Give Thanks

I am listening to the new sound track from the Trolls movie...not the soundtrack just the one song over and over. A very inherited trait from my mom ( thank you no really thank you) this song makes me so happy whenever I listen to it. And I listen to it right now a whole lot. So, it seemed a perfect time to blog about this past Thanksgiving. My parents came despite the fact that they were in the thick of moving. When they were selling their home in September and then planned their trip to come over Thanksgiving in the back of my mind I just knew they would sell it right before visiting and inhibit them from coming. Well, only half was true. They worked really hard and made their visit happen. We were all so happy they did. My boys were so thrilled to see them. I was very excited for my dad to meet Jonah for the first time, and happy to see my dad since we calculated it had almost been a whole year since I had seen him. They arrived on Thanksgiving day right in time to help us finish up cooking. Which was much appreciated, Sam had picked up a turkey from his friend who has a turkey farm and I told Sam to find out how big the turkey was so we could figure out cooking time I was pretty astounded to hear it was 26lbs. "That's huge!!" I said. "Is it really that big?"Sam asked. Yeah... that is really big turkey. But, as were thawing the bird it noted on the bag it was actually 20lbs. Whew! Dinner turned out quite delicious-if I don't say so myself. And we had lots of leftovers the rest of their trip. We enjoyed the next day by watching Santa fly in on a helicopter at the Old Mill, the new park in town, and then some relaxing time. ( As relaxing as it can be with 4 little boys)  

I am very thankful for my parents. I am grateful for the kind of relationship I have with them. I am thankful that I can still turn to them for advice and every once in a while even be turned too. I am thankful for the family that I grew up with to know I have siblings that have been and will remain to be in each other's corners. I am thankful to be a part of Sam's family. I am thankful for the things that I am learning from them. I am thankful for all those friends near and far who have been a part of my life. They have inspired me and helped me. I am hopeful that I will be considered to always be a friend to them. 

waiting for Santa to arrive

I am so thankful for my boys. To quote Sam one night while praying, "Thankful for Kaj bears, Joshy bears, Rowan bears, and even Jonah bears..." haha! I am thankful for each one of them and even Jonah. Who is actually turning out to be such a sweetheart-a boy that I am enjoying more and more each day. I am very thankful for Sam who is shaping up to be the kind of man I dreamed of. He helps with everything, he is understanding and supportive. I am thankful for the life line that I have with Heavenly Father. I know I can pray to Him any time, any where which seems to be happening more often. I am especially thankful on days where I have an extra slice of "mom guilt." The  days I truly believe that my kids must have lost a bet in heaven to get me as their mom. Usually these are days that I am most disappointed in myself and usually I really don't want to pray because why would He want to hear from me? But, I find that if I do it always makes a positive difference. The song: "I Need Thee Every Hour" pretty much sums up my life in this season. But, knowing I can rely on Heavenly Father is much better than doing this alone.  I am so thankful to know there is a Savior who was willing to atone for us all. I am thankful to know that He knows me perfectly and has felt all the things I have been through. I am working on strengthening both of these relationships. 

I love this time of year. I love the sweet nostalgia of Christmas songs, the fragrance of the tree, the lights on the houses, and the watching snow fall. It feels like a time to reflect and make changes. I am excited to see what our future holidays looks like, but cherish the time now when I have 4 of the sweetest, most handsome, fun, and delightful little boys. 

Kaj shaking Santa's hand