Thirty-Five and So Glad to Be Alive!

Like many others this time of year, my heart is full of gratitude today for numerous blessings!  Yet, I was a little sad earlier in the week when I pondered the upcoming holiday and the fact that I wouldn't be able to be with my family.  We had our plans for Thanksgiving change a few times at the last minute and I wondered if I would able to feel the specialness of the day with so much being new and different this year.  I also was anticipating my birthday the day before Thanksgiving.  That became another reminder for me that a lot of the people I love are not here to celebrate it with me.  In spite of those thoughts, as is usually the case, I was able to find comfort in prayer and I treasure what actually occurred this week.

Monday, we got to have the missionaries over for dinner.  We allowed them to present a message for family home evening.  After some scriptures and a few thoughts, the missionaries invited us all to express what we were thankful for.  I requested that everyone also share why he or she was grateful for that thing.  I shared that I was grateful for my husband and children and filled the missionaries in on the story of Dave's cancer and the fact that he was told not to plan on being able to have any kids.  I truly am so grateful for each one.  I cannot imagine a greater joy than to be the mother of my children.  I am eternally indebted to the Lord for the sacred children that grace my life.

On Tuesday, I got to spend some time with friends in the neighborhood and celebrate another friend's birthday.  It felt good to socialize at a friend's home for brunch and then later on at the park before it got dark.  That is one thing I have had to get used to--it is DARK at 5:00.  We headed to the park around 3:30 and we had to head home by 4:30 or so since we had walked there from a friend's house and it was already dusk.  Nevertheless, the exercise, fresh air and companionship was worth it and made my heart happy.

On Wednesday, my sweetheart made me and the kids waffles for breakfast with my brand new waffle iron!  Dave is so thoughtful!  The kids loved the breakfast and we managed to get them out the door on time.  The kids came home early that day and I spent a little time at the store getting a few items for the feast the next day.  Dave got to come home early as well and, after raking the leaves in the backyard with the boys, he and I got to go out with Alice to my favorite Thai-food restaurant called The Elephant Trail.  It was so delicious and everyone loved seeing Alice, including the neighbors from across the street who arrived just as we were leaving.  It's starting to feel like we really live here now that we are running into people we know when we go out!  I also loved seeing the sweet messages and birthday wishes on Facebook.  It brought real tears to my eyes and I really felt loved.  It was a sweet bonus to the day. 

After a great dinner, Dave and I went shopping with some birthday money I received.  I was able to get a new pair of boots as well as a new sweater.  I only used six dollars of my own funds by the time I combined my coupons with the sales price of the items.  What a treat!  We did some additional shopping for food and household items since we ended up having the privilege of hosting Thanksgiving for our own family and two other families.

One of the women we had come to our home is Columbian and has a bit of an accent.  When she pronounced the word holiday it sounded like holy day.  Coincidentally, that is what I wanted our Thanksgiving Day to be.  It was.  I am so pleased that the day came together the way it did.  We had sixteen people here, ten of which were children.  The kids all seemed to have a wonderful time with each other as they played with light sabers outside and utilized the woods in their play.  It really was a spectacular, sunny day.  

Then there was the food.  So, so, so good!  The men treated the women as Dave prepared the turkey, stuffing, salad and appetizers here at our house and the husband in the other family made the most delicious gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato salad, asparagus spears, berry pie, apple pie, and cheesecake with raspberry sauce.  Our Colombian friend brought a shrimp dip and coconut custard and I made my first pumpkin pie with real whipping cream for the top.  If I had to be without my family, this definitely helped to ease my pain.  I had a sweet, spiritual, memorable holiday that I will always cherish.

Today, we are already decorating for Christmas and we made a family trip to Home Depot and then later met some friends at the park.  Life is marvelous and I give thanks to my Heavenly Father for my abundant blessings!  I hope you all had a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend, too!