Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving 2010 was a wonderful relaxing day at our house. My dad joined us for a big chunk of the day. We ate and visited and watched The Waltons. Erin was with Loey, Stef and Nichola celebrating together. Sammi was with a family in Yakima doing the same. No we weren't all together and that's alright. I understand that family cannot always be together physically. Yes I do like to get them all together.
What am I grateful for?
My husband
children and grandchildren
parents and siblings
extended family
home
faith
friends
enough to eat (the above turkey was not mine)
a quiet neighborhood with great neighbors
a plentiful wood pile
a strong body to move all that wood
a clear mind
callings at church
the ability to read
freedoms in a free country
reliable vehicles
holidays
faithful seminary students
LDS schools
music and a choir to sing it
talents
cell phones
electricity
knowledge of the plan of salvation
spiritual gifts
and much, much more.

A Summer in Review

One morning at camp, I woke up and saw this "green" as I looked out over the lake. I'm glad the camera captured exactly what I saw.

A few weeks ago, Pat and I took a weekend away for ourselves. On a very windy Sabbath morning we took this photo.

This one was taken on that same windy morning.

In September I was able to go to the temple with my dear friend Sue. It was a very special day for both of us.

On our trip to the U.P., we passed this "ship" on our way back and forth to the campground. I believe it's a veteran's memorial.

The summer came and went far too fast for me, as always. We did some fun things though. We went to Nauvoo and took Cami along. This is her at Pioneer Pastimes playing dress up.

No trip to Nauvoo is complete without a stop and some pictures on the steps of the temple. Notice Rose, Aurora and Belle all got into the act as well. Aurora even wore her pioneer bonnet.

Cami was fascinated with the statue garden. She stopped at many of the monuments. I think this one was her favorite. It's the baby sister she's been asking for.

Adam decided that riding on the lawnmower was an exciting event. He begged to go on. Andrew took him "riding" around the neighborhood.

Girl's camp, as always, was a lot of fun. Here's Carli and I in our matchy, matchy track shirts. Camp was exhausting for me. I got way too little sleep but did manage to get in lots of giggle time with Cheryl.

A wonderful summer with lots of memories.

Earliest Ever

My Christmas tree is up!!! Not decorated yet. I put it up while Adam was asleep yesterday. When he got up from his nap he was all full of oohs. Now to find a time when he's asleep so I can put on the decor.

Christmas Shopping!

Yes, I have begun! Why is it as the children grow up their tastes do as well? Let me rephrase that. They now desire more expensive toys. I have purchased a few gifts and the rest are at least in my brain which makes it easy as I know what I'm looking for. Not that I want to rush things, but Black Friday needs to get here so I can find some deals. I don't like paying full price for anything.

Now that I have an artificial tree, I have considered putting it up at some point over the next week. Not that I would decorate it, just put it up and let Adam get used to having it in the house before I put anything on it.

I love Christmas!