Thankful Thursday

Emily decided this weekend that it was high time we make a pumpkin pie. We wrote out our list, went to the grocery store, she found everything we would need and even some extras to make pumpkin muffins. Now understand, Emily has earned herself the name "Petunia Pickypants". Though never a big eater, Emily was a good eater. And then...well, no one is quite sure when the change occurred, but Petunia came to live with us. So, her request to make a pumpkin pie was paramount.





We really had a wonderful time baking. I was still feeling under the weather, so it was a perfect way to spend our day. Hannah would come in and check on us, but she was much more interested in a finished product than the baking process:) The pie turned out perfect in every way, as did the muffins. When the time came to cut our pie and eat dessert, Emily was first, and she was positively giddy with delight, tasting first the small dollup of cool whip and then biting wholeheartedly into her creation. Then there was the face (Moms, you know the face). Then, the ever so small choking noise, followed by more face and she declares, "MMmmm delicious, cough, cough." Meanwhile Hannah is yelling, "MO PIE!"(more pie, please) Our sweet Emily was not finished, she would try that slice of pie three more times before waving the white flag and sadly stating, "But Mommy, I wanted to like it so much - I really did want to like it." So, what am I thankful for? - I am thankful that Emily wants to try new things. Petunia Pickypants wants to broaden her horizons and venture outside her box, for this I am thankful!

I am thankful for hot showers, warm beds and snuggly coats that keep the cold away from our bodies. As the chill nips our noses, I am ultimately aware of so many that do not have the blessings of shelter or clothing.

I am thankful for the missions in our area, who seek to help people in any and every way they can.

I am thankful my pantry is full. I am thankful I have the opportunity to take things from our pantry that others may be fed. One of my all time favorite activities with the youth was the Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt - the kids were not permitted to return to the church until they had acquired every item necessary to make a Thanksgiving dinner. I recall the one year we collected over fifty turkeys in one night - we ran out of room and had to send them home with people to be brought back the next day.

I am thankful for all the distance covered since Hannah arrived home. When I think back to that little girl who could not move but to pivot in a small circle and now see her doing somersaults, it amazes me. Her once jelly legs and arms are now strong and developed. She rides her quad with joy and balance. She hops and skips and jumps...we are truly thankful.

This is Molly (she is our four pound poodle, who just turned 12)


This is Hannah, always calling for Molly



"MEEEEE MOLL" (Come Here Molly, accompanied by two slaps on her little thigh)



I'm thankful that we have blessings to count, that this year our family was made complete. I am thankful there is so much to be thankful for...