Be Grateful...

So here is what we did for Thanksgiving.







I didn't get pictures of the feast, but this is Cliff's side of the family who is not too far from here. The cousins all love to play and hang out with each other, so this was a huge treat to have all of them sleep over. My sister-in-law brought the stuff for ginger bread houses. I am not too fond of them from last year with the kids, but I did them. Cliff helped Maika out with his and that is why it is the way it is...no detail or candy except the wheels on the train. After Kalena and I got done with the first one, I didn't want to do anymore, but Tula'i wanted to make one. The wonderful mother I am and putting my selfish desires behind to just go and sit on the couch, I helped him with his truck. I think he liked making it because I would just let him eat the popcorn and a little bit of the candy. Then Kalena HAD to make another one and say she made it for Lavea'i. What a sweetheart to think of her little brother, but she was so proud of her own little one she made and I should have just let her do that in the beginning.

After the houses and cleaning up, we put the kids on the floor to watch a couple of movies hoping they would fall asleep. Most of them did, but Kalena, Tula'i and their cousin, Gracie. They would have watched another movie and kept on going like the energizer bunny, but it was already after midnight so that was the last one I was willing to let them watch.

Traci and I hit Walmart a little after midnight and everything was already gone that we really wanted. But, then we went out again around 10:30 on Black Friday to check a different Walmart and I ended up just doing all my shopping even though things weren't on sale that the kids asked Santa for Christmas. It was fun to hang out with family and enjoy each other company. Cliff mentioned that even in the midst of all the playing and enjoyment, Tula'i would find the time to keep coming up and telling Cliff that he loved him.

Previous to all the celebrating, we had a Family Home Evening about what Thanksgiving was supposed to be all about and how it all began with Indians and Pilgrims. We talked a lot about things that we should be thankful for in our lives. Kalena really grasped it and said the prayer on Thanksgiving and gave thanks for our warm home, family and a few other things.

I love that she asks questions because then it helps me to keep it into perspective what the holiday really means and not just a huge party with family, even though that is a definite added bonus and blessing.

I am indeed thankful for my family, my husband who helps me out TONS and that he has a job so we can live in the home we have to keep us warm from the cold weather. I am glad I can call my mom and sisters up and talk to them any time just to say hello, vent or laugh about something that has happened. I am grateful for another child that I am able to carry and bring into this world even though it hasn't been easy this time around. I am blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are many more things, but these are the most important when it comes down to it.