My Thanksgiving Journal

I have received many inquiries about our Thanksgiving with my sister and BIL. To put it simply, IT WAS AWESOME!!! There is never a dull moment when Barbie and I are together. I kept a journal (in my head) of the days they were here. It went by way too fast, as usual, and I am always sad and feel a void when Barbie and I part. Here is the play-by-play of events:

Day 1 - The big arrival: I got up early because I knew Barbie and Ray were already on the road. I still had to clean my shower, make the soup, cookies, and cornbread. They FINALLY arrived! Hugs were exchanged by all and I could tell Ray was jumping up and down on the inside because he was at our house. We went to Costco, Ryan's store, and took them to a UOP game to watch the boys do their thing.

Day 2 - A day to sleep in, NOT!: When I went to bed the previous night, I thought to myself that I was going to be able to sleep a little longer than my usual 5:00. Uh, that didn't happen. At precisely 5:00 I woke up and at 6:00 Barbie cock-a-doodled-dooed in our room announcing that we had to go find a paper for the sales for Black Friday. Barbie, Taylor, and I drove around Stockton in our pajamas to find a paper. Then it was home to make Thanksgiving dinner.

Barbie making the rolls. They were scrumptious!

Ryan and Barbie deep in conversation. They are probably talking about tires and censors.

Ray and the fellas waiting to eat.

Charlie in suspense waiting for Thanksgiving dinner.

We ate until we were sick, played a game that Barbie brough the boys, and Barbie and I went and drooled over Taylor Lautner at "New Moon". Jacob is cute but I am still a major Edward fan! Later, we schemed about our plans to Black Friday shop.

Day 3 - The shopping trip and all the people: At precisely 6:00 AM Barbie once again cock-a-doodled-dooed in our room announcing that we needed to get going if we were going to get in on any of the good deals. I drug myself to the shower wondering what had happened to my sister. She used to not be a morning person but she's transformed.

We were out the door by 7:30 and on our way to the mall. I told Barbie on the way there that she needed to be good and was only allowed 3 complaints at the mall. We hit Bath and Body, bought out that store, then headed to Old Navy where we stood in line for two and a half hours waiting to check out. We made friends with all the people in the store (sometimes we are like our mother), and Barbie maxed out her complaint card. We then hit, Aero, Victoria's Secret (to buy all their lip gloss, we're both addicted), and then headed to Target to get the movie "Up" for Punkin' and the boys. Barbie maxed our her complaint card for the next two days because she complained/had road rage in the parking lot at the mall. We then headed to the Walmarts to get "Up", they didn't have it either but Barbie did buy me the new "Black Eyed Peas" CD from her and Ray.

We met up with all the fellas to have lunch at In-N-Out and took Charlie to Barkleyville Dog Park. I suggested to Ray that we go home and snuggle so we could bond and he would realize I was his favorite SIL. He didn't seem too excited about that. We did go home and make midnight Margaritas (virgin-style) and watched "Four Christmases". Great movie!

Charlie at Barkleyville.

Barbie and Taylor trying to teach Charlie how to be a show dog.

Barbie blending away with her recipe for the family to try.

Day 4 - D-day (The day they leave): I dreaded this day! We had had so much fun together and Barbie and I talked non-stop. I didn't want it to end.

I love my sister so much! I was so glad that I was able to talk Ray, through my fancy text messages, into coming for Thanksgiving. We always have so much fun together and it's always the best day when I'm with her. Thank you Barbie and Ray for coming and making our Thanksgiving so fun and memorable! Next year, Thanksgiving at Barbie's, Ray's so excited.

I Am Thankful For.....

Since the Thanksgiving season is quickly approaching us, I have thought a lot about what I am thankful for. I love this time of year where we can reflect on all we have been blessed with and can recognize those blessings. Several people have been posting something everyday that they are thankful for since the beginning of the month on facebook. Though I think that's a great idea, I am a little more private. I love facebook, but sometimes it's a little too public for me. So without further ado, these are the many things I am thankful for....

1. A fabulous husband. I love Ryan so much and appreciate him as a father and husband. He does so much to help out at home and never complains. I'm glad he can recognize what needs to be done rather than waiting for me to tell him. I am also grateful for the relationship and fun that we share and that he is willing to look beyond my flaws and love me anyway.

2. Colby and Taylor. They are so full of energy and life! They keep our house going and I'm grateful they have good health that allows them to be involved in what they want to be. I appreciate that they are responsible, good boys who aim for righteousness and both have a desire to do well in school.

3. The gospel. Where would I be without it? Probably pretty lost. I love the stability the gospel brings us as individuals and families, especially knowing that families are forever. It is such a help to be a member of the church in these days while trying to raise a family. It is such a blessing!

4. Mom and Dad. The two greatest people in the world. I love them so much and appreciate their example in all they do. I am continually grateful for their great health (keep taking all those vitamins, Mom and Dad) and that they are both still young at heart.

5. Sisters and Brother(s). I have been blessed to be part of a big family and with that comes many blessings and wonderful relationships. I love the relationship I share with each of my siblings. I have been blessed with four additional brothers who were brave enough to marry my sisters, and I love them and the great men that they are.

6. In-laws. I am extremely grateful for Ryan's family and the wonderful people that they are. I don't think you could marry into a better family. I love Joe and Gisela and all the support and encouragement they give to us. I am also thankful for my sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. They are all amazing people who teach me and are great examples to our family. I love each of them very much and adore each of their personalities.

7. Neices and Nephews. Ryan and I are very blessed to have an abundance of neices and nephews. They are such wonderful kiddos and we love them very much and are so glad that Colby and Taylor have such great cousins!

8. Freedom. I am thankful everyday for this land of liberty that we get to enjoy and the beauty that surrounds us. I feel the love of Heavenly Father everyday when I see the beauty of the world.

9. Jobs. Since the economic crisis hit, I have been thankful everyday that Ryan and I have stable jobs. We have seen so many affected by the instability of the economy and it is such a loss to lose a job or a home.

10. Ancestors. I have a deep respect and admiration for all those who sacrificed so much on our behalf so we could enjoy all that is ours. They were determined, spirited people who perservered through so much.

So that's the short list. I could go on and on but this is my Top Ten. These are the things that I will be thinking about as we sit around our Thanksgiving table eating pizza.