Another Thankful Day

Our Thanksgiving Day started with Flag Football, for Quinn. He tried to organize a Turkey Bowl. That was such a BIG thing when we lived in Hawaii, but he only got one other ward to get involved, so it was just a fun/competitive game with some friends.

Unfortunately, as he dove to catch a ball, he landed right on his shoulder. It has really been hurting him since then. He even gave up a golf opportunity today, so I KNOW he truly is in A LOT of pain!

The kids enjoyed donuts and hot cocoa at home. It was just too darn cold outside to watch daddy, that early in the morning. Plus no other families were there to support, so we decided to enjoy a relaxing morning at home instead, and leave the BIG boys to their own fun. Ash is trying to copy his SILLY brother and sister, but kind of missed his eye!

After daddy got home & had a soak in the tub (to try and relax his shoulder AND back) we headed to my parents house-wishing they were there-to hang out with my brother Jason and his family. We saw my sister, Karli for a few minutes and she took some family pics for us, but then they were off to feast with the Grover's.

We snacked A LOT before dinner, but managed to save room for the awesome dinner LeAnne made. I should have taken a picture of all the food we had. The nice thing about A LOT of food, is there is a lot of left-overs. She was generous enough to send some home with us, so we could enjoy more yummy food as leftovers!

LeAnne's sister & husband, and her brother all joined us for dinner as well.

In addition to an awesome meal, we had delicious desserts to top it all off. LeAnne made pumpkin squares, pumpkin pie and apple pie. I made a chocolate/mint bundt cake, for those non-pie fans (Quinn).

It was a relaxing day, FULL of Food and great company. The kids played hard and the rest of us talked & talked!

****

I felt tremendously grateful as I contemplated my blessings through this day.

Why am I so lucky to have been given soo much??

I have the greatest family-husband, children, brothers, sister, parents and in-laws-who all love me, despite all my shortcoming!

I have so many more blessings that are near and dear to my heart. I feel so indebted to all those who have blessed my life, through their often tremendous sacrifice.

I hope to remember THESE thoughts more throughout the coming year, especially when I am feeling selfish and NOT SO grateful...

because I am SUCH A LUCKY GIRL!

Laurel Activity

Each of our Laurels have made or are making a quilt this year, so we have had a few late night "get-togethers" to work on someone's quilt. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with these young women. They are such strong, ambitious and fun girls! One of them (the one in the pink shirt to the left of me)just let us know she got accepted and has decided to go to BYU-Hawaii, so of course I am SOO excited for her!!Of course you can't have a party without LOTS of treats!!

Thanksgiving Fun and Feasting

Today was the last day of school for Ame and Kaipo, before the Thanksgiving Holiday, so they each had Activities and a Feast! I had to run Ame's snack up to her school so I decided to stay and watch the fun things they were doing. They each made up their own Indian Name and Ame's was PINKY FIREFLY (interesting choice). They got to each make their own FRY BREAD.

And do INDIAN DANCES around the TeePee.

And even make their own cup of pudding.

Ame has an Indian Doll that her Grandma Frankie gave to her a few years ago, so she brought that to share with her class.

And here is her class FEASTING on all the snacks they made at school and the ones they each brought from home. No Turkey at this feast, but lots of yummy kid food!

After I left her school I popped over to Kaipo's preschool to see what they were doing (which was probably more of distraction that anything, but a mom has to try and be fair, right?)

Here is my other Indian child. He was given the name RUNNING WOLF. Very fitting I think!!We didn't stay long here, Ash was desperately needing a nap, and mom was ready for HIM to take one!

I feel very thankful-for beautiful, healthy children, who are able to go to school, be safe, while learning and having fun! I feel blessed to have a husband that HAS a Job, or multiple ones, and works very hard , which provides the opportunity for me to have flexibility to join my kids at school, when I can or want to, and not have to work myself (right now).

Life is busy, and full of stuff...but how else would we want it!

****We are truly blessed****

BYU-H Luau

Saturday night we were excited to go to a BYU-H Alumni Luau.

It was a family event and the kids were excited to go too!

Ash didn't really like the idea of having to SIT STILL.
He would much rather be climbing the tables and chairs, anything but sit still!

The FOOD and ENTERTAINMENT did not disappoint.

Kaipo trying to immitate the Maori dancers.
As soon as they start to chant ka mate, ka mate, his attention is drawn 100%

Hopefully, one day, he will be our little warrior dancing The HAKA, not just from the sidelines.

***

Although we had a good time at the Luau, we were a bit disappointed that we didn't see anyone we knew from our days in Laie. We saw a few familiar faces, but none that we really knew.