Thankful for Family, Friends, and Food

Can I just say that I did not help my mom out enough in the kitchen in preparation for Thanksgiving?  Making all of that food is a lot of work!  I don't know how she does it every year.  Unfortunately, I live too far away from her to make it up to her this year.  Luckily though, I had some friends to split the work up here, but I was still in the kitchen for two days.  It was fun, but can I just say that by last night...I couldn't wait to crawl into bed.  Oh, and thank goodness that there is always enough food for leftovers because the last thing I wanted to do today was cook.  I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but I'm really not.  I enjoyed cooking, cleaning, eating...everything!

Look at my cute helpers taste testers in the kitchen.

Our dear friends, The Wagners, who have become family  (not literally) since we've been out here in Ohio invited us over for the day.  The Elders from their ward also joined us for dinner.  It was great company.  Also, Seth makes a mean turkey...so juicy!

Later that night our friends, The Bills joined us and brought some delicious pumpkin pie.

I'm pretty sure Charlotte thought Boyd was there to play puppets with her.

After the puppet show we all played Farkle...including Charlotte who kicked everyone's trash.  She had no idea what she was doing.  We just told her to roll the dice like a "gentle princess" and somehow she won the game before any of us even had a chance to be considered competition. 

My heart was so full by the end of the night.  I really do have so many blessings for which to be thankful.  I'm grateful for parents that taught me that I am a daughter of God and about what is important in life.  I'm thankful for my husband who works so hard so that I can stay home and take care of my precious babies.  I love being a mother.  I'm also grateful for all the women I know who have mother's hearts. They are all excellent examples to me and blessings to my children.  I'm grateful for the family I married into.  They have taught me a lot about being supportive and accepting.  I'm so glad I married my best friend and then gained another best friend in his sister.  I am thankful for my home.  Although it's referred to as the "ghetto" of the city we live in (it's really not that bad), it has given us a comfortable living space and some of the greatest neighbors who have "adopted" my children as their grandchildren.  I am so happy to have the scriptures.  The words in the Bible and Book of Mormon have really blessed my soul.  I'm grateful for my eyes.  I know that's a little random, but I've been reading a book that made me recall the eye trouble I had at the beginning of my pregnancy with C.  I'm glad I can see.  I'm glad I have my health and that my family is healthy.  And I'm sure no one is reading this anymore so I probably should go write these feelings down in my journal.  Happy Thanksgiving!