Giving Thanks

I've never understood why Thanksgiving seems to be an overlooked holiday, at least from a retail point of view. This year, most of the stores had their Christmas stuff set up along with the Halloween things. My sister thinks it's because Thanksgiving is more of a grocery holiday (meaning it's more about the food than the decor and whatnot in the sense of retail), and I'm starting to believe her.

But, that doesn't mean it doesn't make me sad to see Christmas everywhere before the big day of thanks. I love Christmas, don't get me wrong, but it should have to wait it's turn, y'know?

Anyway, this year was a real treat: my parents and I didn't have to do anything. And, when I mean anything, I mean NOTHING! Okay, so we did have to get ourselves over to my mom's cousin's daughter's house, but you get the idea. I was going to make some pumpkin cheesecake (I hate showing up empty-handed; it's a Hawaiian culture thing, I guess), but never made it to the store for the ingredients. But, my mom outdid herself with the sushi, pumpkin pie and the guava cake.

We spent most of our time together eating (of course!), but there were also football games to watch and the telling of corny (corn=thanksgiving, apparently) jokes, and just being together. The Crack Monkeys had fun playing with their cousin, who is really a gem considering he's the only "cousin" from my side of the family. Jeff adores Luxor and was so excited to see him!

Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful and to spend it with family, but I really want the kids to learn to be grateful everyday of their lives. It's one thing to remember Thanksgiving once a day, but to trulycelebrate it, I think you have to show your gratitude everyday. I mean, think about it: we live in a a great country with freedoms and privileges that others in the world don't have. And I have truly been blessed with all that I have and enjoy. My kids definitely have more than when I was growing up and sometimes I don't think they realize how good they have it.

So in honor of Thanksgiving, here are a few things I'm grateful for:

1) My husband. Scott is truly my best friend and the most patient person I've ever known! He puts up with so much for me, yet loves and supports me despite my flaws and short-comings.

2) Being a mother. Having depression makes everyday life a struggle, but my kids make it worth it. They teach me so much about myself and life, and strengthen me. I truly love them.

3) Family. Having my parents and 3 of my 4 siblings live 5 minutes away, makes me spoiled, but I love it! And it doesn't hurt that my in-laws live about 20 minutes away, too! It's good to be surrounded by loved ones!

4) My home. In an economy where many are losing homes or may not have one, I am truly grateful to have a place to gather my family at the end of the day.

5) Love. Being loved and being able to love is truly a gift.

6) The gospel, my testimony, my faith and the Savior. I'm not perfect and having a god who died for me so I can have second chances is a blessing!

What are you thankful for?

Such a sad day!

Tragedy struck our neighborhood this morning. The oldest child of one of the ladies I Visit Teach was struck and killed by a car while crossing the street, on his way to school.

He was only 13-years old.

I haven't gotten to know the family very well, but from what I have learned, they're an amazingly talented family and so loving. Their kids were some of the best behaved I'd seen at church and the parents were always involved with their kids.

It's heartbreaking that his life was cut so short, and my heart aches for this family. I know they're strong in the gospel and the belief of eternal families, but it doesn't make it hurt any less.

Rest in peace, Collin. You will be greatly missed, but we rejoice knowing you are with God, watching over your mom and dad and siblings.