I have been invited by the effervescent Ritu to take part in this relatively new challenge that is going around at the moment. I am sure most of you are already familiar with Ritu’s blog, a mix of wisdom. scrummy recipes, laughter, love and lots more. If not, then go over and say hello, you will be made most welcome.

I particularly like this challenge as it all about being thankful. Sometimes it is so easy to take the most basic things for granted, yet for others, it is something they aspire to. or might never have.

So without further ado let me give you the challenge rules:

*Share this image in your blog post

*Write about 5 people in your life you are thankful for

*Write about 5 things in 2015 that you are thankful for

*Spread the love and challenge 5 other blogs to take part

Five people who I am thankful for in my life:

Coming from such a large family this is going to be really hard!

My Mum: Although my mum is of the generation that traditionally stayed home and looked after the home, my mum went out to work when I was young. She qualified as a registered nurse but gave up after marrying my dad. However, things didn’t work out between them, and although divorce was not that common, mum went ahead and did it anyway. I should imagine she had plenty of gossiping to deal with but ignored it. She then went out to work, forging a career for herself in Social Services. This showed me that it is possible to break with convention and to do what you believe is right, whatever others may think!

My husband: Yes, good old Mr Grump. He is very supportive of whatever I want to do, and encourages me to challenge myself as he has faith in me.

My daughter: I was beginning to think that I would never have children, for one reason and another, but along she came when I was 37 years old. She makes me laugh and drives me mad, in equal measure, but I love her from the very bottom of my soul.

My younger sister: I call her Mrs Masterchef on here. We share the same birthday but are two years apart, so are very similar in many ways, especially with our sense of humour. She is there when I want to have a moan, and I always get a warm welcome, whenever I go to see her.

My older sister: She has always been there as someone I can go to when I am feeling upset or down. When we were younger, she looked out for us quite a bit (as well as telling us off)! As with my other sister, she is very family oriented.

Five things in 2015 that I am thankful for:

The rest of my family that I didn’t mention. Despite us all not living that close to each other, I know that when needed, they are there, and it is always lovely to catch up with them at family dos!

My health: I know I have been moaning about my cold, then feeling sick (now I have got cold sores all over my top lip), but in the grand scheme of things I am bloody lucky really. Some people would love to be able to get up in the morning without pain, or actually be able to walk to the shop. I know how lucky I am to be able to do these things and so much more, and am very thankful.

My job: I know I have only just started this job but I am thankful that I have it, and am really looking forward to actually getting ‘stuck in!’

My blog: I am so thankful for my blog which helped so much with my depression, leading me to meet some wonderful people.

My friends: I actually do not have many friends as such, that I see, as I am pretty unsociable! However, I am very grateful for them, and always love it when I see them.

My Nominations: I am going to have to break the rules on this one, as I cannot choose only five people who I want to share the love with!  If anyone fancies having a go at this challenge, then please, consider yourself nominated!