Thankful

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We had beautiful weather.  We enjoyed dinner at my parents house with some of my siblings.  I am a self-conscious cook, and I get nervous about bringing food items.  This year I did ok.  The 2 items I brought.....a raspberry salad and a cream cheese pie were very well received.  I love watching Ella play with her cousins.  She loves them all and misses the girl cousins A LOT! 

Ella and Avee

Ella and Megan 

I also enjoyed some Black Friday shopping with my brother, sister and 2 of my "other" sisters!  We were doing some Christmas Service shopping which made it even more fun to do.  I'm not a big shopper, but I must say I enjoy spending time with my family and watching some of the real shoppers in action! 

My parents arranged for a local "Polar Express" train ride.  It was fun.  I love how Ella tells Santa that she just wants a surprise.  He told her a couple of years ago that, "I can always bring you a surprise.  I am the BEST at surprises!"  We will see how long that lasts.

Ella and Megan---waiting for the train.

I am particularly thankful this year for my parents and my siblings and their spouses.  I can honestly say that I admire every one of them.  I appreciate them and I enjoy spending time with them and miss the ones I don't see as often as I would like.  They are talented and very supportive and even though some of us are miles apart I enjoy the calls, emails, blog updates, text messages.....all of it.  Thank you to all of you for making such a positive difference in my life.