We had a truly beautiful Thanksgiving season! The whole month of November, each night at dinner, we would reflect on our blessings for that day, and think of something we wanted to add to our Gratitude tree. We'd write it on a leaf (or Emma got way fancy and added pictures and cute artistic details to each one) and put it on the paper tree (that Cov liked to try to pull down daily, he he!) on our back door. It was neat to hear the Dave and the kid's responses and reflect on my own blessings and how Heavenly Father has blessed me so much in so many ways that I might not normally see if I weren't thinking about them. Lately I haven't been as good as a few months ago about writing down the miracles I've experienced, the Lord's hand in my life, and the many blessings I enjoy. But when I do this, I feel as President Eyring did when he said:
"More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened...My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies..you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done. You remember that song we sometimes sing: 'Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.'”
Dave brought me home some beautiful flowers for Thanksgiving. They were calla lilies and I love them, what a sweetheart! I am thankful to have such a sweet companion for this life and the next!
I helped Dave smoke two turkeys on our grill for his work Thanksgiving party. As I was cleaning the turkeys and getting them ready, the kids were laughing so hard because as I was cutting off the wrapping around the turkey, I hit the bag of gravy and it was spewing out all over. It was in the area between the turkeys two legs, so I joked with them the turkey was peeing. We all had a good laugh over that one! I'm kind of a baby about pulling out the neck and all that and the kids were kinda grossed out watching it, I'm surprised they even ate the turkey on Thanksgiving. We were up until 2 in the morning finishing it up because they were such big birds. We got a good sampling though and it was tasty turkey.
The day before Thanksgiving, we packed our bags, read some Thanksgiving books, and headed to Utah to be with family. We had pizza and hung out the night we got there, watching Guardians of the Galaxy, which Em and Cal loved. Thursday morning, I woke up and offered up a prayer just in gratitude. I didn't ask for anything, but thanked God for all that I have. The more I prayed, the more came to mind that I needed to thank my Creator for. I love doing this every once in a while. It is so refreshing and I felt the spirit so strongly and God's nod of approval. I just know there are so many more things that I didn't include in that one prayer. I guess that's one reason it's important to "pray always". We got all ready, and went to my parents to help get ready for a Thanksgiving lunch. We had a traditional, delciious meal, and then did some activities. My mom made a cute little turkey and gave playdough to the little ones to make faux"food" out of the dough to give to the turkey to "eat". They loved that! The big girls were given a bunch of craft supplies, and Grandma Di told them to write a script for a play and make puppets for it. They did such a cute job, we loved their play about the Peacock and her chick. We played outside, and played a little football and soccer, and played on the swing set. It was a beautiful, warm day, about 60 degrees out! We had pie, everyone brought their own different kinds. I made pumpkin and salted chocolate cookie pie, we had egg nog, pecan, key lime, chocolate satin, and apple. Mmm...it was amazing! Finally, we put together packages for missionaries we know. We made cards, wrote letters, and wrote down our testimonies to put in Book of Mormons to send around the world. It was one of the best Thanksgivings ever! I love all of the fun and creative things my mom does with us.
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Then, it was to the Ryerses for Thanksgiving dinner. We helped get some last minute things together, I made some rolls and it was time to give thanks and eat. One of the few times of the year we all sit at the table together! It is always a great conversation around the table. We had traditional turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, tons of Ryerse jello salads, a relish tray, cabbage rolls and bean salad courtesy of Shirley, marinara pasta salad, and a few other Ryerse classics. It was yummy! Then we played "Imaginiff" with the adults, while the kids watched a movie. It was a hoot. The kids weren't cooperating and didn't want any pictures, but I did snap a few.
We stayed the rest of the weekend - we loved relaxing! Dave and I went on a shopping date (I know, we're exciting like that), went to go see the new Hunger Games "Mockingjay" movie, played with cousins, and Saturday night, we went to Temple Square to see the lights. The lights on Temple Square and visiting City Creek was great. Our kids always love it! It was so warm, like 58 degrees out! Everyone was taking off their coats and jackets. It was perfect! Our kids especially had a great time with Todd, Julie's boyfriend, soon to be fiancee. He's a great guy, and it's fun to see Julie so happy! Cov was pointing to all of the bright lights, Lucy's faces were priceless, and she truly lit up when she saw the beautiful scenes, Cal was cracking me up as he touched some of the little bulbs and would pretend to be electrocuted, and Emma enjoyed being with Grandma and Grandpa. They all loved our visit to the Disney Store as well. So magical! It was a nice night and a perfect way to end a nice weekend!
Sunday, we went to church with the Ryerses, then went to my parents for lunch and to visit. Then we drove home safely in the snow. We are so blessed! Let the Holiday season begin!
