How was your Thanksgiving?

Mine was great! I drove to the Dayton, Ohio area on Wednesday night to stay with my aunt and uncle for the duration. The traffic was a little hectic in spots and the KY state cops were out with a vengeance, but I stuck to the speed limit and had no problems. When I got there and unloaded the car, we visited as we rolled out cinnamon rolls - for breakfast the next morning. My uncle and I spent a 1/2 hour in the hot tub then before bed. I was up at 6:00 the next morning and read for a couple hours while they slept in. Then we made all the preparations (we weren't having our dinner and celebration until Friday), a quick trip to the store, and even worked at organizing my aunt's office. After a late dinner and some conversation, I enjoyed the hot tub once again before I went to bed. Uncle DeVon was up early Friday and did some shopping and returned just as I was getting up. Grandpa came in about 10:30 or so during our continued preparations. We were ready to eat by around 1:00pm, when 2 of my 3 cousins arrived with their wives. The oldest one and his wife live in San Antonio and had actually had another aunt and uncle and 2 other cousins (also living in the San Antonio area) over the day before for fried turkey. Anyway, plenty of food was had by all and everything was delicious. We spent the afternoon and evening playing games, chatting, watching old videos that Grandpa brought and munching on leftovers, snacks and desserts. Later in the evening we all go to talk to my parents over the computer as well.

Saturday we slept in, lounged around, watched another video from Grandpa and had lunch. Grandpa left shortly after lunch and we spent the afternoon working in my aunt's office and then started a puzzle. After dinner, we didn't stay up too late - we were all pretty tired! I did take advantage of the hot tub again for the last evening. Sunday morning I went to church with my aunt while my uncle was working at the museum. I packed up everything when we got home and then when my uncle got back we headed over to the mall to have lunch at bd's Mongolian Barbecue (http://www.gomongo.com/). It was good! After we got back to the house I worked on the puzzle a little more before loading up the car and heading out.

I was a little tired and stopped about 1/2 hour before Louisville. I got gas and then slept for a little over and hour. That's what I needed, when I got back on the highway, I was not tired the rest of the way. I got home and was bushed though by the time I'd unloaded the car and unpacked. It was bedtime. All in all it was a really good holiday, I was thankful to spend the time with this part of my family, especially since my parents are on the other side of the world.

Now I'm going to try to stay thankful and upbeat as we go into this Christmas season. I've been offered the opportunity just a few days ago, to fly to Houston to spend a few days over Christmas with my very dear friends (read adopted family) Bill & Dana-Susan and their children and I'm greatful for that as I've not seen them all in over 3 years. I am also thankful to Sarah and her family who were prepared to have me join their family here for Christmas before I found out I could travel. It's the first time ever I've spent both holidays away from my parents (who are currently still my closest family since I don't have a husband or children of my own) in the same year and it's very trying. When I found out that Marc & Susannah and the kids were going to PA to spend Christmas with her parents, and then that my aunt and uncle were going to San Antonio, I really wasn't sure what to do. I felt kind of awkward inviting myself anywhere, but did send a note to several close friends that I knew wouldn't mind - it was better than spending it alone and finding out afterward that I should have just asked. Thanks Sarah - hope I didn't disappoint you too much by changing my plans after your generous kindhearted offer!

Well, I hope that you all had a restful and thankful holiday and that you will remember to continue to be thankful as we head into the Christmas holidays. Remember to take time to enjoy your family and praise and celebrate the Savior!