Grateful - Thanksgiving 2014

It seems like we have had more than our fair share of extra stresses and worries over the past few months.  It has been sometimes easy to feel a little overwhelmed by everything, but most of the time my Pollyanna attitude has kicked in and I have just been so grateful for what we have, and that some of the tough stuff hasn't been worse.  I try to be thankful all of the time but I love the Thanksgiving holiday that reminds me to take a deep breath and give thanks.  Add in some great food and a lot of family, and what could be better.

This year Jesse and I started off the morning with a two hour spin class at the gym with my favorite teachers - I was almost more excited for that than the food. We weren't planning to have dinner until 5:00 p.m. so when I got home there was plenty of time to just relax and enjoy the day.  Luke had been begging to play outside so we went out and played frisbee and then spent a long time in the sand pile. He had the best time and I felt so lucky to have the time to just spend with him.  

One of the things we have really loved about our house is the great room and the ability to have a lot of people here without feeling too crowded.  For Thanksgiving we actually didn't have very many people but Tim got our tables and chairs set for the group so we could all be together.  We took care of the appetizers, potatoes, and pies, and everyone else brought the rest.  Dinner started with our little family, my parents and Jesse.  Jarin and Jami and came a little later after spending time with her family.

I  have never gotten too excited about Black Friday shopping - too many people and too much drama. Instead of heading out to the retail stores, our tradition has been to go to the craft fair in Spanish Fork.  We all found a few little treasures, but honestly, we mostly go for the mini donuts - and they did not disappoint.

On my way home I saw an explosion from a diesel tanker that rolled off the road.  I stopped and watched it burn for awhile and thought of what a tragic day it had turned into for the driver and his family.  Once again I was grateful and aware of all of my blessings.  

Friday and Saturday we worked on getting out all of the Christmas decorations and to say Luke was excited would be an understatement.  He is especially fascinated by the tree and the lights so we decided to go to the Riverwoods for dinner and lights.  It was fun to watch him as he ran from tree to tree, he was especially excited about the one that looked like it was made of snow balls.  

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We got lucky and ran into Jessica, good thing since we never see her.  

We must have been too late because Santa had already left for the night - reindeer must have been cranky and ready for bed.  Luke was very willing to step up and sit in his chair.  I'm not sure he will be so good at fulfilling everyone's wishes.  I figured it wouldn't hurt to let him get comfortable with the chair so he will be ready when we actually get to see Santa. 

We really had a fabulous weekend and enjoyed spending so much time together as a family.  

October 2014

At the beginning of October Miles was baptized.  He is the sweetest little man and we were excited to be a part of his big day.  Tim was honored that Miles asked him to give a talk about the Holy Ghost.  The talk was fabulous, personal and with examples that all of the kids could relate to.

We don't often get everyone together,

So we took advantage at Ruby's party

To get a family shot.

Cousin time playing with blocks.

Tim and the kids stopped one day on the way home

To pick pumpkins.  

Luke especially likes their scary faces.

 The kids got to spend an afternoon with grandpa and grandma.

They loved the wagon.

Even though the marathon is over, Jess keeps dragging (inviting) me out on Saturday mornings to do some long runs, usually 10-12 miles.  We have be so lucky to have made it through October with such beautiful running weather.  Blue skies and fall leaves makes for some great running.  

Lately Luke gets so excited whenever I get home from any type of work out.  He says "mama running" and wants to put on my shoes.  Only a little big.

I'm kind of known as a Halloween Grinch, I have never loved dressing up and usually try to avoid most parties because it is lame to go without a costume.  With two kids and Luke old enough to get excited, this year was definitely more fun.  

We got a little early trick or treat at the doctor's office.

Luke spent his time at the DI well, trying out all the costume options.

The eye patch made its way home, but 

Luckily, the mask stayed.

All my friends at work love to dress up and get very excited for our Halloween party and plan their costumes for weeks.  I haven't ever dressed up and they all give me a hard time.  This year I shocked them all when I showed up in full Willy Wonka attire.  I have to admit, it was kind of fun.  

Halloween morning when I got Luke up I told him that we would get to go trick or treat that night. Turns out that was kind of cruel.  He spent all day begging me to go trick or treat and I kept trying to explain that we couldn't go until later.  He didn't get it.  The bonus was I got to hear him say trick or treat multiple times which was kind of adorable.  When it was finally time to get dressed and go, he was so excited.  Ruby was a good sport about her tiger outfit and even left the ears on for most of the night.  I think she was just excited that Luke let her hold her own bucket.  

We headed to Santaquin to trick or treat because, let's face it, everything is more fun with cousins. The weather was warm and it was a perfect night to be out and about. We finished at grandma and grandpas where the kids and grandpa chased each other around.  The kids were definitely worn out when we made it back to the car, nothing better than exhausted and happy.  It was a pretty much perfect night.