Week 47 Family Report

Novemer 22 - 28, 2010

Monday - Camille gave a the FHE lesson for us tonight.  She chose to do a little Book of Mormon trivia game.  It was a fun lesson. 

Tuesday - We planted an amaryllis bulb with hopes we'll have a beautiful bloom by Christmas. 

Wednesday - Time to get ready for Thanksgiving.  The boys helped Ben brine the turkey.  We also baked three pies; key lime, apple, and our traditional pumpkin pie.

Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving!  We started our day with a lovely Thanksgiving Service at a Methodist Church downtown.  Camille's choir sang three numbers.  This was her first official choir performance.  I think she had a great time! 

Following the service we headed home to continue with our food preparations.  Our friends Ben and Tamara and their four children joined us for a yummy feast.  Here is what was on our menu (for future reference):

Turkey

Balsamic and onion gravy

Portabello mushroom stuffing

Mashed potatoes

Butternut squash, apple, and maple bake

Cranberry sauce

Apple-walnut salad

Cranberry relish (this was a new recipe Ben tried out)

Rolls!!!

Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Pie

Pecan Pie

Key Lime Pie

Apple Pie

It was a wonderful day.  We ended by reading all of the blessings that were written down during the month of November.  I'm so glad we did this and I hope to make it a yearly tradition!  Here are a few of the things we are thankful for . . .

That our roof is not straw.

The birds at our birdfeeder.

Sushi, donuts and hot sauce.

A warm bed that my dad made for me.

The excitement of children.

Rooster tails on bright faced little boys.

Maps, so I can see where we live and go.

Kisses from Gabe.

Food.

Jesus.

My morning runs.

Friday - Grace had a choir performance this morning at the Indiana State Museum.  I am her choir's attendance coordinator so I am required to chaperone at every event.  I love this job!  Her choir did a great job too and I thought it was a great way to start our Christmas season.  Afterwards, Santa landed by helicopter outside the museum - a huge hit with the kids! 

We continued with our annual tradition of putting our trip up the day after Christmas.  This is especially simple because two years ago I decided that we would buy an artificial tree.  It is prelit too!  I guess if the lights stop working we may return to purchasing a live tree but for now I am enjoying the convenience and savings of our current tree!  I actually think it is quite pretty!

Saturday - I planned to have a sitter for the kids today so Ben and I could get an early start on Christmas shopping.  Early for us that is!  We are not really big shoppers but I had a plan and we stuck to it.  We will continue with our three present Christmas for each child.  This is just another way for us to simplify the holidays! 

Sunday - Ben was on the program to speak today and I joined him at the last minute because the other speaker broke his ankle playing flag football!   The theme was from Elder Christofferson's talk  Reflections on a Consecrated Life (October 2010 General Conference). 

We also enjoyed a visit from our friends Stephen and Karen and their three children.  They spent the night last night and joined us at church.  The kids had such a great time playing with their friends and as always were very sad to see them go!  All good things must come to an end!  :)

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!  We thought of all of our friends and family and are grateful for each of you in our lives!

Have a great week!