Thanksgiving Weekend 2010 Part 2

We worked hard and played hard this weekend. Friday morning we got up and worked on our patio extensions. We really wanted to get some pavers laid, but there was still a lot of prep work to be done. We were hard at work when the Green's called to ask if we wanted to go shooting. Of course we wanted to, but we knew this was our only day to really get work done. So we told them of our dilemma and they offered to come and help! Our heroes! They helped us so much--in just a few hours we actually laid some brick!Then we went shooting!  The girls really had a fun time. And they are pretty good shots!

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Here is a fun shot of Noah. I think it is perfect depiction of boys will be boys! And then a fun shot I took of the shadows we were casting. On Saturday, the girls went to "Beauty and the Beast" while Kelly and I attended two baptisms. It truly was a great weekend.

I am thankful for health and strength-for me and my family. We have worked hard and played hard this holiday weekend and none of it would have been possible without the blessing of health.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2010

The very best part of our holiday was having everyone together!

Our thanksgiving holiday really isn't just a day, it is a weekend. It has been that way for a long time now. This year that stayed the same, but we did have a pretty big change. We spent Thanksgiving day here at home--without other family around. There has been so much stress in the familial relationships, I just couldn't see adding the holiday stress that always occurs to the pile of "complaints". So we chose to stay home. And it worked out well for us. I didn't spend days with regrets and hurt feelings. It was nice!

We invited the Alegrezza's over to share our turkey dinner, with all of our favorite trimmings. They brought some of their traditional food too. Norma has her two grandson's Marcus and Owen living with her right now, her husband is in Afghanistan and their family is under a lot of stress with the circumstances. Our invitation helped them have a good day and it definitely helped us! Valerie and Steve came as well.

After dinner, Kelly talked them into a game of Acquire--so even that tradition was in place! We had fun preparing the food and the table. It felt so good to share our blessings with others and help them feel of the holiday spirit. They wanted to be here, they were excited to come and that felt wonderful.

I should have taken some pictures of our feast! But here is a picture of the table and the cornucopia's we made.

And then here is a picture of Kelsey getting some left over's later that night. YUM!

She is a goof!

Thankful day 22

I am thankful for roses trying to bloom in November....(insert tire screech sound)...

NOT! (I took this picture today-honestly)

I am truly thankful for prayer. When I read about Jesus' visit to the Nephites and realize in the limited time he had that he chose to spend that valuable time teaching them and showing them the power of prayer, it strengthens my own testimony of prayer.

El Tour 2010

They worked hard, training on the bike trainer at night and then early morning rides on Saturday's. And the day is finally here! It was so exciting to arrive at the start. First you heard the music, then you see the big balloon arch marking the start line. As we crossed the street, you see what looks like an endless mass of bikers. So much energy in the air as they wait to to get going. Here is how we will distinguish them from all of the other riders! Love it.Kelly and Maryn left to make their way to the back of the pack and Kelsey and I found the perfect place to get a picture of them as they start their 66 mile ride. It was so thrilling! After they got on the road, Kelsey and I made our way to volunteer at the rest station in Rancho Vistoso. It is so fun to help the riders and visit with them. So many of them have such interesting stories about where they are from and why they are riding. We were able to give some encouragement to Kelly and Maryn when they came by too.

As soon as we could get away, Kelsey and I then headed downtown to greet them at the finish line! Once again the excitement was tangible. We listened to music and cheered the riders coming in as we waited to see our favorite two riders! Finally, here they are!! I am thankful for dreams and goals, the idea, no the reality, that you can work hard to better yourself--in a variety of ways. I am thankful for the things you learn along the way.

I am thankful for the sense of accomplishment when you reach the finish line.

And I am thankful to support any such endeavors!

Thankful day 18

One week from today my parents are finished with their mission! Today starts the week-long countdown of all of the "lasts". Last Thursday, last Friday lunch, last weekend etc. We have had a unique opportunity to have them in our home for the last eighteen months while they served. I am thankful we were in a position to be a part of it all.

Sunset

I took these pictures as I sat outside reading my scriptures. I love the sunsets here. I don't love cholla cactus all that much but I thought the sun made them look so beautiful.

I love to feel peace. I felt that in this moment.

Thankful Day 13

Tuesday, for our class activity we baked bread for the Sacrament and wrote thank you cards to the Young Men for their service. We wanted them to know that we appreciate their respect and reverence for this ordinance that is so important to us. The activity turned out great and so did the bread. "He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth."