And, of course, I have to write a blog for Thanksgiving. I am quickly switching gears from putting crazy boys down for bed, and then trying to adjust my mood accordingly. I have also been missing this blog. It doesn't bother me if there are few readers, it wouldn't bother me if there were no readers, I truly love writing here. I was flipping through my first blog to book as I have been prepping for blog book numero dos, and I am so happy that I have written in the details of the experiences as I have. If I hadn't we would be losing a lot of very funny and fond memories.
We were invited by some ward members for Thanksgiving a couple weeks ago. We were one of 4 families, and it was very nice to have somewhere to go. Because, if we hadn't...I really am not sure if I would have made the Thanksgiving meal myself this year. The guilt would have set in and I probably would have...but I may not have been happy about it. The company was enjoyable, and this was Sam's first real chance to get to know some of the men in the ward, and though he may grumble at times, everyone always loves his company and he usually enjoys getting to know other people. I am thankful for this particular friend who invited us over. It hasn't been easy here as far as friends go, and though everyone has been polite it has not had the same feeling of acceptance, and welcomeness as New York had so automatically. ( I don't want to compare too much, but in this case it was a distinct difference) But, this friend was the first one to really reach out, and I appreciate it so much. So with that said, I am thankful for beginnings of new friendships. And on the same note, I am also very thankful for the friends in New York that I still smile about, and laugh when I remember certain things, and just plain adore. I also am grateful for the friends back in Utah the ones I have known for many many moons, despite distance they reach out just to see how I am doing, and some days it has come at the perfect time.
I am so grateful for my family. Sisters. I have been far more emotional in this pregnancy, and it far exceeds my already sensitive state. It has been nice to rely on family. My mom came out and visited us recently, and it was honestly so much fun to see her, and hang out while she was here. My boys ran to her, and gave her the biggest welcoming hugs, and they loved being with MorMor. She is a very easy and fun guest. It was great to have her spend one on one time with the boys. And, though Kaj can't express how much it means, the many times he asked "Where'd MorMor go?" or "I want to go to MorMor's house." after she left- that says it all. I really am thankful for everything my mom has taught me and continues to teach me. I have a friendship with her that I really never thought possible...and I am certain she would say the same! Haha! I have also decided that a perk from living far away is that when you have people visit you, there is only quality time to spend. You love being together because it is for a shorter time, and it really is so enjoyable. So I look forward to visitors to have time with just them. (That being said I would still take anyone who wants to move here too)
I am thankful for our little growing family. I am thankful for Sam. He really does so much. And I am now understanding that most everything he does it is for me and the boys. He works very hard, and wants to work even harder. He loves our boys, and he is often thinking of ways to improve himself so that he can be a better and better example to them. I also have to say I have seen the difference in him as a husband as well lately, and I am so grateful for the efforts he is making to be more expressive to me. I am thankful for the home we have now. I thankful for food on our table. And of course, I so thankful for a growing relationship with my Father in Heaven. I had the opportunity to talk in church, and I usually would not say "opportunity," because it actually scares the poop out of me, but I spent a lot of time preparing, a lot of time praying about the topic, and I can honestly say I gained a stronger testimony, and for once, I delivered my talk well. That is unheard of! I am thankful for the simple reminders it gave me, and really look forward to the chance to serve others in any way I can. 
