Thankful For . . .

#1 Stress-Free Thanksgiving Meal.  Fresh Market provided the basics and we made a few favorite side dishes.  We miss our extended families on the holidays, but we have learned to be content and grateful that we have each other to celebrate with. 

#2 McKell's tender side --Our neighbors, the Hansens, went away for Thanksgiving and asked McKell if she could watch their cat at our house.   I think all of the kids were in heaven for a few days with him around.  I learned that I must be getting a little soft in my old age to let a cat in my house, but actually it wasn't too bad other than the occasional jumping on my head and biting my feet at unexpected times.  I  was reminded of  McKell's softer side as I watched her take care of Toby.  Sometimes I forget about that when we are in the midst of her teenager angst.   

#3 My husband--I love the way he loves me. Even though I am high maintenance sometimes he always seems to know how to keep me grounded.  Also, without him around we wouldn't have much fun.

#4 Sydney's love of life.  She keeps me young and on my toes!

 

#5 Paige's determination--She has been through a lot of trials recently but continues to keep a positive attitude. 

#6 Jackson's goofiness--He makes me laugh as well as want to scream sometimes, but his goofy pictures will be black mail later on in life, so who will the joke be on then?

 

#7-Dutch Apple Pie--This is hands down one of my favorite recipes to make and eat.  And this year didn't disappoint! We went to The Life of Pi with the Packards and came back to our house to eat pie and play games.  It was a fun day!

#8 Christmas Traditions--The day after Thanksgiving we always decorate the house for Christmas and pull out our newest puzzle for the season.  I love this time of year.

#9-  My life and health--I am so grateful to be a wife, mother, leader, friend, sister, daughter, teacher, aunt, niece and granddaughter to so many amazing people in my life.  I am also thankful  for a healthy body and mind and the knowledge that I am a daughter of Heavenly Parents.