Happy Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday though right now I have to say that I'm grateful it is over. My feet and legs ache and my back is sore and if I never see another dirty dish it will be too soon. That said, it was a really nice day. Andrew got to spend the morning working on his model airplane (with plenty of help from Dad) and Katherine got to help me in the kitchen - folding napkins, putting together a vegetable tray and putting the finishing touches on dinner. Stuart and Chaney and their family came and shared our dinner with us and we so enjoyed the time with them. We don't get to see them very often (seeing as how we live in different states...) so it was nice to have the chance to visit. I know the kids had a good time with their cousins, too.

In honor of the occassion, I took a picture of our Thankful Wall for you to see. Unfortunately I couldn't get close enough for you to see what is written on all those slips of paper, but you get the general idea. The rule is that you can't repeat something that is already up on the wall. After a while you really have to think - which, after all, is the point.

Some of the things we are thankful for: Each other (of course - all of our names are up there), the Church, Scriptures, Prophet, our House, cousins, William & Kylie (Congratulations!!!!), fluffy slippers, toes (YUM!), bananas (YUM!), open communication, snuggles, food, the Atonement, food storage, naptime, good books, art, love notes, kisses, quiet nights, discussions, sleep, good health, modern medicine, exercise, freedom, voting, school, ice cream, bottles. And a lot more. The Lord has blessed our family so abundantly!

Andrew was thankful for brains, pets (especially his dog), apple fritters, and being different (is he my son, or what?). Katherine was thankful for bugs (since when?), cooking, trees and Grandma. We took the liberty of putting some things up for Lida - it really boiled down to anything she can put in her mouth! Lida was thankful for milk, toes, bananas and being held. Rachel added laughter (especially that of my own children), Hot Chocolate, the Restoration, and Staying home. And Tyler expressed gratitude for prayer, mothers, friends and music. One of the things Andrew put up on the wall was Voice. When I asked him why he was thankful for voice, he replied, "Well, because it helps you to talk better." I couldn't argue with him on that point, and those of you who know my son also know that he LOVES to talk. So, there is method our madness.