Thankful Thanksgiving

2nd Grade Feast...
Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of the beautiful spread of yummy food we served at Cade's 2nd Grade Thanksgiving Feast, but I did snap a few shots of some of our favorite people!

Sweet Addie! She's now on our street and we are so happy to be "official" down-the-street neighbors.

Sav sat next to Julia during story time. She donned her special pilgrim hat just for the occasion. I hope she remembers getting to come to Cade's class parties. She really loves getting to be a part of them and his classmates are always so sweet to include her and take her in.

Megan cracks me up. This girl is a 30 year-old trapped in a 7 year-old body. Love her!

there's so many other great children in the class-- I didn't even get a photo of my own Cade! Oops. Oh well. Here's a shot of Mrs. Almberg reading a Thanksgiving story to her munching students.

Sweet, sweet. I remember loving class party days. I think these kids enjoyed their afternoon, too.

Thanksgiving!
The morning consisted of a 4 mile run that Cade and I ran in. Yes, as in CADE, my 7 year-old son. I could hardly keep up with him the first 3 miles. I like a nice and easy 10 minute mile pace (remember, I do not like discomfort), so this kid was killing me with his 8:30. It was surreal getting to pound the pavement with my firstborn. He was such a trooper. I loved seeing his shy grin when fellow runners saw him and made a passing comment about his awesomeness as a runner at such a young age. I of course was pretty much running on sheer pride and joy that we've made this discovery that my kid can run. Even if this is short-lived, I can still say I ran alongside my own son in a race and it was pure joy. He was so determined, didn't complain, and was driven with this mental capacity he most assuredly did not get from me.

Next it was Savannah's turn to enter a race. She was in the 3 and 4 year-old's 400 meter run. She started out fast and I ran alongside her the last 200m. She was starting to putter out but when a little girl started to pass her Savvy's competitive drive (also not from me!) kicked in and crossed the finish line first. She even beat all the boys! On the car ride home she sighed to herself, "I'm so proud of myself...and Cade." Ditto, darling. Ditto. :)

Now Cade, on the other hand, now being a well-seasoned runner and an expert on all things competitive gave me his sage advice: "Mom, you should run every day." Why, I asked. After all, 3 times a week is good for me. "So you can be famous like me and Melody." You see, my big sister Melody placed 3rd in this same race. Cade Placed 2nd. I got something like 6th in my age group. I did not get my name announced, win a turkey, nor a pie, so therefore I am not famous. Not being famous is not cool, so I guess I should start working harder so that I can be. Funny kid!










After showering and prettying ourselves up after a morning of running, we headed up to Mom and Dad's in Kaysville for a delicious feast. I think this was my favorite Thanksgiving meal ever. I grew up and for the first time had cranberry sauce with my turkey (dark meat, of course) It was amazing and I silently scolded myself for not trying it sooner. All week the children have been hearing about pumpkin pie and were sorely disappointed to find that pumpkin pie is not served WITH Thanksgiving dinner, but after. After prodding, my children finally tasted my Dad's yams/sweet potatoes and that helped to tide them over until dessert. Imagine trying to talk Savannah into taking a bite out of bright orange mush with sprinkles resembling dirt on it. It definitely took some serious prodding but after the first bite she was in love! This of course indicated to Cade, who is our best eater in the family, that it must be good. They fought over the leftovers of the sweet potatoes for the next 2 days.

After filling our bellies the men talked and watched football and such while the kids played outside. Ruby was a dear and took a fine afternoon nap that coincided nicely with my desire to take a snooze on the couch myself.

It was a lovely, relaxing day.

Since then, I've pondered on the many things I am grateful for whether they be convenient contraptions or people who mean a great deal to me.... here's a short list:

- Freedom. It's so precious and so easily taken for granted.
- Democracy. I love that I have the right to choose who I want to lead our country and that I can take an active role in doing so.
- Veterans. They have given so much, as have their families.
- Oreos. They've gotten me through some tough times and allow me to enjoy the great ones.
- Ruby's cute little "Hiiii!"
- Savvy's constant expressions of love
- Cade's deep understanding of gospel principles
- our ward full of so many amazing examples.
- My new calling! -- Young Women. :) I almost cried tears of joy when it was extended.
- Paint. It makes old things new and other people's things mine.
- A warm home. I hate thinking of those without warmth especially as the temperatures drop.
- Our van. I may not look cool or hip driving it, but I am so grateful for the practicality it serves and the many memories Ive already made around town shuttling the children around.
- My sisters. They live so close and I get to see them often. They continually serve me and are wonderful listeners.
- My brother who continues to inspire me. He now resides with his family in Beijing.
- Wonderful, sweet, thoughtful neighbors. And we just got new ones next door!
- Books. Oh the world is so full of many wonderful things to read, I think I'll need 5 lifetimes in order to get to them all. One at a time...
- Google. How would I plan a class Halloween party, look up words I should know the meaning to but don't, get craft ideas for un-crafty people like me, or find an awesome White Elephant Gift without you?
- Friends. Old and new. I love that friendship knows no age, too.
- The scriptures. Much sacrifice was made so that I can have them so readily at my fingertips.
- Moisturizer. To think I went most of my teen years without it I cringe!
- Hot rollers. Still trying to figure out the curling iron thing (sad...I know) so these babies have helped me in the mean time
- Massages. Getting them, of course. And for my sweet Kyle who books them for me.
- Friends who run with me at the crack of dawn.
- LDSjournal.com -- they had the foresight to know that the only way I'd keep a consistent journal is if it was online.
-- Bugs. They provide our livelihood.
-- Bedtime and naptime. No explanation necessary.
-- Laughter.
-- Temples. Living so close to them especially. The peace going to them offers is a powerful blessing.
-- Magic Erasers. Best invention ever.
-- Milk delivery. Never have to run to the store for milk and I can pretend I'm living in the 50s whenever it comes to the doorstep.
-- Amazon Mom-- diaper delivery. So convenient! Much cheaper. Win-win!
-- Pandora. Christmas wouldn't be the same without it.
-- Jesus Christ. He paid the ultimate sacrifice and for that I am eternally grateful.


{photo stolen off my Dad's blog. Thanks, Padre!}