Thankful Day!

What a wonderful day! It started very early, about 6:30 a.m., when Jen and I got up to get the 22 lb turkey ready for the oven. The bird and been unthawing in the refrigerator since Saturday, but was still a bit frozen, so he was put in a cool bath while the stuffing was made and the oven heated. We baked a razzleberry pie while the bird prep was going on . . . put the turkey in the oven . . . and headed out the door to pick up Michelle and go shopping. To our disappointment, all of the stores were closed with the exception of a few, so we went to Walmart to pick up some last minute items for lunch and to check out the electronics and toys for the kids. We found a few good bargains and got home about 11:30, just in time to peel the potatoes, get the homemade rolls going, make the gravy, put the fruit salad together, and set up the tables.

All of the kids were home this year! Jen and family came down from Utah on Wednesday, Mike had the day off from the hospital, Tom was called in to work early but made it for lunch, and Michelle and her family are just around the corner. All together we had "21" for dinner. It was wonderful! I love holidays . . . but I love being with family even more!

There are so many things to be thankful for: family, friends, health, a home, a job that I love, freedom, religion, testimony, blue skies, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, Jen's rolls, stuffing, hot pie and ice cream, swings, flowers, birds, laughter, hugs, grandchildren, sleep, computers, shopping, dishwashers, pillows, hot water, a clean kitchen, naps, a house full of kids, leftovers, joy, unconditional love, talking to my dad, and so much more!

I hope you all had a great day and were able to enjoy those things that are important to you. As for me, Life is Great in Mesa, Arizona!