Gratitude

I probably haven't had Thanksgiving with my parents in at least 8 or 9 years, so it was very nice they could come this year, along with my Sister Annie and my Brother Jacob. The kids seem to go wild when relatives are around, they love all the extra attention. But, I don't think their aunt & uncle are used to being climbed upon, poked, tickled, and punched so frequently.

We were also very happy to spend Thanksgiving with our good friends, the Rousseaus. Christine was the first friend I made when we moved to Texas. We are often mistaken for sisters and it feels like we really are. I am very grateful for all of her goodness and her awesome coconut cream pie. I'm also grateful for their long awaited addition, Baby Pierce.

But, most of all I'm grateful for my cute, sweet, patient husband and my cute, mostly sweet, and rarely patient children, Henry, Caroline, & Samantha.

Speaking of gratitude, I can tell you what Caroline is not thankful for. (Three people came up to me today after church and told me about Caroline's loud comments during "Sharing Time.") In a room full of approximately 50 to 60 children and their teachers, Caroline noticed something she didn't agree with and spoke up. When another child was at the front of the room picking up a picture of fruits and vegetables to show what she was thankful for, Caroline exclaimed loudly: "That's weird! Who would be thankful for fruits and vegetables."

(I'm sure, because she eats at least five servings a day and they are an abundant part of her life, it is so easy for her to take them for granted.)

Oh, and I forgot to mention my mother's really nice turkey outfit.