Thanksgiving 2012

This is our Tree of Thanks.  Preston and I wrote things we were thankful for every day.  I didn't post of facebook or my blog every morning with what I was thankful for but this was a great way to remember all of my many blessings.  Preston's answers were definitely that of a 3 year old including toys, his train, more toys, his blankets, etc.  It was pretty cute and the first time we could have the Thanksgiving holiday about being thankful.  Love holidays as he's getting older.

We spent Thanksgiving with Steve's family this year.  His brother Dan and his wife (who none of us had ever met) surprised everyone with a visit from Alabama.  So we had his family all together for Thanksgiving for the first time in 5 years.  We had their traditional pilgrim and indian dinner on Wednesday night of homemade soup and corn bread. 

I was in charge of the turkey this year, no pressure!  This is the 2nd turkey I've ever made and I used a rub.  I think it turned out great and I got a few compliments.

Aren't we cute!?!

We went to Steve's aunt and uncle's house for the big meal.  It was a busy house but a lot of fun.  Preston started complaining of his tummy hurting when we got there.  He was very lethargic and only wanted to be with Steve.  After awhile he fell asleep.  Anyone who knows Preston, knows that if he cuddles or falls asleep with us, you know something is wrong!  He slept in one of the rooms for awhile and was pretty miserable the rest of the day.  He ended up with a fever that night, throwing up, and staying up until 1:30am because his tummy was hurting so much.  Poor guy, really no fun to see him so miserable.

Dan and Nina

Abby trying to play a dancing game with the other girls!

Abby did awesome on Thanksgiving.  No nap and she was happy to wonder around the entire day being friendly to everyone.

I really do love Thanksgiving and how it kicks off the holiday season.  It gets us in the mood of gratitude and focusing on what is really important.  The funny thing is that this year I feel like I have recently been reminded again and again of all the things I am grateful for, big and small.  Maybe it's because I can talk to Preston about being thankful for things or maybe it's my Heavenly Father reminding me of all He's blessed me with. There may be days that I count down the minutes to bedtime, I may not always feel like an amazing mom, the salons aren't doing quite as awesome as we want them to be, and we may not absolutely love where we live but I have 2 amazing children that I'm lucky to have call me mom and that I get to stay at home with, an amazing husband who works hard to take care of us, a nice, warm home, the gospel, a temple so close, wonderful extended family on both sides, food to eat, hugs and kisses and laughter and all the little things, and the list could go on and on and on.  And now we get to start the Christmas season which really is kind of magical.  Love it.