Much Thanks

It is Thanksgiving. I love this holiday. Always have. It is just a fun day that is about time with family and friends with thoughts and expressions of gratitude for the blessings received. There is a lot of tradition in this holiday. With Rachel we had started some of our own traditions. I did not carry on with them this year. It was simply awkward. The kids didn't even notice. The kids and I joined with the rest of the family for dinner at the church building next to the institute here in Cedar. We had a great time. Natalie talked about how much she loved being here around her cousins. Glad for that.

One of the traditions that I have always loved for as long as I can remember is the Turkey Bowl. I set one up for today. I wasn't sure anyone was going to make it because the field was covered with snow and quite cold. We were lucky and had a few come out. It was a good time. Best news, I did not get injured this year. Last year it was on the first play of the game. Well, I am very grateful for that.




While I was playing the game the kids were over at the hill sledding. They had a great time. I am a little sad because I had a beautiful video of going down the hill on the back of the sled with Jack. We wiped out at the end and Jack had a huge smile on his face. Anyhow, I wanted to download it to the blog but I lost the videos. Not sure how that happened but it makes me sad. Anyhow, I have a couple of pictures of the kids on the hill.




AndyBoy was having a lot of fun with the camera tonight. He kept shooting pics and I had to try and hurry and get down low just to make it in the picture. He also had fun taking pictures of himself. Here are a couple of pictures of his work. What a funny guy.






We played BUNCO tonight. It was fantastic. I only remember playing it once before and cannot say how many years ago that was, several anyway. Mom absolutely loves this game and I have read about the fam playing bunco on more than one occasion. It was nice to be a part of it. It was nice to be with the family this year as we have missed that for several years. I am grateful for them.




Heidi and the kids are back home today. When we spoke last week she wasn't sure she would be home for Thanksgiving. I was really happy for her when she said they were at her parents. It has been a busy week for her and Paige. I am grateful that things went well for them and hope that everything comes back looking great in the next couple of weeks.
Heidi is an amazing woman. She has tremendous faith and is strong. I am grateful for her friendship. I have missed seeing her this week.

I am thankful for the blessings of the gospel in my life. It has been my constant. I am grateful for parents who have taught by their examples to trust in the Lord no matter what. I have been blessed with wonderful brothers and sisters who love the Lord. I am grateful for their strength.

Coming home was not easy to do after separating from Rachel. I have had moments when I have felt like a complete embarrassment and great disappointment to my family. I know that this is not the case and they have been wonderful to me. There is a lot of pain that exists in divorce. There is pain in the failed relationship and there is pain that comes in the form of loneliness, uncertainty, doubt, shame, and embarrassment to name a few. Though coming home was not easy to do I know it was the right thing to do. My family has been exactly what I need in this healing process. So as Thanksgiving draws to a close I express my gratitude for the blessings of family and friends and most importantly of the Lord who can heal our hearts and make us whole.