I am Thankful

"Gratitude is of the very essence of worship. … When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives”. Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love."

~ Gordan B. Hinckley, "With a Grateful Heart"



Cameron really enjoyed his dinner. He is such a good eater. Cameron will acctually eat more than I do sometimes.


Well Berkie sure looks cheery huh? Brooklynn and her cousin Caleb had fun eating together at the kids table.


We started this last year although Ryan claims he has no recollection. Anyways... The week of Thanksgiving at our meals we write down what we are thankful for. Of course we are thankful for our home, family, friends, food to eat, the gospel and a living prophet. We had so many, but some of my favorites are...
Ryan- I am thankful for my energy & strength to run. Video games. My wife and kids.
Dani- I am thankful for my camera to make memories. Good friends who know, love and accept me. My amazing husband who really makes me feel like Cinderella. Two perfect little blessings that drive me crazy, but I love them.
Berkie- I am thankful for pumpkins, leaves and camels.(she really said that)My mommy's camera too. My kitty Boo, I love her berry much. (so cute.) My Tigger Brother Cameron.
Cam- I am thankful for everyone's food that I take, Sissy's toys, my mad climbing skills. (sister helped with his.)


When it was my week to teach Preschool we made Trees out of hand prints. We were going to put what we are thankful for on them, but I decided to leave it blank. I am going to get a frame and put it up every Fall. I think it turned out cute, and Brooklynn was very proud.

For Thanksgiving it was with my side of the family. This year the Budd's decided to all get together to have one last big Feast. It has been a long time since we have had Thanksgiving as a whole. There was about 75 people there. It was so much fun. Also this year is my mom's year for the family reunion and she did the Budd Amazing Race. So far it has been a blast and we have had a few events already. We have matched up big news events with the year and done some cemetary searching and on Thanksgiving we did several things; dig up a clue, put together a puzzle with a clue, blow a bubble with 10 peices of gum, find a gnome on the beach with our color hat on it. It is so fun. So far my family has gone from 2nd place to 3rd to 4th. OOPS! Well it ends New Years Eve so we still have a few more events to catch back up. We can do it! It was a great holiday and I am so blessed. I do have my "woe is me" moments. (I am not too bad, but could always be better.) I am really working on being more positive and grateful. I know that no matter what happens or life brings I have a choice to be happy. I really will try to choose that more often.