So much to be thankful for...

We had a nice Thanksgiving this year. Sharon prepared a yummy turkey and we had the usual sides to go along. Jess and Taylor came, along with Amy and her family! It was great to sit down together and visit. Ashley was excited to sit at the "grownup" table. The little cousins were too excited to stay seated long..."food??? What Food??? We want to play!" We then met up with the Bees at the Asbjornsen's and had desserts and played Apples to Apples. Craig came off conqueror, with Thor and Courtney not far behind. It was a fun!

Brad and I both slept in Thanksgiving morning and it was great to just let the kids play and feel like we didn't have any "work" to do. Vacations are so important for family memories...I hope you all had a great one! Now on to my favorite holiday! I love Christmas for so many reason, but most of all for the memories of the past and making new memories that will live on in the future. President Monson's Christmas address in the Ensign has a wonderful story that sure warmed my heart. I read it to the kids today....so when the hometeachers come over and give the lesson they will look really smart (JK!!!). Not long after reading it a lady came to our door looking for canned goods for some families at her church. My kids immediately pitched in gathering food from our back pantry. They were so thrilled to give(smiling, running frantically between the front door and the pantry, carrying as much as they could)...that is what we like to see! I went after Thanksgiving shopping and it was fun to get deals. The real deal, however, is giving. That is where the inner joy that lasts is found! Merry Christmas!
PS. Our house is decorated (almost) and I am writing our letter today. So much to do...so little time! Disneyland, here we come!