is a priceless treasure.

  20. I am thankful…….. to my Mom for teaching us kids that if we can learn how to learn, then we can learn anything we want; winter, because of Christmas break and celebrating Advent with my family, and spring, because I love seeing new things coming alive and starting to grow; insulin pumps, because mine makes my life with Type 1 Diabetes a whole lot easier; soundtracks and film scores, some of my favorite music because they can move me so strongly; getting to witness an amazing, incredibly complex thing called a chemical reaction every time I make soap, finding a garden spider with it’s beautiful web in the yard, and listening to music on the radio; iceskating and horseback riding; Chinese food, especially if I get to eat it with chopsticks, and also fried okra; our local feed mill because I love to walk in the door and take a deep breath and smell all the feed mill smells, and also hold the baby chicks they sell in the spring; BrambleBerry, because when I first starting soaping, I asked them so many soap questions and they answered every one of them, even if they had nothing to do with BB’s own products; the Bible – many countries do not have the freedom to read one, and Charles Dickens’ books, not because I have read them, but because my sister did and then would recant the whole story to me, a chapter or so at a time each night, and it reminds me of fun times with my sister; the magazine writing opportunities that one author I know has given me; writing and photography; the good things that came out of my grandmother’s death several years ago – one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through, but God worked (and is still working) in so many amazing ways through it; National Parks (especially Yellowstone!), because I think it is awesome to keep areas of this country with all their animal life and natural landmarks wild and untouched so we can enjoy them in all their beauty; the day my Savior found me; all the horse coat colors – chestnut, grullo, tobiano, palomino, buckskin, roan, leopard, spotted blanket, bay, and all the rest – I love animal color genetics; my indecisiveness, which can be a bad thing, but I can appreciate it sometimes because it keeps me from making bad decisions that I regret later; going to Universal Studios in Orlando and riding the Hulk coaster!!!; the Livestock Conservancy, because the work they are doing to save rare breeds in awesome, and also all companies that sell fair trade products; insulin, pencils, and dihydrogen monoxide, because I use those every day; and from this year, getting to write my first guest blog post and making CP soap for the first time.

  21. Thirteen years ago a skiff of snow over ice sent my car end over end and side to side multiple times. I broke my neck at C2,C5 and C6. After surgery and therapy I am so grateful to be alive and walking! (I’ve since learned that only 5% of people who break C2 live, and of that group only 5% are fortunate to continue to walk.) I struggle daily with pain and numbness but it seems inconsequential to the losses that I may have endured! I am so blessed to be able to spend time with family, and explore new pursuits like soaping! There is so much to enjoy and be thankful for in our world!

  22. I’m grateful for so many people and things in my life, but one event of this past year stands out. At the time, I perceived it as a negative—a burden—but has turned out to be the best thing ever for our business. Due to a trademark issue, we had to rebrand this past Spring. It has turned our business upside down….in an awesome way. We would not be at the place we are right now if it had not been for that roadblock and I’m bubbling with gratitude over where this new path has taken us!

  23. I’m thankful for people.

    It feels like this whole year has been a lesson in how some people just aren’t good for each other, no matter how close the ties or how strong the feelings. I’ve had to let go of people that I knew I was hurting, open my eyes to where I was being hurt, and embrace the idea that it’s okay to take care of myself by putting a stop to it.

    But it’s helped me see how good people can be for and to each other, too. In my life, that’s good friends who understand my skittishness about trust and are patient as I learn how to dismantle my walls, and family that’s happy and supportive (and glad I’m figuring out what they saw for years). In my community, that’s neighbors and strangers who have gone above and beyond to do what’s right and take care of their fellow man, even though this has been a hard year for that, too.

  24. I am thankful for my family (close and extended), my health and the health of my family, friends, my education and the opportunity for my children to attend school and learn. I am also thankful for skype and other video communication options like face time that we use to help grandparents communicate and see grandchildren because many miles separate the two.

    • Hi Marilyn!

      I love having FaceTime so I can see my parents! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  25. I am so very thankful for all that I have–family, friends, home and health. Those may not always be perfect all of the time but after losing the last of my husbands’ and my parents last year we cling to each day.
    I am especially thankful for Anne-Marie. Without this extraordinary business you have built and shared I may have plunged into depression. Soaping has kept me focused on having fun and being productive. The posts with tips for small businesses have even helped my husband with his woodshop business, and he makes me laugh when he says his day way hijacked! Thank you for sharing your passion!
    Also–very thankful the dog did not catch he chipmunk on Thanksgiving Day–it was close!

    • Hi Rae!

      Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re grateful for great customers like you. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  26. I am thankful for so much but first my wonderful family – without them I couldn’t even exist. My friends who keep me going day in and day out. My soap business which has been steadily growing. My customers who are so kind and supportive. My faith that comforts me and motivates me to keep on trying even when I feel like giving up. The people I have met at the farmers markets and the friendships I have forged with other vendors as well as the wonderful soapers in my facebook groups. I am blessed and I know it, I appreciate all I have and try to be as supportive as I can to other soapmakers and artisans because without them we wouldn’t have a community.

    • Hi Elaine!

      What amazing things to be thankful for! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  27. I am especially thankful for relationships..family, friends and acquaintances. In the past 3 weeks three friends have died and reflecting on the positive influence these people had in my life, I am so grateful. It makes me appreciate even more those who are still present.

    • Hi Jacquelyn!

      Thank you so much for sharing! Also, I’m sorry for your loss.

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  28. I am beyond thankful for family and friends of course. I am also extremely thankful for health. A year ago this November I had brain surgery to correct a Chiari Malformation and cranial settling that was causing life threatening issues. It has taken this whole year for me to recover and soaping has been a HUGE part of my recovery. Before I could physically do anything (but mentally wanted to) I started reading and researching (and watching every SQ video available!). When I started increasing my stamina, I started making products. It has become my therapy and continues to be. So I’m thankful for continued health, for soaping, for a soaping community that is so willing to share knowledge and recipes so willingly, and for family that is so supportive of everything all my needs and all I do!! I have so many blessings and much to be thankful for!!!

    • Hi Becky!

      Thank you so much for sharing, it means a lot to us that we were able to help you out! 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  29. I’m thankful for you, Soapqueen! Soaping is my most favorite craft to date.
    I’m thankful for the health of my family and the steadfastness of my marriage.

    • Hi Melly!

      Thank you so much! We’re thankful for great customers like you. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  30. I am Thankful for my Faith in my Saviour, for my husband that has stuck by me and supported me. I am thankful for my family’s health, we also did the Whole 30 program (my daughter got us to try it) for one month and will definitely be revisiting. I am thankful that my children live close by us and that we have the opportunity to spend time with our grandchildren. I am thankful for my friends and customers that support my quilt shop – Quilts Like Crazy. I am thankful for all my pet children (4 dogs, 1 horse, 1 pig, 1 bird, and 8 goldfish). I am thankful for the convenience of modern technology – electricity, washing machines, cars, telephones, computers… I am thankful that I live in the US even though it is not the perfect country, but it is a great one. And I am thankful for the opportunity to enter contest like this, to learn so much from your postings that help me in my own business.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you,
    Betsy

  31. I am eternally grateful for my children, grandchildren, husband and extended family. I am grateful for the opportunity for education both formally and informally. My educational opportunities did not present with ease. I worked many hours and put myself through undergrad and grad school while supporting 2 daughters alone. If I had known how difficult this undertaking would be, I would never have attempted it. So maybe in life it is a positive thing to NOT know all of the details that life holds. Maybe it is in the not knowing and the forever evolving that truly makes you who you are. So—-long story short, I work full-time and make soap and body products part-time. I sell locally and on Etsy. I am a lifelong learner and truly value Anne Marie’s business and personal insights!

  32. I’m thankful for my amazing friends and family and for the time I have to spend with them. My aunt ossed away suddenly this week and it reminded me just how important it is to tell people how you feel and enjoy every minute you have with them.

  33. I’m thankful for my wonderful family and all our blessings! Also, all the great videos so a new soaper like me can figure out how to do things.

  34. Thankful for employment, supportive family, and an artistic outlet I discovered this year in soaping!

  35. i’m thankful for a healthy family who has the ability to laugh at themselves.
    I’m also happy that my son got me 3 months of the boxs for christmas. Now I just have to figure out who to contact about the fact we will be traveling cross country to our winter Jome in December. I don’t want to miss my box.

  36. As we all are, I’m thankful for my son’s, grandchildren, great granddaughter all my family, they are the joy of my life. I’m a new to soaping and so thankful for all the helpful soap makers , video’s and learning tools to help me along the way of my new journey.

  37. I am thankful that God gave me another year with my wonderful family. He has blessed us with relatively good health and safety. I am thankful for the lessons He taught me this year in faith, patience, and understanding. Two of the things I am most thankful for are my husband and children, they truly make my world complete.

  38. I am thankful for my wonderful husband and 2 amazing boys. My oldest is 2 and the youngest is 4 months. Both were premies, but are thriving beautifully!

  39. I’m thankful for my children and grandchildren. I’m thankful that I’m still employed (computers are taking over). I’m thankful that my health is improving, and I’m thankful that I have a loving husband. Now, if I could win the lottery, life would be perfect! LOL

  40. I am thankful for my husband and children – even on the worst days, when we’re busy with our small farm and homeschooling isn’t going well, I couldn’t imagine my life without them! I never thought I’d have children, and now that we have 6 (!), life is crazy most of the time, but somehow they still manage to keep me young 🙂 And my husband is there with us through all of the nutty times, sometimes bringing a nuttiness all his own to the party!

    Thankful to live in a place where we have a lot of support in our homeschooling and homesteading adventures, thankful for family who doesn’t give us a hard time for our “weird” choices in life, and thankful for wonderful friends who have become our second family since we don’t have family living close. Thankful that even through difficult times, we have friends who understand and can help out, and those same friends who are able to accept our help when they are going through difficult times of their own.

  41. I am thankful for having a wonderful family and being able to do my hobbies like soaping. But, unfortunately, yesterday a terrible thing happened. My brother in law had a major stroke and is now in the hospital. He is only 52, but has a long road to recovery.
    Now, I would be thankful if everyone reading this just thought a happy thought or said a prayer and sent it his way. Thank you!!!

  42. My Mother. After losing her husband and becoming a single Mom of two teenagers, she remained a single woman for 15 years. During that time, she’s gone through a lot and stayed strong through it. This year, we celebrated Thanksgiving at her house with her new husband. So I’m thankful for her husband too. Fifteen years later, she found someone who made her happy!

    I’m also thankful for my Step-children. They’re almost teenagers now but they’re mine in every sense of the word. After going through six years of fertility issues, we decided we couldn’t keep it up. Those two kiddos have been my kids all through it and welcomed me into their life. They’re all I have and I adore them.

  43. I am so thankful for my life, my family, and for my friends. I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, I received the best gift a proposal from my wonderful significant other of 11 years. I am thankful for my craft, and for the chance to hopefully start my soap business. I am also thankful for finding Brambleberry, and Soapqueen your tutorials are the best.

  44. I have so much to be thankful for each day but as I think back on this year…my mother passed away last fall and she made cold process soap for our laundry when I was growing up. She grated it to use in her wash. I have wanted to make soap for a couple of years and in the spring took the leap. I have enjoyed it so much and the joy of giving it away to friends and family. So thankful? For learning new things, my 4 beautiful little granddaughters that live nearby, my family,health as I grow older, my job and possibilities of a soap business and being able to open my eyes wherever I am in this world and see the beauty.

  45. I’m thankful for my family, friend and good health all around. I’m thankful for accepted for who I am and able to appreciate the smallest simplest things in life. I’m thankful for being able to be generous to many who are less fortunate than we are and help them in any way I can. I’m truly graceful for my wonderful hubby who tolerates me in every possible way! And last… I’m so thankful for Brambleberry .. Anne-Marie and her wonderful staff! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    • Hi Cindy!

      Thank you so much! We’re grateful for great customers like you. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  46. I am thankful for so many things, but one of them is actually picking up your book and learning to soap. It has given me a hobby that is fascinating and ever-changing, and I’ve actually even managed to sell a few bars 🙂

  47. I am grateful that I have a job and a place to live. A year ago I had neither.

  48. I’m thankful for my son, for his smile, and for his heart. Too many times in my life I’ve felt overwhelmed but I simply spend a few moments with him and everything is better. Oh Brandon Grey, how I love you.

  49. I’m so thankful. This year my husband and I moved across the country to the Seattle are to be cliser to family. It’s been a rough transition but well worth it to see my daughter building relationships with her grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles.

  50. I am thankful for my whole life. My husband who takes care of me and makes sure I have what I need. My children, who have grown into wonderful, responsible men, who are a joy to me. And my home…it may be small, but it’s filled with love (and 3 cats!) and I would change it for anything.

    • Hi Patti!

      That’s amazing! I’m thankful for my family and my kitty as well. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  51. I’m so so grateful for my family and close friends. I lost my husband to cancer last year and it’s been this core of people who have been there for me, always making themselves available when I need them.

    I’m also grateful to have a roof over my head and I have an awesome son.

    • Hi Susan!

      I’m sorry for your loss, but happy you have family and friends around you!

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  52. Im thankful that i can “say” and “know” that I’m thankful. I know that may sound funny to some. Iost my daddy to Alzheimer’s this year. It was hard. I’m thankful for love. I was without my husband for over a year due to unforseen circumstances. I’m thankful for my life because i almost lost it. Im also thankful for rhe activities of my limbs to be able to create my passion of making soap and to see what others have created.I can literally name 100 reasons why I’m thankful but there wouldn’t be enough time but thank you Bramberry for allowing us to have this forum to express our heart felt thankfulness.

    • Hi Hope!

      You are so welcome! Thank you for sharing, and I’m sorry for your loss.

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  53. I’m grateful for every day. Each is a wonderful gift to open and make the best of the opportunities that come.

  54. I’m thankful for so many things…my family, my boyfriend, our dog. And for continued professional success over the last year. I’m thankful to be in control of my own life and for having the courage to change the things that have kept me down.

  55. Hi! Great giveaway! I’m thankful that I have a job I love where I’m appreciated for myself and because my daycare families appreciate the care I give each of their kiddos – each kid holds a special place in my heart: Gianna, Madison, Connor & Alexus.. I’m also thankful for each of my friends who listen and help me with willing, kind and loving hearts. I couldn’t ask for better friends! Would LOVE to win this package – it would be so helpful as I start up a new business (in addition to the kiddos) … Thanks!

  56. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2009 at 38. I had a toddler, and my special needs child was 10. I’m grateful to God that I’m alive. Every day above ground is a GREAT day! <3

  57. I am thankful for my parents neighbors who came to the rescue yesterday! Late morning on Thanksgiving my parents were busy getting ready to have family and friends over for a fantastic feast when all the toilets and showers started backing up and overflowing with what could or could not have been sewage. As it was a holiday, plumbers were not available to make house calls until the next day. So my father and boyfriend spent the afternoon hand pumping out the various showers and toilet bowls. Talk about a bonding experience! Fortunately my parents longtime neighbors and friends have us the key to their downstairs bathroom that we could could use at anytime until the plumbers arrived the next day. They even invited us all over for dinner ! So thankful for kind and caring people! I wasn’t looking forward to having to dig a cat hole in my stepmom’s roses!

    • Hi Marcie!

      Oh no! That’s amazing that your family and neighbors were able to help you out!

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  58. This Year has brought my family so much to be thankful for .. starting with a healthy baby girl named Teagan that we welcomed into our family in may .. My folks first great grandbaby …

    i’m thankful that my neice who suffers so terribly with social anxiety and depression at the tender age of 12 is finally learning the art of communicating what she is thinking and feeling and allowing family in to listen and help …. for her horse Fuego for providing that unconditional love and support that she doesn’t think people can give her … and for her new friend Abbey whom she met at the stable where Fuego is housed … for she also has found a kindred spirit in my neice … the two are overcoming their anxieties and depressions through their love of the equine companions they both have

    for my parents who for the last 4 years have spent their time supporting and chauferring my lil sister back and forth through 3 neck/spine surgeries one of which saw her in critical condition .. my family is a rock in each of our lives … i am finding more and more how lucky i am to have them and how unusual it is to have such a tight knit family unit … from my sister’s last surgery they moved right into driivng me all over when i started losing the vision in my right eye …

    i lost my job my home my business has had to be re-vamped because of the vision loss … to finding out i needed brain surgery and moving right into taking me into their home with my two dogs and carrying me through searching out health insurance, the right surgeon and the best hospital to have said surgery done at … No one in my family faltered or hesitated to reach out make calls and initiate contact to get exactly what i needed … they went to the hospital and waited through surgery that turned out to be longer than expected to seeing me through the 3 days of neuro ICU, the day on the neuro stepdown unit all the while keeping from me the knowledge of what a ticking time bomb i had been … as it was not just my vision that was beeing so adversely affected.

    Most of all i am grateful that whatever happens with my vision whether it recovers or not … that i am still here by the grace of god to share in all the trials, tribulations, triumphs and sorrows that life will bring our way.

    My family will pull each other through everything as they prove time and again no matter what life throws at us. There were lots of tears around the dinner table yesterday lots of overwhelming emotion and a tremendous amount of joy.

    with warm thoughts for a joyous holiday season
    Kelly

    • Hi Kellyann!

      Family is so important! Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  60. I’m grateful for many things. My family is at the top of the list: be it blood or chosen. For friends who are so awesome that they will never leave. For the men and women who serve our country, be it military, civil servants, teachers, nurses, parents, ect. For the Soap Queen and the knowledge of soapmaking and general bath/body making. Oh, and hot men in kilts. Perhaps most of all them (just kidding, probably).

  61. I have so many things to be thankful for in life. My husband who encourages me to be me and to do what makes me happy. Our hobby farm which for me is a peaceful retreat from the world. Neighbors who are truly neighbors. Our friends. We have a very rich and full life.

  62. I am very thankful for my family and friends, especially my dad. We have a roof over our heads, food in the cabinets, clothes, and heat since the weather is getting colder. Both the kids are doing great in school. Life is so very good, even with the speed bumps we encounter.

  63. I am first and foremost thankful for my family, they give me constant reasons to smile. I am also so thankful for all the freedoms that living in our great country afford us and that wouldn’t be possible without all the people who fight/fought for our freedom, which of course lead me to be HUGELY Thankful for all the men and women who sacrifice their lives, holidays, birthdays and missed moments so that we can have those great freedoms.

    • Hi Heather!

      I agree, I’m so thankful for family and our service women and men! 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  64. I’m incredibly thankful for my husband, who supports me in my business endeavors! It’s only thanks to him that I’ve had the courage to get out there and try to sell my products.

    I’m also thankful for my mom, who’s currently the glue keeping our family together. Somehow she manages to balance caring for my father, who has Alzheimer’s, a demanding job in a field she never trained for, and being a sounding board for the rest of the family when necessary. A true Superwoman, and I don’t even want to think about where I’d be without her calm and rational thought processes.

    Lastly, I have to give thanks for the courage of the folks in Europe who sent a rocket up to land on a comet. I’m hoping it revitalizes our own space program, and that we can turn our expansionism, aggression, and energy towards the skies, instead of against each other.

    • Hi Carly!

      What great things to be thankful for! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  65. This time last year, my husband and I were thankful that his 92-year-old mother survived a heart attack. We celebrated Thanksgiving with her in a rehab facility. This year, we drove the Thanksgiving dinner and our two dogs to her place and celebrated that she is still with us and living mostly independently and in great health. 2014 has seen many such turnarounds after several years of hard knocks: Health problems of our own, long-term unemployment, and nearly losing our home and everything in it. This year, I decided to turn my soaping hobby into a fledgling business and my husband is once again employed in a great job. There are so many things to be thankful for that I can’t begin list them all. Tomorrow is never never certain and I thank God for the many blessings that have fruited from the seeds sown from hardship and adversity.

  66. I am thankful that in spite of overwhelming health issues, my husband has stuck by me. He is my rock and my best friend. It has been 15 years since we took our vows of “in sickness and in health” and he has gotten the short end of the stick, but has stuck it out. I am grateful to him.

  67. I’m thankful for family, health, and happiness. I’m also thankful for the ability to be able to make homemade gifts for the holidays this year, which includes soap!

  68. I am also thankful for family. After a hard year last year with the loss of my sister-in-law to cancer at 26, we’ve had a great year this time! I’m grateful that the cemetery is so close. It is a lovely family walk and it’s so beautiful and peaceful there. I’m grateful for my health and the health of my children, and how ready for adventures they all are! We have a lot of fun taking family bike rides on our towns bike path. I’m grateful for the closeness we have experienced with my husband’s family, it really has been a year of thoughtful and intentional togetherness that has forged bonds. I am most grateful for the peace and fulfillment I have been experiencing in my life. I am keeping up a good level of exercise, running the household, homeschooling, and rocking my Soap making hobby business.

    • Hi Margaret!

      I am so thankful for family as well! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      -Kelsey with Bramble Berry

  69. I’m thankful for being able to spend Thanksgiving with my brothers for the first time in over 30 years (and we’re all still in our 30’s!).