Thankful

We had a really wonderful thanksgiving. We spent the day with my aunt and uncle and their family (like we did last year) but this year my grandpa was able to come. He hasn't been able to visit Phoenix for a couple of years because of health issues (he's 88 years old) so it was really special that he was able to be here. We loved hearing his stories and his songs. I was especially glad he was here because since moving to Arizona we don't live close by him anymore and I'm not sure how many more times I may get to see him before he passes on.

Thanksgiving was at my cousin Laura's home this year. She set up a really fun kids table with coloring place mats, crayons, balloons and fun kid plates and cups. And of course the food was delicious!

There's the saying that I often say when life is going pretty good, "I can't complain." Every time Travis hears me say it he says, "Yes you can." So it turns out that I really am quite the complainer. Whether life is going good or not, I can always find something to complain about. I guess it's kind of my way of venting when I'm frustrated . . . maybe better than holding it in, right?
It's actually quite the joke between Travis and I. Many times we've been in a testimony meeting or at a funeral and the person speaking will say, " . . . and she never once complained . . ." Well Travis and I often joke about how at my funeral someone should stand up and say, " . . . and she always complained."
Despite all my "complaining" I really have so much to be grateful for this year: a nice home to live in, plenty of food and all of my needs met, a healthy pregnancy, a wonderful husband a three amazing kids (just to name a few). I am especially grateful for our Christmas plans this year. We are flying "home" for Christmas and I couldn't be more excited! We'll be spending a week in Vancouver visiting Travis' family and then a week in Idaho. We made the trips back to back to cut out a flight and it should make for 2 1/2 weeks of endless fun! All of our countdown calendars and activities this year are counting down to the day we fly out. We can't wait!

We continued our Thanksgiving tradition of opening a Christmas ornament and a new decoration to kick off the Holiday season!

And just for fun . . . here's what it looks like at our house when my kids discover the "winter" box.

It was like Christmas as they tore open the box and put everything on. And they didn't want to take any of it off even though they were complaining about being hot! They ran outside to play where it was cold (65 degrees). Wisdom keeps wearing these boots around even though they are too sizes too small.

Our little super hero!

So while I can often find the pessimistic side of things in life, I am grateful for Thanksgiving that reminds me of the many blessings that have been poured out upon me and my family. I  hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving too.