Happy Thanksgiving

Bella woke me up at 6 AM, and I couldn't go back to sleep. I was laying in bed thinking of what I needed to get done today, and hoping that we will be playing our annual dodgeball game after Thanksgiving. Then I started thinking of all of the things I am most thankful for. Here is my top 10 for the year. I'm sure I will have missed things, but this is what came to mind.

10. I am thankful for mornings. When I wake up in the mornings, I always think that it is another day without any mistakes. I can choose my mood and what I'm going to do. I love to eat breakfast with my kids and hear their thoughts about life, their laughter, and their kind words. Not a morning goes by, that they don't tell me that I'm the best mom in the world (I definitely don't feel that way at times), and how much they love me. Everyone is in good moods in the morning and it just seems peaceful. I love driving the carpool in the mornings, because we always pick out something that makes the day unique and beautiful. How can you not be happy when you get to spend time with some of your favorite people.

9. I am thankful for all of my senses and that they all work. I can see the beautiful sunrises, I can hear my children's giggles and their cute songs, I can smell the roses that my children pick for me every time we go to my mom's house in the summer, I can taste the pancakes that my children make me make every morning, and I can feel the hugs and kisses that my kids and husband give me every day.

8. I am thankful for a warm house, food to eat, and clothes. As I was starting up the fire last night, playing games with my family. I was thinking how cozy it all felt. We are so blessed.

7. I'm thankful for the internet. I've been able to blog, facebook, e-mail, and Skype to keep in touch with loved ones. I also love the easy access to information and shopping. It sure makes life easier.

6. I'm thankful to live in a country where we are free and relatively safe. My friend Mahiar travels for his job. He was talking about how scared they were until they reached the safe house in Taj. It made me think that I really take our country for granted. I'm thankful for the soldiers who have provided us that freedom. I always cry when I see the soldiers, when I see the famlies at the airport sending them off, and when I think of the sacrifices that they have made in our behalf.

5. I'm thankful for my family. They are all over: The Netherlands, Boston, Boise, Hawaii, Texas, Florida, and of course Utah. They may drive me crazy at times, but it is amazing to know that they always love me no matter what, and support me like crazy. My family is my bestfriends. I love you all so much. Of course I need to spotlight my mom. I tease her so much, but she is such a backbone to my family. No matter what, she supports me in everything, and is always the first person to help me out.

4. I am so thankful for my health. After feeling sick for 9 whole months 24/7. I am thankful to have a body that functions as it should.

3. I am thankful for my children. They are the best. I'm thankful for the daily lessons that they teach me. We have a family in our ward who's son recently died. Every day as I hug my children, I am just grateful that I can. I am thankful for the time I have with them, and I love them more then they will ever know.

2. I am thankful for my dear husband. Who works so hard for us, is the most amazing father, and he loves and supports me in all that I do. He is my best friend, and I am so blessed to have him.

1. I am thankful for my knowledge of the gospel, and for my Savior Jesus Christ. I am grateful for his love for me, I have felt it at different times throughout my life. His life of service is such an inspiration too me. I hope to do more in the following year. I hope that I can implement it in my children how important it is to always help others.

Yes, I have definitely been blessed. I love my life.

Pumpkin carving for Thanksgiving

OK, so I know I'm a little behind. Realizing that Thanksgiving is only a few days away, Joshua suggested that we carve our pumpkins. I have been telling them for 2 months now that we would carve our pumpkins, but something always came up. Since Halloween has long since past, we decided to make them into Indians and pilgrims. Pilgrims were too hard, so then it just became Indians. Yes, they are sitting outside of the house as we speak. We carved them for FHE last night.

Tea Party

So for activity days, Sarah's advisor organized a tea party. She had a lady in the ward come over and teach the girls about the etiquette of going to a tea party. Mothers were invited, so we were able to learn along with them. It was so much fun. The girls wore their white gloves. We ate cucumber sandwiches and crumpets. We learned the proper way to drink our tea, not with your pinky up. And of course we learned the proper way to dab our mouths after each sip of tea. The joy of womanhood. It was fun to experience this with my little Sarah.