So Much To Be Thankful For.....

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays I don't normally look forward to. Especially since it was the last holiday we spent with Sam. I'm not a huge fan of turkey either. But I actually loved Thanksgiving. It was a fun low key day. Emmet played football with my uncle and cousins. He loved it! Last year he got bored after 15 minutes. This year he didn't want to quit. He's starting to get the hang of the game! We still need to work on catching. Emmet played football in a huge yard with dogs, cats, chickens, a guinee pig, slide, swing set, and two playhouses. Emery once she got comfortable with all of the kids had a great time playing while Emmet was doing his "guy" stuff. Or as he would say, "I"m a man yo!"

It was a gorgeous day! My parents flew in from Chicago. I loved having them both here. The TV was never turned on and my mom made a great Turkey dinner. My dad had bought an electrical thermometer so we new exactly when the turkey was done. So it was actually quite moist. Emmet found my old game, Stretego. I use to play it when I was younger and Emmet played it all day. Anyone who walked through the door he would convince to play him. The great part was Emmet never won that day and didn't even get upset. He kept on playing. That really shows how much he's grown-up.

My aunt and her family also were in town and over the weekend we hiked A Mountain. It's the mountain (or hill) right next to the ASU stadium. It's the perfect hike for little people. It was another gorgeous clear warm day. We were all in shorts, not too hot and not too cold. You've got to love AZ this time of year. I never knew Emmet was such a worrier. He was concerned the entire time that we might step on a cactus or fall. Poor guy, while Emery was a little dare devil. She raced to the top and actually ran down to the bottom. Beating us all!




I am so thankful for beautiful healthy children. They bring me the most joy and happiness. I truly don't know what I would do without them. They definitely give me purpose and how thankful I am for that! Their excitement is contagious and encourages me to move forward with hope!

Primary Program

Today was our primary program. It was Emery's first program and with her tract record I had no expectations. Well, I was shocked at both of my children's participation. They both went up on the stand without hesitation. In fact Emery was reciting her part to me over and over just before she went up to make sure she had it memorized. I had a perfect view of both of them. They sang their hearts out. Emmet stood like a little soldier and I could pick his voice out. At times I could even hear Emery. I got teary eyed when Emery stood up and recited her part perfectly they were her own words, "I'm thankful for my family because they help me say my prayers." She said it loud and clear. Emmet had a little trouble remembering, "I know my Heavenly Father loves me because he protects my family and I love him." I was so proud of them. I said a little prayer hoping Sam was able to share in that moment with me. I know he would have been just as proud and amazed.

Halloween

In the past I have dreaded this holiday, for a number of reasons. Mainly, their dad isn't here to join in the fun. Sam always made Halloween fun, because I'm not much for dressing up. My point isn't to dwell on that, but that I made a decision to use the power of a positive attitude and see if I could turn this holiday around. I didn't want to be the Halloween Scrooge anymore. I am happy to report that it worked!! For the first time EVER I had a great time at my ward's trunk-or-treat. My kids absolutely loved it. Emery was hesitant at first, but once she realized she actually didn't have to say trick-or-treat she caught the spirit. We spent Halloween day at their Nanny and Papa Hawkins' home. We had a great party with their cousins and they LOVED trick-or-treating with them. They even got to go on the golf cart. I went home Halloween night so proud of myself that we were able to have such a great time. I should probably try this positive attitude thing again!!


Emmet was having too much fun to hold still long enough for pictures.

Halloween Fun