Now I am ready!

The Christmas tree is up, the decorations are out, the lights are ready to hang. We had a great Thanksgiving and now I am ready for Christmas!

Thanksgiving

The kids were so excited for Chad and his family to arrive. We had a fun day with them. A good meal that Skyler said was, "not too bad" which I think is a compliment for a teenage boy. Paige and Savannah had a great time together. After dinner, we took a drive. We wanted to go see the alligators, but the trail was closed because of hurricane damage. So, we continued on to the beach. The kids had a great time wading and collecting shells and running with Chad's dog. It has been really nice to have family here!

Blessing #24

I am thankful for visitors. We don't get visitors very often, so we love it when we get the chance. In the 13+ years we have lived here our visitors have been: Dave's parents, my mom, my sister Amy, Dave's sister Robin, and our friend Eli. So, having my brother Chad come for Thanksgiving is very exciting. And to make it even better he is bringing 2 of his kids! The first cousins to come to our house. We can't wait for them to get here!

Brett quote of the day

Yesterday Ty and Paige had friends over. At one point they got out the ice cream, but didn't save any for Brett. He came to me all teary eyed and said, " Sometimes I cry when I'm not even trying. I don't know why." So, so sad!

Last night he was talking silly and I asked, "Where do you think you are from?" He said, "I am american...and I speak english...with an accent!" How can you not love that, where he came up with that, I have no idea!

Blessing #23

I am thankful for temples. Bryce just left for his first temple trip. I wish I was going with him. But, I am so glad he will get so many opportunities to go. Dave never got to go as a youth, it was too far. So, he has never done baptisms at the temple. I am so grateful to be sealed to Dave and our children.

Blessing #22

I am thankful for laughter. I am thankful for time with my friends, which always involves laughter. I am thankful for the funny things my kids say and do. A recent example: I overheard Paige ask Brett, "What is a fun fact about Presidents?" Brett said, "You get them for Christmas and your Birthday!"

Blessing #21

I am thankful for Sundays. I am thankful for the spiritual renewal, for the reminders of what I need to do and the happiness it will bring. I am thankful for a day of worship and a day of rest. It is so nice to have a quite afternoon with no "to do" list. And I am thankful for Sunday afternoon naps.